The city has hired more than 40 former Aloha Airlines employees who lost their jobs when the company shut down last month. In addition, the city has arranged for the training of four former Aloha pilots that will allow them to qualify for jobs with other airlines.

Former Aloha employees hired by the City will work in a wide range of jobs in several departments, including Budget and Fiscal Services (including the Liquor Commission), Facility Maintenance, Community Services, Emergency Services, Design and Construction, Corporation Counsel, Human Resources, Planning and Permitting, Fire, Board of Water Supply, Neighborhood Commission, and City Clerk. Several additional former Aloha employees are currently being considered for city employment.

"This unprecedented effort was the result of close interagency communication and commitments by all those involved in the hiring process to expedite the interview, selection, and processing of applicants," said Ken Nakamatsu, director of the City's Department of Human Resources.

The four former Aloha pilots were eligible for training under the federal Workforce Investment Act, which provides funding for a training program operated by the City's Department of Community Services.