The state will experiment with a four-day work week starting Monday, when the 111 employees of the state Department of Human Resources begin a Monday-Thursday schedule.

The three-month pilot project is intended to reduce state expenses, including electricity costs, and make government more efficient, Gov. Linda Lingle said today in a news release.

Other reasons for the experiment are quality-of-life issues for employees as well as the general public, including a more balanced work-life that gives individuals more time for family and personal matters, the statement said.

In addition, the shift in state government operating hours could help reduce traffic congestion not just on Fridays, but during the rest of the work week as state employees adjust their commute times.

"As we implement this four-day work week pilot project, our top priority is to ensure that the state maintains the same level of service to the public," said Lingle. "With Hawai'i's leadership role in finding innovative solutions to improve government efficiency and conserve energy and resources, we have an opportunity to test the shortened work week approach and measure the benefits it might have for state government, our employees and the community."

During the pilot period, the human resources offices, which occupy five floors of the State Office Tower in downtown Honolulu, will be open from 7:15 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and will be closed on Friday.

During the four-day work week, the department's recruitment counter, which provides direct service to the public, will have expanded hours of 7:15 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

People wishing to apply for state jobs can visit DHRD's recruiting Web site at www.hawaii.gov/hrd/main/esd and file applications online, the statement said.

The state will monitor the impact to the department's services as well as energy use and other possible savings and benefits during the three-month pilot period. In addition, factors such as gasoline savings and commute times by employees will also be measured, the statement said.

The department also will evaluate the impact to employee productivity and morale, including quality-of-life issues.

Officials are asking for public feedback to evaluate the process and see what changes might be needed before expanding the program to other departments.

Comments may be sent to the governor's office at governor.lingle@hawaii.gov.

The change in the the department's recruiting hours does not apply to the recruitment offices for the state Department of Education, University of Hawai'i, the state Judiciary, Hawai'i Health Systems Corp. or the county governments.