The County of Maui Office of Economic Development (OED) and Maui County Workforce Development Board (MCWDB) convened education, industry, workforce, government and community leaders on Friday, Sept. 18 for Project Pilina, a countywide workforce initiative designed to turn shared challenges into coordinated action and greater opportunity for Maui County residents.

Held at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College, Project Pilina centered on a critical question: How do we build a workforce system that not only responds to today’s workforce shortages, but creates the opportunities and career pathways that allow kamaʻāina to stay in Maui County?  At the center of this initiative was pilina - the connection, partnership and belief that strong workforce systems are built through collaboration.

Project Pilina reflects Mayor Richard Bissen’s vision for a resilient Maui Nui, where economic development creates meaningful opportunities for local people to live, work and thrive in the communities they call home. Discussions intentionally aligned with Mayor Bissen’s priority industry pillars: construction, health care, STEM/innovation and creative industries, while also recognizing the critical role of education and skilled trades in preparing Maui County residents for local careers.

“We build a stronger workforce by building stronger connections,” Mayor Bissen said. “Project Pilina brings our educators, employers, industry leaders and community partners together to create pathways for our kamaʻāina to build meaningful careers and lasting lives here at home. When we invest in those connections today, we plant the seeds for a stronger Maui Nui for generations to come.”

Throughout the day, attendees heard from guest speakers and panelists whose leadership and work have made an impact in their respective industries and communities. The discussions brought together perspectives, allowing attendees to hear firsthand about workforce needs, emerging opportunities, identifying where challenges overlap, where resources can be better connected and where collective action can have greater impact.  Attendees also heard from the County of Maui Office of Recovery, connecting the conversation to Maui’s ongoing recovery and the importance of ensuring workforce and economic development efforts support the long-term needs of our community.

“For too many of our families, opportunity has come with an impossible choice: pursue a future elsewhere or remain in the place they call home,” said OED Director Jade Rojas-Letisi. “Our responsibility is to change that equation. Project Pilina is about bringing our collective knowledge, resources and relationships together to create an economy where our people are not forced to choose between their aspirations and their roots. We owe the next generation more than the hope of returning home someday - we owe them the opportunity to build their future here.”

Project Pilina was designed as a foundation, not just a one-day event.  MCWDB and OED will use the priorities, challenges and opportunities identified through the convening to guide continued workforce efforts.

“We need to build pilina before the need arises, so when challenges come, trust and partnerships are already in place.  Project Pilina is about creating pathways that allow our people to build a future for their ‘ohana right here at home,” said MCWDB Executive Director Chentelle Rowland. “We are deeply grateful for the time, expertise and commitment shared by the guest speakers, panelists, industry leaders, educators, employers, labor representatives, workforce professionals, community organizations and government partners who helped make Project Pilina a reality.”

For more information on the Office of Economic Development and the Maui County Workforce Development Board, visit www.mauicounty.gov/oed.