The U.S. Department of Labor said today it will release $10.2 million in unemployment insurance modernization incentive funds to Hawaii.

Hawaii qualified for the stimulus package funds by allowing workers to use their more recent earnings to be eligible for benefits.
“Hawaii’s UI program includes a key provision that better meets the needs of the 21st century workforce,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “Hawaii uses recent wages when determining eligibility for benefits, which enables unemployed workers who are relatively new entrants to the workforce to receive the assistance they need and deserve.”
The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations can use the funds to pay unemployment benefits or, if appropriated by the legislature, for administering its unemployment insurance program or delivering employment services.