LIHU‘E — The latest state unemployment figures show a large number of Kauaians are still looking for jobs. Next month’s job fair might just be the place to find them. The county, in conjunction with WorkWise Kaua‘i, will host its
LIHU‘E — The latest state unemployment figures show a large number of Kauaians are still looking for jobs. Next month’s job fair might just be the place to find them.
The county, in conjunction with WorkWise Kaua‘i, will host its 10th annual Kaua‘i Job Fair from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 13 at the Lihu‘e Civic Center. Employers with current and future employment opportunities are encouraged to register no later than Oct. 7.
For job hunters, the fair offers an opportunity to network with numerous employers that actively hire. A Department of Labor and Industrial Relations report indicates at least 5,770 Kaua‘i locals could benefit from such an event.
Unemployment levels in Kaua‘i were 8.6 percent in August, according to DLIR, which is a 0.1 percent increase over July but the same level as August 2010.
Hawai‘i County, with 9.6 percent unemployment, edges out Kaua‘i as the leader in state unemployment. Maui follows Kaua‘i with 7.5 percent, while Honolulu comes in the lowest with a rate of 5.5 percent.
The state does not seasonally adjust county unemployment figures. Furthermore, the unemployment rate reflects only the number of people filing for unemployment benefits. It typically does not include the underemployed, the part-time employed or those who have expended their unemployment insurance benefits.
The current state unemployment level is 6.2 percent, which is a 0.1 percent improvement over July and a 0.4 percent improvement over last year. National unemployment is 9.1 percent, which is the same as July but a 0.5 percent improvement compared to the same month last year.
A representative of WorkWise on Friday said Tourism remains the strongest sector for local hiring. Bill Grier, former head of WorkWise Kaua‘i, retired on Aug. 28 and his position remains open.
The Garden Island recently reported that Kaua‘i County has 160 unfilled positions, but the county is only actively hiring for half of them.
Job seekers and employers interested in participating in the Job Fair may obtain additional information by calling 274-3056. The deadline for employer registration is Oct. 7.
