LT. GOVERNOR HIGHLIGHTS WORKFORCE OPPORTUNITIES

December 18 - Lt. Governor Aiona participated in two events to urge employers to hire more workers with disabilities and celebrate the accomplishments of welfare clients gaining employment in 2007.

Joined by Department of Human Services Director Lillian Koller on December 18, Lt. Governor Aiona opened a year-end celebration to recognize the success of the state's First-to-Work program in transitioning welfare clients from government assistance to gainful employment.

"Your dedication to public service is transforming lives and building brighter futures," Lt. Governor Aiona told state employees involved in the program. "You see first-hand the needs and potential of your clients, and your hard work is a win for your clients, a win for our business community and a win for our entire state."

The number of First-to-Work clients in the state increased more than 33 percent this fiscal year. At the same time, the number of clients with zero hours of employment dropped by more than 29 percent across the state.

The Lt. Governor also opened a workshop the previous week aimed at integrating more people with disabilities into Hawai`i's workplace.
 
"Our Administration is committed to reducing the unemployment rate of people with disabilities and helping them build successful new careers," Lt. Governor Aiona said.

The Lt. Governor said that Hawai`i is home to an estimated 233,000 residents with disabilities.

"Yet, less than a third of those who can work are actually employed," Lt. Governor Aiona said. "We have made great strides in changing the way people think and act toward those with developmental disabilities, but much more needs to be done."