ClimbHI launches Hiring Blitz concept for Hawai‘i Island seniors

Hawaiʻi workforce development nonprofit ClimbHI partnered with nine businesses and organizations to host a first-ever hiring blitz for 74 Honoka‘a High and Intermediate School
seniors.

The April 28 event served as a successful pilot for future events across the state, showcasing a new, results-focused approach to hiring.

Honoka‘a seniors met with industry leaders in finance, healthcare, aviation, trades, retail and hospitality. To participate, businesses needed to have immediate openings with career growth potential, as well as expedited hiring processes. For many positions, this condensed the hiring timeline down to one day, rather than weeks.

“The hiring blitz serves as the final step for many students who are building relationships with local businesses and organizations throughout high school in ClimbHI LEI, as well as connections through ClimbHI’s Bridge portal,” said ClimbHI President Julie Morikawa.

“By reimagining and streamlining the hiring process, we are creating much greater interest and more connections than we achieve at a typical career fair,” Morikawa continued.

Following the hiring blitz, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel hosted nine interested Honoka‘a, Hilo and Kohala High School seniors on May 3, eight of whom were hired the same day across a variety of departments, from food and beverage to engineering.

“We are changing the traditional hiring model to meet the needs of all students with amazingly positive results,” said Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Human Resources Manager Kekai Edayan.