Hawaii DLIR Expands Hele Imua Program to Private Sector

news-and-events

Published December 17th, 2025

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

The Hawaiʻi Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) has expanded its Hele Imua internship program to the private sector through a partnership with the Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation and Ulupono Initiative. This pilot project aims to support small-scale farmers and strengthen the state's agricultural workforce.

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What changed

The Hawaiʻi Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) has announced the expansion of its Hele Imua internship program into the private sector, specifically targeting small-scale farmers through a new partnership with the Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation and Ulupono Initiative. This initiative, formalized by Act 251, Session Laws of Hawaiʻi 2025, aims to build a local talent pipeline for critical skill shortages in key industries, supporting the state's economic development goals and providing youth with pathways to meaningful careers.

This expansion represents a significant step in leveraging the Hele Imua program's success in the public sector to address private industry needs. Regulated entities, particularly agricultural firms, should be aware of this new initiative which could serve as a model for future workforce development programs. The DLIR is required to report to the Legislature on the program's progress and propose further legislative improvements, indicating a potential for broader application in the future. No immediate compliance actions are mandated for employers by this announcement, but it signals a growing focus on private sector workforce development.

Source document (simplified)

STATE OF HAWAIʻI

KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

JOSH GREEN, M.D.

GOVERNOR

KE KIAʻĀINA

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS

KA ʻOIHANA PONO LIMAHANA

JADE T. BUTAY

DIRECTOR

KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

DLIR EXPANDS HELE IMUA PROGRAM TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR

Pilot Project Supports Small-Scale Farmers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 17, 2025

HONOLULU — The Hawaiʻi Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) has expanded the Hele Imua internship program into the private sector through a new partnership with the Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation (HAF) and Ulupono Initiative. This pilot initiative aims to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s agricultural workforce and will help guide future expansion of the program into other key industries.

“The Legislature always envisioned the Hele Imua program operating in the private sector,” said DLIR Director Jade T. Butay. “By building on our success in developing a local talent pipeline for state service, we’re now working to support Hawaiʻi’s youth with a bridge to meaningful careers, especially in sectors where traditional pathways like apprenticeships are limited or unavailable.”

Hele Imua is a 12-week, on-the-job work experience program that introduces participants to high-demand occupations and helps transition them into long-term employment within Hawaiʻi’s labor market. The private sector expansion also targets critical skill shortages in key industries to support the state’s broader economic development goals.

“Investing in local talent through small-scale farm internships is an investment in Hawaiʻi’s agricultural future,” said HAF Executive Director Denise Yamaguchi. “This pilot project gives young people vital hands-on experience, strengthens local food systems and opens pathways into the small farms that form the backbone of Hawaiʻi’s agricultural sector, while demonstrating strong potential for statewide expansion.”

Act 251, Session Laws of Hawaiʻi 2025, formally established both the public sector State Internship and Workforce Development Program and the private sector On-the-Job Training Work Experience Program. The law also requires DLIR to submit a report to the Legislature, including proposed legislation to further improve and expand the program’s reach into the private sector.

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