HONOLULU — Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced the first in a series of initiatives to increase public access to city resources by extending the hours of operation for the Department of Community Services’ WorkHawaii Division starting March 4.

The new hours allow individuals with strict schedules, such as caretakers and full-time workers, to access free job development, housing and education services.

The WorkHawaii office is in the Dole Cannery Office Building at 680 Iwilei Road, Suite 700. Its new hours are 7:45 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The new Computer Resource Center hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday in the WorkHawaii office, and 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday on the first floor Food Court.

“Empowering our community starts with extending our reach and commitment,” said WorkHawaii Administrator Leinaʻala Nakamura in a news release. “By expanding our business hours, we aim to provide even more comprehensive support, including employment and housing assistance, GED preparation and certification training. Together, we can build a brighter future for every community member, one extended hour at a time.”

The extended hours only apply to the WorkHawaii Division, according to the release. “Co-located” partners operating in Dole Cannery such as the Workforce Development Division, Waipahu Community School for Adults, McKinley Community School for Adults, and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation will maintain their regular hours.

For more information on WorkHawaii services, program eligibility and enrollment, contact the division at 808-768-5703 or fill out an online WorkHawaii Program Interest Form.