$6 Million in Green Job Grants Awarded to Hawaii

The federal government has awarded the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations with a $6 million grant to develop programs to train workers for "green" jobs.

The Hawaii Workforce Development Council and the county Workforce Investment Boards are partnering with state agencies to maximize the benefit of these grants. The University of Hawaii community college, several construction trade groups and unions as well as nonprofits and utilities are involved in the process.

This is one of many incentives that are a part of the big push from Washington to increase sustainability commercially. The U.S. Department of Labor has a pool of $190 million that they will divide among the states as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The grants are to be used to prepare low-income, low-skilled workers for emerging jobs in "green" industries through training and support programs. Energy efficiency and renewable energy are two such growing industries.

About 1,400 people in Hawaii will benefit from these programs, especially veterans, those with disabilities, limited English proficiency or the otherwise disadvantaged. Aside from the specific target group that the money is designed to help, the Fed expects the programs to help strengthen partnerships through the ongoing development of a clean energy work force. 

We have listings of West Maui REO home sales and REO condo sales. For new developments on Maui, we recommend a look at the wonderful Lanikeha project. There are also some very nice Puamana Condos for sale. We always recommend a look at our Maui home listings. Remember, if you have any questions not answered on our website, you can call (800) 367-5632 or email us at info@whalersrealty.com. We would love to assist you. Mahalo!