The Oahu Workforce Development Board (OWDB) is one of four local workforce development boards in Hawaii established by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014.
We are administratively attached to the Department of Budget and Fiscal Services and are federally mandated to oversee WIOA Title I programs at the American Job Center Hawaii (AJCH) located at the Dole Cannery Complex.
WIOA explicitly recognizes the need for coordination of economic development and workforce programs. Part of WIOA’s purpose is to “support the alignment of workforce investment, education, and economic development systems” and “improve the quality and labor market relevance of workforce investment, education, and economic development efforts.”
WIOA provides opportunities for business representatives to work together with government and education to solve some of the problems of workforce preparation in America today, and in doing so, affords business leaders a variety of opportunities to ensure that workforce development is aligned with their specific needs. One example of this is business guiding the creation of career pathway systems.
WIOA empowers its local boards nationwide with a number of key functions. One of these functions is oversight of American Job Centers to ensure the centers are effectively serving the business community as well as individuals of all ability levels
Stevens Amendment: The OWDB website for the WIOA Title I Programs are 100 percent funded by the U.S. Department of Labor through awards totaling $448,563.00.
Oahu Workforce Development Board Memberships
The Oahu Workforce Development Board is honored to be a part of several national organizations that share a commitment to strengthening our nation’s workforce system.
Organizations such as the National Association of Workforce Boards and the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals, bring together the nation’s most informed professionals and leaders who are passionate about workforce development and committed to making a lasting impact. Being connected to these respected national networks provides opportunities to learn from industry experts, share best practices, stay informed about policies and strategies that shape the future of work, and much more.
The National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) represents and advocates for more than 570 workforce development boards across the nation. NAWB is the only association dedicated to supporting workforce development boards, as such NAWB actively engages with policymakers on Capitol Hill to shape workforce strategy and strengthen partnerships with education, economic development, labor, and business. Information about the organization and what they do can be found on their website, nawb.org.
At NAWB’s most recent annual conference “The Forum 2026”, the Oahu Workforce Development Board was the recipient of the Laurie Moran Partnership Award for its partnership with the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, which connects Native Hawaiian-serving organizations and local businesses through workshops, networking events, mentorship, and business development programs rooted in Hawaii values. Together Oahu Workforce Development Board and Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce are striving for better sustainability and employability of Native Hawaiians.
The National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) is the leading membership association for individuals who work in the workforce development field. NAWDP enriches the workforce development community by connection and advancing workforce professionals and through building innovative partnerships. NAWDP members gain access to weekly updates on workforce policy and trends, access to a nation-wide network of peers in the workforce development field, a slew of members-only resources such as newsletters and advocacy tools, access to the Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) certification, and much more can be found at their website, nawdp.org.
All Oahu Workforce Development Board Staff members are proud to be part of the limited number of CWDP certified individuals in the State of Hawaii.