Hawaii DOL News

Hawaii DLIR Expands Hele Imua Program to Private Sector

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.

Hawaii Minimum Wage Increases to $16.00

Hawaii's minimum wage will increase to $16.00 per hour on January 1, 2026, as part of a phased increase to $18.00 by 2028. Act 115 also establishes a minimum civil penalty of $500 for violations of the Wage and Hour Law.

Hawaii Hosts First Statewide Internship Summit

The State of Hawaiʻi Department of Labor and Industrial Relations announced the first statewide Internship Summit scheduled for March 4, 2026. The event aims to strengthen internship programs by bringing together state leaders, employers, and workforce partners, and will also feature the first Hawaiʻi Internship Excellence Awards.

Hawaii Launches Hele Imua Internship for Agriculture Industry

The Hawaiʻi Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, in partnership with the Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation and Ulupono Initiative, has launched the Hele Imua Internship program. This 12-week program aims to support the state's agriculture industry by pairing interns with local farmers, offering hands-on experience and paying interns $20 per hour.

Hawaii DLIR Career Fair Announcement

The Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) is hosting an in-person career fair on September 24, 2025, to connect job seekers with employers. The event will offer early access for veterans and military spouses.