LIHUE — The line formed first thing in the morning. Hundreds of people poured into the Kukui Grove Center food court area Saturday to investigate employment opportunities offered by the mall’s new tenants, Sports Authority, Pier 1 Imports, and Ross
LIHUE — The line formed first thing in the morning.
Hundreds of people poured into the Kukui Grove Center food court area Saturday to investigate employment opportunities offered by the mall’s new tenants, Sports Authority, Pier 1 Imports, and Ross Dress for Less as well as all the current tenants.
More than 200 positions from entry-level to management, including 25 for Pier 1 Imports, between 80 to 100 people for Sports Authority, and between 60 to 80 for Ross Dress for Less were the main attraction.
Silver Hunt of Anahola was in line at 8:15 a.m.
“I’m looking for basically a sales associate job,” she said. “I had surgery in September, so I’ve been looking for something since I became mobile in December.”
Among those waiting in line, one employee hopeful said they were among three people who were laid off.
“I’m just looking for anything,” said Eleanor Nuesca-Rita of Kapaa. “I put in applications at Sports Authority, Pier 1 Imports, Jeans Warehouse, Times, and even Macy’s. I’m so glad we have the new stores coming in because it gives people new opportunities and get into something different.”
Within an hour after opening, Pier 1 Imports had conducted about 75 interviews and Sports Authority had done about a hundred, said Stacie Chiba-Miguel, real estate manager for Kukui Grove.
“We’ll be doing this Sunday as well, but the Sports Authority people have a 1-something flight so people need to come early,” Chiba-Miguel said.
Kukui Grove’s other tenants took advantage of the job fair to accept applications.
“We have 10 positions islandwide,” said Cherie Cabading of the Times personnel department. “Right now, we have positions for full time and part time from grocery clerks, cashiers, fish cutters and even management.”
Patty Stamfield, owner of Orange Grove, was looking for a few summer part-time positions.
“This is really good for students who need things to do during the summer,” Stamfield said. “And there is the potential for the job to turn into full time.”
Shannon Kay, manager for the Starbucks in Kukui Grove, said she processed more than 20 people in the first hour of the job fair.
“We have five positions between three stores,” Kay said. “I have the manager of the Poipu Starbucks with me today, and we’ve already spoken with some really good people.”
Cameron Rivera, who is currently with Akamai Temp, said she was looking for something more permanent.
“I’ve been able to fill applications at Times, and American Savings Bank,” said Rivera, who was armed with her portfolio of resumes while waiting in line at the Pier 1 Imports table. “I’m going to do the online application for American Savings tonight, and hopefully, can get to Pier 1 and Sports Authority.”
Sports Authority will do a mass hire April 1 at the Aqua Kauai Beach in preparation for the store’s May opening.
“I had to come and see this,” said Wade Lord, general manager of Kukui Grove. “Someone sent me a picture, and I just had to come see for myself.”
The job fair continues today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kukui Grove food court area.
