Senate committee confirms Jesse Keola Dean to Hawaii Retirement Savings Board; implementation aimed for December

Senate Committee on Labor and Technology members voted to advise and consent to the reappointment of Jesse Keola Dean to the Hawaii Retirement Savings Board on March 6, 2026.

Dean, who introduced himself to the committee as "Keola Michaelani Dean or Jesse Dean," told members he helped launch the state's retirement-savings program and that he wants to see implementation continue. Supporters including Alani Keoki, executive director for the retirement savings board, and Jade Butay, director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, told the committee they stood on their written testimony in strong support of Dean's reappointment.

The nominee described two major obstacles during the program's early years: hiring an executive director and the program's original opt-in design, which he said was out of step with other state consortia. "The original legislation was an opt, opt in legislation," Dean said, noting that most existing state consortia use an opt-out model. He said subsequent legislative amendments allowed Hawaii to align its program with other states' consortia, which should reduce costs and speed implementation.

When pressed on how the program will reach employers that do not offer retirement plans, Dean said the agency is working with other state agencies to obtain data for targeted outreach to employers and employees. He described the plan as an "investment vehicle similar to a 401(k)" and emphasized outreach and education first. "The carrot is much better than the stick," he said.

On timeline, Dean told the committee the department selected the Connecticut Alliance as the model state and that the department is in contract review. "My understanding is that the anticipated implementation or start date for implementation is in December," he said.

The committee chair recommended "advise and consent," and the recommendation was adopted after the chair, vice chair and Senator Moriwaki recorded aye votes; two senators were excused. The committee took no further action beyond confirmation.

The committee record shows testimony from DLIR and the retirement savings board in support of Dean and lists written supporters submitted for the record. The next procedural step for the board is for Dean to assume his confirmed term on the board according to the board's and governor's scheduling.