The City and County of Honolulu is launching a Federal-to-Municipal Workforce Transition Initiative to match skilled professionals affected by federal workforce cuts with city departments in need of qualified staffing, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced on Thursday.

What You Need To Know

  • The move follows Gov. Josh Green’s announcement last week of the new Operation Hire Hawaii initiative, which will expedite the state hiring process and fast-track qualified candidates 
  • Under the new initiative, the City and County of Honolulu will actively recruit displaced federal employees and professionals from non-governmental organizations impacted by federal funding cuts
  • Blangiardi has also authorized DHR to waive certain city hiring requirements, as appropriate, for a 12-month period to provide a more efficient and responsive recruitment process
  • Representatives from the city will be at upcoming career events to provide opportunities for federal employees to meet staff and apply for city vacancies

 

The move follows Gov. Josh Green’s announcement last week of the new Operation Hire Hawaii initiative, which will expedite the state hiring process and fast-track qualified candidates — including recently fired federal workers — for state jobs.

“The federal government’s shifting priorities have displaced highly skilled professionals, many of whom possess critical expertise that aligns with the city’s needs,” Blangiardi said. “This initiative is a win-win. It provides these workers with meaningful employment opportunities while bolstering our city workforce to better serve the people of Oahu. By streamlining our hiring process, we are taking decisive action to fill essential positions and strengthen the delivery of services that our residents rely on every day.”

Under the new initiative, the City and County of Honolulu will actively recruit displaced federal employees and professionals from non-governmental organizations impacted by federal funding cuts, particularly those who possess expertise in key areas like law enforcement, infrastructure development, administrative services and climate resilience.

To support this initiative, the Honolulu Department of Human Resources will streamline application and hiring processes, accelerate review and placement of qualified candidates and provide targeted outreach and support for displaced workers seeking city employment

Blangiardi has also authorized DHR to waive certain city hiring requirements, as appropriate, for a 12-month period to provide a more efficient and responsive recruitment process. These waivers will still follow all applicable state laws and regulations.

The mayor’s office said departments and agencies are encouraged to actively recruit and consider skilled federal workers for vacancies that align with their expertise.

As part of this effort, representatives from the city will be at the following career events, providing opportunities for federal employees to meet staff and apply for city vacancies:

  • WorkHawaii Hiring Event: March 15, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Neal Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall

  • Job Fair: April 11, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; and April 12, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; at the Hawaii Convention Center.

  • Star-Advertiser Career Expo: April 30, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Neal Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall


Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.