While our state has people without jobs, there are jobs without people. With a state unemployment rate of 2.8%, finding workers to fill positions, particularly skilled workers, has been an ongoing challenge for employers. This is why the Chamber continues to invest and strengthen its efforts in developing a skilled workforce and talent pipeline for current and future jobs.
Many resources are available for employers seeking applicants for various positions. One such resource is the American Job Centers, also called One-Stop Centers. As part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, the Centers provide free services to job seekers and employers, including training opportunities. The Centers also include Job Corps Hawaii, a career and technical training program for young people ages 16-24. While some students pursue college readiness, others are interested in career readiness. These Centers provide this age group with the opportunity to prepare and qualify for jobs which, in turn, improve their quality of life.
Another opportunity coming up, especially for healthcare professionals, are workshops statewide that focus on strategies for serving Hawaii’s multi-lingual population.
As a member of the Oahu Workforce Development Board, it’s exciting to hear from the dedicated professionals who are committed to helping individuals of different ages find quality jobs.
Laulima & mahalo,
Sherry Menor-McNamara
President & CEO
“Laulima”
Many hands working together in collaboration and striving for a common goal.
Advocating for Business
U.S. Chamber Opposes House-Passed Minimum Wage Bill
Last Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 582, the Raise the Wage Act by a vote of 231-199. This bill would gradually raise the federal minimum wage from the current $7.25/hour to $15/hour over a six year period. Despite passage in the House, the bill appears unlikely to pass the U.S. Senate. For more information about H.R. 582, you can read the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s article on the bill’s passage here.
Prior to the House’s passage, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released a report saying that raising the federal minimum wage could result in anywhere from 1.3 million to 3.7 million jobs lost. The CBO’s report also looked into the effects that an increase in the minimum wage to $10/hour or $12/hour could have on the workforce. The full CBO report can be found at this link.
Supporting our Military
Military Affairs Council Tours Coast Guard Base Honolulu
On Tuesday, July 16 the Military Affairs Council was invited to tour the Coast Guard Hawaii Cutters Kimball and Oliver Berry at the U.S. Coast Guard Base Honolulu in Sand Island. Members were welcomed by Rear Admiral Kevin Lunday, commander of the 14th District Coast Guard, at Club 14 prior to lunch, hosted by the MAC.
Tours were escorted by Captain Holly Harrison, commanding officer of the Kimball, which is the seventh National Security Cutter and the first to be stationed in Hawaii. National Security Cuttters feature advanced command, control, communication, computers, intelligence and surveillance. Lieutenant Commander Ken Franklin, commanding officer of Oliver Berry, took members on board the first fast response cutter to be stationed in the Coast Guard’s 14th Coast Guard District.
Building our Membership
Business After Hours Attendees Tour Mighty Mo
Last night, the Battleship Missouri Memorial hosted July’s Business After Hours. Attendees received private tours of the USS Missouri and networked on the ship’s deck.
While our state has people without jobs, there are jobs without people. With a state unemployment rate of 2.8%, finding workers to fill positions, particularly skilled workers, has been an ongoing challenge for employers. This is why the Chamber continues to invest and strengthen its efforts in developing a skilled workforce and talent pipeline for current and future jobs.
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