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The Honolulu Advertiser

Updated at 4:27 p.m., Thursday, December 7, 2006

Hilo Hattie to outsource some production, cut 17 jobs

Advertiser Staff

Hilo Hattie said it plans to outsource some of the production functions at its Iwilei factory, in a move that will eliminate about 17 jobs.

The company, which employs about 500 workers, said it plans to transfer the garment-cutting functions at its Iwilei plant to contractors in Asia to save costs. The move takes effect Jan. 31.

Lena Young, the company's vice president for human resources, said planning, design and other manufacturing functions will remain at the company's Iwilei plant. She said the 17 employees will be given the opportunity to apply for other positions in the company.

Founded in 1963, Hilo Hattie is one of the state's largest fashion manufacturers and retailers with seven stores in Hawai'i and four outlets on the Mainland.