Grant Money for Displaced Ranch Workers

U.S. Department of Labor announces nearly $390,000 grant to assist workers affected by closure of Hawaii’s Molokai Ranch.

The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $389,425 grant to assist workers dislocated as a result of the closure of the Molokai Ranch owned by Molokai Properties Limited.

“This closure is a big setback for people on Molokai,” said acting Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Brent R. Orell. “This grant will help affected workers access important re-employment services and training that will help them find work soon.”

The grant, awarded to the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, will provide the workers with re-employment services that will include skills assessment, individual career counseling and occupational skills training.

On March 24, Molokai Properties Limited issued a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification announcing that it would cease all operations at the Molokai Ranch, which included the Molokai Lodge, Kaluakoi Golf Course, Kaupoa Beach Village and Maunaloa Tri-Plex Theater.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor’s discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state’s ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit www.doleta.gov/NEG.