(Operation Hire Hawaii: A Workforce Transition Initiative)

By the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Hawai’i, in order to strengthen the State’s workforce, uphold the values of public service, and ensure that experienced professionals can continue contributing to the public good, I, JOSH GREEN, M.D., Governor of the State of Hawai’i, hereby declare and order as follows:

WHEREAS, the State of Hawaii has a long-standing commitment to ensuring a robust, diverse, and highly skilled workforce in its public sector to support the well-being of its residents and the effective delivery of government services; and

WHEREAS, the federal government, through a series of executive actions, has implemented policies that have resulted in the reduction of federal workforce positions, displacement of highly qualified civil servants and employees of similarly impacted organizations which rely on federal funding, and the rollback of critical programs in areas such as climate policy, public health, and social equity; and

WHEREAS, many of the displaced employees possess specialized expertise in areas of great importance to Hawai’i, including environmental protection, public health, infrastructure development, cybersecurity, and economic policy, which align with the strategic priorities of the State; and

WHEREAS, the recruitment of skilled professionals who have been impacted by federal funding cuts presents an opportunity for Hawaii to strengthen its workforce, enhance the capacity of state government agencies, and fill critical skill gaps in state operations; and

WHEREAS, ensuring that these displaced employees have access to employment opportunities in Hawaii aligns with the State’s commitment to workforce equity, economic stability, and fostering a government that reflects the values of transparency, efficiency, respect, and public service; and

WHEREAS, the integration of these experienced employees into Hawai’i’s public sector will accelerate the State’s efforts in advancing key initiatives, including climate resilience, economic diversification, digital modernization, social justice programs, housing and homelessness, and providing vital government services to Hawai’i residents; and

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