Honolulu summit focuses on building AI-ready workforce for Hawaiʻi

Organizers of the fifth annual Hawaiʻi AI and Cloud Innovation Summit said the event drew hundreds of business, government, nonprofit, education and technology leaders to the Hilton Waikiki Beach Resort to discuss how artificial intelligence could affect Hawaiʻi’s economy and jobs.

TRUE Initiative convened the summit with the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, the Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation and the Hawaiʻi Executive Collaborative. Organizers said discussions focused on developing “AI-ready talent” and on how Hawaiʻi could rely more on locally governed infrastructure, data and training rather than outside systems.

The summit featured keynote remarks from Peter Schwartz, chief futurist at Salesforce, along with presentations and panel discussions featuring leaders from government, industry, academia and the nonprofit sector. The summit reinforced a shared commitment to ensuring that AI innovation in Hawaiʻi reflects local values while creating economic opportunities, improving public services and preparing organizations for the future of work.

Speakers and panelists from government, industry, academia and nonprofits also took part, according to organizers.

“The innovation we saw today confirms that Hawaiʻi is well positioned to lead in the practical application of AI,” said Nicole Cacal, TRUE Initiative executive director. “By bringing together government, business, education and community leaders, we’re helping create the relationships and knowledge-sharing necessary to turn emerging technologies into measurable benefits for organizations and residents across the state.”

Lynelle Marble, executive director of the Hawaiʻi Executive Collaborative, said AI self-reliance means investing in people, building local capabilities and giving Hawaiʻi a voice in decisions about the technology.

“Our relationships, trust and shared kuleana are assets in this work,” she said. “They can help guide how we develop and use AI so that its advancement creates lasting benefits for the people and communities who call Hawaiʻi home.”

DBEDT Director James Kunane Tokioka noted that, for five years, the summit has brought together leaders who’re able to move Hawaiʻi forward.

“This year’s conversations demonstrated that our community is ready to move beyond awareness and into action,” he said. “The opportunity before us is to build AI capabilities that strengthen our economy, support local talent and create solutions that reflect Hawaiʻi’s unique values and priorities.”

Organizers described the public-private partnerships discussed at the summit as a way to help organizations obtain the tools, governance frameworks and skilled workers needed to adopt AI responsibly.

The Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation is a state agency attached to the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism that works to promote and develop Hawaiʻi’s technology industry. TRUE’s stated mission is to speed technology adoption in Hawaiʻi.