4-Day Work Week Pilot Project
Lt. Governor James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr. announced the Hawai‘i State Department of Health (DOH) and the State Department of Human Resources Development (DHRD) have completed the four-day work week pilot project. The DOH’s eight-week pilot involved all offices housed in the Kinau Hale Building at 1250 Punchbowl Street (approximately 269 employees), and began Monday, October 13, 2008 and ended Friday, December 5, 2008.
The Lingle-Aiona Administration launched the pilot program to explore the potential of decreasing expenses, including electricity costs, and reducing traffic congestion. In addition, the shift in state government operating hours could help improve the quality of life for employees by providing an opportunity for them to balance work and family needs.
“Our top priority is to ensure that the State maintains the same level of service to the public,” said Lt. Governor Aiona.
“As public stewards of taxpayer money, we want to evaluate whether a compressed work week would be in the best interests of our citizens and our state,” the Lt. Governor added. “Our Administration is constantly looking for innovative, outside-the-box solutions to improve government service and increase the quality of life for our residents.”
Public feedback on the pilot program is an important component in the evaluation process and determining what changes might be needed before expanding the program to other departments. Comments may be sent to the Governor’s office at governor.lingle@hawaii.gov.
