Hawai‘i names inaugural ‘Workforce Development Hero’ awardees

Royce Shiroma – of the County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing and Community Development – is a winner of Hawai‘i’s inaugural Workforce Development Hero Awards.

Denise Pacheco of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Workforce Development Division for the Big Island has also been honored as an Awards finalist.

Gov. Josh Green heartily congratulated Shiroma, Pacheco and the Awards’ other winners and finalists. The program seeks to recognize outstanding work in elevating the state’s workforce to its highest potential.

These achievements are highlighted as part of Workforce Development Month in September, which was celebrated nationally, and which the governor proclaimed as such for the first time in Hawaiʻi.

“The state is focused on building a strong economy and it can only happen with a robust and resilient workforce. We are pleased to honor the tireless efforts of these individuals who have shown dedication in developing the pathways to lift our workforce so our communities can thrive and prosper,” said Gov. Green.

The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, through the Workforce Development Council, sponsored the awards program, which drew nominations from across the state.

The six Workforce Development Hero awardees will be presented during the Future of Work 2024 conference scheduled for Oct. 30 of this year.