Career Expo 2017 launches today

KAILUA-KONA — From big box, to mom and pop, businesses are geared up for today’s Career Expo 2017 at Kona Commons.

More than 50 companies will take part in the inaugural fair hosted by West Hawaii Today that runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the old Sports Authority on Makala Boulevard.

Big name businesses such as Hawaiian Airlines, Hertz, major hotels, and Transportation Security Administration will take part, not to mention plenty of smaller, local establishments. Hertz, who helped sponsor the event to ensure entrance is free, is looking to hire, even offering $2,500 bonuses in some circumstances, according to organizers.

“I am extremely excited for the Career Expo,” said Kelly Bolyard, advertising director for West Hawaii Today, who partnered with the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce for the free event. “This is a great way for West Hawaii Today to serve the businesses in Kona. There is a definite need for this, since finding qualified applicants can be a challenge.”

The expo is also meant for the currently employed, which many are — Hawaii’s unemployment rate was only 2.7 percent in March, the lowest since June 2007. But part of the purpose to show the workforce what else is out there and give people ideas to plan about the next steps in their career.

“There might be better opportunities out there for you,” said Denise Ching, who works with WHT’s parent company and is helping organize the event that draws thousands of people every year on Oahu.

Now, it’s West Hawaii’s chance to do the same, and hundreds, if not a thousand, are expected to turn out.

University of Hawaii student caucus representatives also partnered early on in the process to encourage their recent graduates to get a jump start on their post-school career.

“We open the door for our community and families to meet a great number of companies that are hiring in one location,” Bolyard said.