LT. GOVERNOR FOCUSES ON FIRE SAFETY AND DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT

October 4 - Lt. Governor Aiona held a news conference at the State Capitol to focus on fire safety efforts and heighten awareness of the need for employers to help provide more opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

With fire departments answering more calls for fires, Lt. Governor Aiona announced a week-long focus on encouraging Hawai‘i residents to develop and practice emergency escape plans from their homes.

“Fires are among the most common disaster threats Hawai‘i residents face each year,” said Lt. Governor Aiona. “Since every second counts during a fire, families can assist firefighting teams by developing and practicing emergency escape plans from their homes.”

As part of the awareness effort, Lt. Governor Aiona and Governor Linda Lingle proclaimed Oct. 7 – 13, 2007 as “Fire Prevention Week” in Hawai‘i.

Lt. Governor Aiona and Governor Linda Lingle also declared October as “Disability Employment Awareness Month” in Hawai‘i, emphasizing that individuals with disabilities can help ease worker shortages statewide.

“Employers play a crucial role in providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities,” said Lt. Governor Aiona. “The state vocational rehabilitation system has many strong candidates for employment, and with our vibrant economy and one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation over the past several years, we hope to bring these men and women into the workforce.”

Statewide, more than 7,700 people with disabilities received assistance from the Department of Human Services Vocational Rehabilitation and Services for the Blind Division in 2006. This included restoration services, on-the-job training and help in reducing employment barriers. Nearly 700 of these clients were placed in jobs last year.