TheBuzz
TheBuzz
The slowdown in unemployment filings doesn't mean Hawaii is out of the Sept. 11 woods. Meeting those with hands outstretched in need are others with arms outstretched in support. Hundreds of
helping hands
to gatherTomorrow's free "Operation Oahu WorkLinks" event from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hawaii Convention Center is a large and coordinated example of available help from the government, private and nonprofit sectors.
Just don't call it a "job fair."
Oahu WorkLinks has staged many job fairs before. "But we have never undertaken anything of this size or this scope, and the reason is because of the great number of people that are currently under-employed or could be concerned about future layoffs," said Oahu Workforce Development Board Chairwoman Linda Gilchrist. She is also president and chief operating officer of Island Insurance Co.
While hundreds of jobs are available, and some of the 40 employers at the event will conduct on-site interviews, dozens of other employment- and social services-related exhibitors will be on hand.
They include career counselors, housing and rental assistance providers, social service agencies and debt reduction counselors.
Newly unemployed residents may wonder "how long can I continue to pay my rent, and what's going to happen?" said Gilchrist. "(Those) are the kinds of questions you can sit down and discuss with these individuals," she said.
Some $3 million in employment training funds will also be up for grabs. To qualify for certain retraining programs, applicants must bring originals and one copy each of their notice of termination, unemployment eligibility letter, Social Security card, and either proof of citizenship or alien registration. Those presented with training vouchers may apply instantly with approved institutions.
Erika Engle is a reporter with the Star-Bulletin.
Call 529-4302, fax 529-4750 or write to Erika Engle,
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210,
Honolulu, HI 96813. She can also be reached
at: eengle@starbulletin.com