HONOLULU – The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations seeks employers who are hiring and training new workers laid-off from their previous employers.

Companies may receive 50 to 90 percent reimbursement of the wages paid to these new workers.

Hawaii obtained $601,873 through a competitive grant from the U.S. Department of Labor for the period from June 30, 2010 to June 30, 2012.

The grant will provide training for up to 70 individuals for a period of up to six months. The goal of the program is to provide an incentive to employers to hire individuals who need hands-on experience, and who are likely to remain with the employer.

For more information, call the Maui Workforce Development Office at 984-2091 or dlir.wdd.maui@hawaii.gov.