Hawaiʻi County is struggling to fill more than 500 job openings across departments, from the Hawaiʻi Police Department and fire to water supply, public works and parks.
Councilmembers told Aloha State Daily that solving the staffing shortage will require more than one approach. Some positions are temporary placeholders for recruits or seasonal programs, while others reflect deeper challenges, including salaries that lag the private sector, high living costs and a nationwide shortage of qualified applicants.
Councilwoman Heather Kimball, who represents North Hilo, Hāmākua and part of Waimea, said vacancies look different depending on the department. Some, like police recruit slots or seasonal programs, are expected. Others, particularly in water and wastewater, are harder to fill because of a nationwide shortage of trained workers. In some cases, county salaries simply can’t compete with the private sector.
“There is no silver bullet solution to address all the vacancies,” Kimball told ASD. “We need to look at pay for critical positions, workforce development, and consider how AI might influence local government jobs in the future.”
The Hawaiʻi Police Department illustrates how vacancy totals can be misleading. While previous reports showed higher numbers, the department currently has 113 vacancies, 73 sworn officers and 40 non-sworn positions, according to Tom Callis, the county’s public information officer. Temporary recruit slots aren’t counted in that total but remain open while new officers are trained.
Council Chair Holeka Inaba, who represents North Kona, highlighted practical steps the county could take to attract workers.
“The County can definitely try hiring bonuses and consider hybrid work-from-home options for certain positions that allow for it,” Inaba told ASD.
Councilman Dennis Onishi, who represents South Hilo and part of Keaʻau, said recruitment struggles go beyond salaries, pointing to the high cost of living, childcare and rising medical costs.
“Entry-level pay is lower than what the private sector offers, and West Hawaiʻi costs make it tough for families starting off,” he said.
Onishi is working on solutions, including summer hires with Alu Like, internship programs with Hawaiʻi Community College, and discussions with the finance and R&D departments to reduce employee healthcare costs and expand early childhood services.
Councilman James Hustace, who represents Kohala and parts of Waimea, said vacancy levels will be a focus during the upcoming budget season.
“I will be tracking positions that remain unfilled and continue to encourage our HR department to participate in community outreach,” Hustace told ASD. “We also need to strengthen our education pipeline, build university and apprenticeship partnerships and ensure county jobs remain competitive with the private sector.”
Councilmembers agreed that addressing the county’s staffing challenges will require a multi-pronged approach, from improving pay and benefits to workforce development and preparing for how emerging technologies could reshape government work.
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