The September 11th attack | Coping with the aftermath
Hawai'i security firms drawing more applicants

Advertiser Staff

Security companies in Hawai'i report an increase in business and job applicants since Sept. 11.

Star Protection Agency, with more than 300 employees, is hiring security guards and supervisors, said Jon Tavares, assistant general manager.

"We have seen a definite increase in business," Tavares said. "People are looking to improve their security because of the times we live in."

Tavares said he has seen a jump in applicants from five to 10 a week prior to Sept. 11 to more than 40 a week now. "On Monday at 10 a.m., we had 10 or 12 people filling out aps at once."

Security guards start at about $6.50 an hour and average about $8 an hour, he said. Supervisors start at about $8 and "it goes up dramatically from there," said Tavares.

"We are looking for responsible people with a good work history and a clean criminal abstract," he said. Experience is preferred, but they also provide training.

Tavares advises applicants to come in looking neat, be on time and do a practice interview before arriving. "You don't have to have brand-new clothes. This is Hawai'i. We are not looking for suits and ties. Just for someone who has taken time to be clean and neat," Tavares said.

Some of the security companies that are hiring in Hawai'i are:

• Star Protection Agency at 532-3911.
• Safeguard Services Inc. at 1000 Bishop St., Suite 603., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Burns International Security Services at 842-4800.
• The Wackenhut Corp. at 839-1185.