State, city work to offset impacts of potential Hawaii recession

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Hundreds of people packed the Hawaii Convention Center this weekend, not just looking for jobs, but also searching for security in uncertain times.

“I do like a concerned a little bit for the recession because I feel like it’s gonna be more competitive in the job market, so especially for my situation, I have a degree but not much work experience in the field that I want to go, then I have to compete with the people who have experience,” said MBA student Yan Cui.

A recent UHERO report warns tariffs, deportations and mass federal layoffs could lead to a Hawaii recession -- with President Trump’s policies slowing the state’s job growth to zero and real GDP growth to 1.6% this year.

“Just gotta play by ear I guess see what happens but as long as we prepare for that situation, then we should be okay,” said Andrew Williams, who retired from the military after 22 years.

State and city officials are working to offset the potential impacts of Trump’s economic policies with recruitment events in the Operation Hire Hawaii initiative.

The goal is to fast track filling thousands of state and city vacancies with federal talent.

“It definitely makes it easier for someone like my wife who is trying to get into like for the civil service to be able to have access,” said Mikel Dela Cruz, who works in the military.

“The majority of the folks that I’ve been talking to are federal employees that are concerned about their future and have some kind of fallback plan in case they are subject to a layoff, and many of them are just retiring and looking for the next opportunity, so they’re here and they’re very engaged in job hunting,” said Brenna Hashimoto, director of the state Department of Human Resources.

“The economy I think has some level of uncertainty and so the city and county offers some stability and good benefits,” said Nola Miyasaki, director, of the Honolulu Department of Human Resources.

“I’m really optimistic and hopefully we don’t head towards a recession, but in any event where the city and county is ready to support.”

And with Hawaii’s cost of living expected to get even higher, any support is greatly appreciated.

“Just wanna thank you know basically the governor and everybody who put this together, because it’s good to come together as a community and kind of take care of everybody,” said job seeker Jovina Williams.

The next career expo is scheduled for April 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall.

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