Hawaiian Electric HR manager named a 2026 Workforce Hero for efforts to hire and retain local talent

Hawaiian Electric HR manager named a 2026 Workforce Hero for efforts to hire and retain local talent

Kazu Hayashida honored by state Dept. of Labor & Industrial Relations

Release Date: 10/6/2026

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HONOLULU, Oct. 6, 2026 - Recognizing the multi-pronged approach to building Hawaiian Electric's pipeline to hire local talent, state labor officials have honored manager Kazunori "Kazu" Hayashida with a 2026 Workforce Heroes Award-Oahu.

The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations honored Hayashida - Hawaiian Electric manager of workforce planning and talent acquisition - and other awardees at the 2027 Future of Work Conference on Sept. 23, 2026, at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii.

The award honors individuals whose leadership, service, innovation and commitment have strengthened Hawaii's workforce, DLIR announced. Honorees were celebrated for expanding opportunities across the state, developing talent and connecting people to meaningful careers.

"Kazu's work is a testament to our company's commitment to building a strong, sustainable workforce of and for Hawaii," said Jackie Ingamells, Hawaiian Electric vice president of human resources. "Hawaiian Electric has deep roots across the islands we serve, and Kazu's work ensures we're connecting with, hiring and retaining local talent."

Hayashida's achievements reflect Hawaiian Electric's ongoing initiatives to provide career pathways for local residents, to highlight the company's competitive pay, benefits and collaborative work culture, and to encourage kamaaina working on the continent to come home. He joined Hawaiian Electric in August 2022. His work includes:

• Developing career pathways that identify educational requirements, feeder schools and advancement opportunities
• Expanding outreach efforts that engaged more than 2,200 participants through workforce events and community activities in Q2 2026 alone
• Growing Hawaiian Electric's internship program to 46 interns in 2026, with 17 transitioning into project aide positions, and 30 former interns hired since 2020
• Supporting workforce training programs such as the Maui Power Pathways and CAST Test Preparation to help expand opportunities in skilled trades

Hayashida has established critical partnerships with entities including the University of Hawaii system, Workforce Development Council partners, ClimbHI, Vibrant Hawaii and KUPU. He has championed the Kamaaina Come Home initiative, conducting outreach in the state and on the continent to reconnect local students and professionals with career opportunities in Hawaii.