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ETA News Release: [04/27/2006]
Contact Name: David James or Mike Volpe
Phone Number: 202-693-4676 or x3984
Release Number: 06-734-SAN

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Announces More Than $500,000 Grant to Aid Dislocated Hospitality Workers in Hawaii

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a grant of $501,402 to assist workers in Hawaii dislocated as a result of the closures of the Hawaii Naniloa Hotel (Hilo) and Kapalua Bay Hotel (Lahaina). The grant, awarded to the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, will provide re-employment services and training to about 170 affected workers.

"These workers need skills training to help them find new jobs," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "This half-million dollar grant will provide employment services to help workers build new careers in growing industries."

On Oct. 25, 2005, the Hawaii Naniloa Resort, LLC, issued a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) announcing the sale of two hotels to Hawaii Outdoor Tours. State Rapid Response teams met with affected workers on Dec. 20, 2005, to inform them of the employment services available. Layoffs began on Feb. 1, 2006, and Rapid Response teams again met with employees on Feb. 10 to offer assistance.

The workers covered under this grant face specific employment barriers including marginal work history and a lack of easily transferable skills. The project funded by the grant will provide re-employment services including skills assessment, individual counseling, job readiness training, career planning, and training in high-demand industries to include health care, construction and commercial truck driving. Project participants may also receive out-of-area job search assistance, relocation assistance and other related supportive services.

National Emergency Grants are part of the Secretary's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information on the Department of Labor's employment and training programs, please visit www.doleta.gov.