David Y. Ige

HONOLULU –  Young adults with disabilities had a golden opportunity to highlight their skills and land their first jobs at the state’s second annual Reverse Job Fair at the Hawai‘i State Capitol Tuesday.

The 77 candidates stationed at individual booths had the chance to meet with human resource representatives from 93 local companies, state, city and county departments and agencies. They included Aloha Gas, Central Pacific Bank, CVS/Longs, Hard Rock Café, Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaiian Electric, Hawaiian Telcom, Hilton Hotels, Queens Medical Center, Y. Hata, YMCA, the University of Hawai‘i, the state Departments of Human Resources, Agriculture, Taxation and Transportation.

“We all need to know that someone believes in us. One initial opportunity allows us to gain work experience that goes on our resume and helps to build a foundation for future employment. People with disabilities deserve the chance to prove that they have the necessary skills to join Hawai‘i’s workforce,” said first lady Dawn Amano-Ige.

“I appreciate the number of employers taking the time to give our candidates a chance to find their first jobs. Our job seekers have demonstrated that they are determined hard workers, and their participation in today’s fair speaks volumes to their abilities and what type of worker they will be,” said Rep. Lynn DeCoite, co-chair, Legislative Host Committee.

“The goal of building a diverse workforce is made easier for businesses through this reverse job fair. This event gives our young adults with disabilities the exclusive opportunity to connect with potential employers, showcase their abilities and value and find meaningful employment,” said Sen. Donna Mercado Kim, co-chair, Legislative Host Committee.

The annual Reverse Job Fair is made possible through a partnership between the Office of the Governor, Hawai‘i State Legislature and five state departments, and is held in the month of October which is National Disability Employment Awareness month.

The event is sponsored by 1132 Café, the state Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), Hawai‘i Sheet Metal Workers Union, Legislative Host Committee, Lt. Gov. Josh Green, Victor Lim – McDonald’s Fort Street Mall and United Laundry Services.

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Media Contacts:

Jodi Leong

Deputy Communications Director/Press Secretary

Office of the Governor

Office: 808-586-0043

Mobile: 808-798-3929

[email protected]

 

Cindy McMillan

Communications Director

Office of the Governor

Office: 808-586-0012

Mobile: 808-265-7974

[email protected]