Governor's Office News Release: Governor Ige Signs Bills That Support Unemployed Residents on Maui

Press Release

Gov. David Ige signed HB 2722 and HB 2605 into law today, supporting Maui residents who have been displaced or who have lost their jobs as a result of recent layoffs.

Earlier this year, about 2,800 workers on Maui were notified that they were either losing their jobs or potentially losing their jobs as the result of the closure of the state's last sugar plantation, Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company, and the Makena Beach and Golf Resort. The 2,800 workers represented approximately 3.5 percent of the 82,550 people who were employed in Maui County in February.

HB 2722 creates a temporary program limited to Maui County, that extends unemployment benefits for workers who have lost their jobs.

The governor also signed HB 2605 which appropriates $850,000 to establish, administer and support job training and preparation activities for new jobs. The training includes basic computer literacy, job search assistance, skill assessments, vocational counseling, remedial math and English, English as a second-language, vocational training, work experience and on the job training. Support services include assistance with work tools, safety shoes and job certification fees.

"We support our hard working and dedicated residents in Maui County and hope to help prepare and train them for the future and the next chapter in their lives," Gov. Ige said.

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