Hawaii Governor Urges State Agencies to Utilize Targeted Hiring Initiative

In February, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green announced the launch of Operation Hire Hawaii (OH-HI), which the state’s human resources department described as “a targeted outreach initiative featuring an expedited state hiring process, fast-tracking qualified candidates into job opportunities throughout Hawaii.”

To date, more than 160 individuals have been hired through the program, and Gov. Green recently urged the state’s executive branch departments to promote job opportunities via Operation Hawaii.

“With the ongoing federal government shutdown creating uncertainty for many Hawaii residents, the state recognizes the potential long-term financial and economic impacts on our communities,” read a Sept. 30 statement from Green’s office. “In response, the state of Hawaii is encouraging those affected by the shutdown to explore career opportunities within state government.”

In the same statement, Hawaii’s Department of Human Resources Development Director Brenna Hashimoto said the department is “committed to working closely with our state agencies to ensure that those looking to join our ‘ohana’ can do so quickly,” adding that 40 job postings are currently available through OH-HI. Hashimoto encouraged all departments to open additional recruitments under OH-HI “as soon as possible.”

Operation Hire Hawaii “is an investment in our people and our future,” said Green, in a statement. “As federal uncertainty creates stress for families, we are opening doors to stable careers in public service at the state level. Every new hire strengthens our ability to deliver for Hawaii—and I encourage anyone ready to serve to step forward—your skills and your aloha are needed now more than ever.”