August 7, 2008 - Rapid Response Teams Activated

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"It is sad that family and friends may recently have been laid off as businesses consolidate. Our Administration is working hard every day to help those in need.

Our Department of Labor and Industrial Relations has made dislocated workers a top priority. By deploying multi-agency Rapid Response Teams, the state is helping recently laid-off employees with the economic and emotional challenges that often accompany job loss.

Working with the former employees of Sea Life Park, Maui Land and Pine, Kona Community and North Hawai`i Community Hospitals and others, we are helping those affected to obtain unemployment and medical benefits, as well as job placement assistance.  In total, over 1,700 employees have been helped and more workshops are being planned. 

We will remain focused on assisting Hawai`i residents to re-gain employment and ensure they have the resources they need to move forward during these difficult times."