OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTERNSHIPS INCREASED WITH PRIVATE-SECTOR EXPANSION OF THE HELE IMUA PROGRAM

HILO, HAWAII – The Senate Committee on Ways and Means received a comprehensive update from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) on the implementation of the Hele Imua program.

Hele Imua is a 12-week paid internship program, aimed to address vacancies in state government positions by facilitating transitions from internship into full employment and fostering a local talent pipeline for government service.

Jade Butay, Director of DLIR, along with members from the Workforce Development Division (WDD) and the Workforce Development Council (WDC) gathered at the WDD offices in Hilo for a briefing on the execution of Act 251, Session Laws of Hawaii 2025, which codified into law the public sector State Internship and Workforce Development Program and private sector On-the-Job Training Work Experience Program. Discussions focused on potential collaboration with the Department of Human Resources Development (DHRD) to address vacancies across state government jobs, the launch of the pilot program for the private sector expansion to support Hawaii’s agriculture industry, and enhancements to workforce development programs statewide.

The site visit concluded with a presentation of Senate certificates for the Ka Liko Lawelawe Award, which celebrates an emerging professional from each county who exemplified exceptional promise and professionalism during their public sector internship, and the Hookele Award, which recognizes a host agency that has utilized Hele Imua to facilitate the recruitment for hard-to-fill and vacant positions. The Senate recognizes Hilo Benioff Medical Center, who was awarded the Hookele Award for Outstanding Host Agency and congratulates all Ka Liko Lawelawe Awardees:

Kiani Aburamen          Hawaii County

Justin Silva                  Maui County

Angela Lindberg          City and County of Honolulu

Juliet Madrid                Kauai County

“Hele Imua provides meaningful workforce development opportunities statewide, which is especially important for communities in small and remote towns,” said Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 1 – Hilo, Pauka‘a, Papaikou, Pepe‘ekeo), Chair of the Senate Committee on Water and Land. "I want to personally congratulate the Hilo Benioff Medical Center on their excellence in guiding and mentoring emerging professionals on their journey into public service in Hawaii."

Members present Senate certificate recognizing and celebrating the Hilo Benioff Medical Center for receiving the Hookele Award for Outstanding Host Agency with the Hele Imua Program. Since becoming a host agency, the Hilo Benioff Medical Center has hosted four interns and has hired three of those interns into State positions.

L-R: Senator Sharon Y. Moriwaki, Senator Samantha DeCorte, Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chief HR Officer Cecilia Trujillo, Kiani Aburamen, Senator Lorraine R. Inouye, Senator Kurt Fevella, Senator Michelle N. Kidani, Senator Lynn DeCoite, Assistant Director of HR Jordan Fickess, HR Specialist Nicole Ignacio, Senator Joy A. San Buenaventura.

“I am proud honor Puna's very own, Kiani Aburamen, for being selected for the inaugural Ka Loko Lawelawe Award,” said Senator Joy A. San Buenaventura (District 2 – Puna), Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services. "Her dedication, collaborative spirit, and unwavering work ethic make her an exemplary employee and a valued member of our community." 

Members present Senate certificate recognizing and celebrating Kiani Aburamen for receiving the Ka Liko Lawelawe Award for Outstanding Intern with the Hele Imua Program. Kiani Aburamen completed her Hele Imua internship program under the supervision of Nicole Ignacio at the Hilo Benioff Medical Center. Kiani Aburamen is currently employed as an Administrative Assistant to the Chief Human Resources Officer at Hilo Benioff Medical Center

L-R: WDC Executive Director Bennette Misalucha, Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Parents of Kiani Aburamen, Kiani Aburamen, Senator Lorraine R. Inouye, Senator Joy A. San Buenaventura, WDD Adminstrator Maricar Pilotin-Freitas, DLIR Director Jade Butay

“The Legislature recognizes that Hele Imua is more than just an internship program — it’s a bridge to careers and vehicle for regional economic development,” said Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz (District 17 - Portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "We look forward to working with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to increase access to high-paying local jobs and reverse the brain-drain."

The Legislature first appropriated over $5 million in 2022 for Hele Imua pursuant to Act 248 when federal funds were no longer available for the program. Support from the Legislature continued, adding an additional $200K pursuant to Act 230 in 2024. In 2025, Act 251 appropriated an additional $1.8 million to support private sector expansion of Hele Imua.

“We are deeply thankful to the Legislature for recognizing Hele Imua’s value and stepping in to provide State funding support. With sustained backing, we can help address workforce needs across the State,” said Director Jade Butay, DLIR.

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For more information on Hele Imua, including an online application to express your interest in becoming an intern, visit https://labor.hawaii.gov/wdd/intern/hele-imua/.