Hawaii Considers Cutting 200 Human Services Jobs

Up to 200 jobs could be cut by the Hawaii Department of Human Services as it prepares for reorganization proceedings. More than 50 “eligibility” offices, which process applications for social services programs, are slated to be closed statewide and be replaced by two centers in Honolulu and Hilo.

The Department of Human Services notified employees of its reorganization plans in a letter Jan. 29. Director Lillian Koller said in a prepared statement that plans for reorganization have not been finalized and layoffs could still be avoided. She added the department is continuing to try and work with the employees union to try and find other cost-cutting measures.