As the economy struggles and unemployment continues its steady climb, thousands of people flocked to yesterday's Job Quest Job Fair hoping to find a new job or a second job to supplement their incomes during these tough times.

The fair drew 4,900 people to the Blaisdell Center's Exhibition Hall — 1,400 more than at the same event a year ago and the highest at a September job fair since the one immediately following 9/11.

This year's fair also drew about 180 employers, down from last September's 200.

Yesterday's strong turnout was a reflection of the state's slumping employment situation, said Beth Busch, Job Quest executive director.

"We're definitely feeling the economy," Busch said. "People are a little bit nervous. It wasn't just people who don't have a job, but it was people who have a job and want a second job."

When last September's fair was held, unemployment was below 3 percent and there were fewer people looking for work. This year, more people are out of work — unemployment hovers near 4 percent — but fewer companies and government agencies have positions to fill.

Absent from yesterday's fair were representatives from the airline industry. There also were fewer hotels at the event, a sign that the visitor industry continues to soften.

The half-dozen hotel representatives who were there had few or no jobs to offer. Several gave pamphlets to job seekers and told them to "stay in touch."

TIGHT MARKET

Kari Nakano, employment manager at Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Waikiki, said her firm had only a handful of positions available. Nakano said she could tell by the number of people who visited her booth that many were hard-pressed to find work.

"This is the most people that I've seen at any of the job fairs that I've been to," Nakano said. "At job fairs, people don't want to work in Waikiki and they don't really want to work for hotels and we don't get as much interest. But this is amazing and I think it's because of the unemployment rate and the lack of jobs."

Rocky Basques lost his job as a truck driver six weeks ago and is struggling to support his wife and teenage children. The 49-year-old Honolulu resident went to the fair hoping to land a job soon because he did not qualify for unemployment benefits.

Basques said he realizes that the job market is tight and finding work may be difficult.

"We need to keep whatever job we have, even if it's a low-paying job," he said. "I want a driving job, but if cannot, I'm willing to take whatever, because you just gotta get work. How are you going to survive?"

He said he was grateful for the job fair because he was able to hit several employers, as well as job-placement agencies, in one spot.

"If you have to go by yourself, you have to spend gas to go from one company to another to put in your applications," Basques said.

CAREER HOPES

Leanne Kashinoki of Waipi'o works full-time as a supervisor at Kuru Kuru Sushi in 'Aiea, but is looking for a part-time job to help pay for her wedding. She said she also hopes that a second job could lead to a career in another field.

"I feel I need new experiences. Obviously I won't be at Kuru Kuru forever, so I'm thinking I can branch out into retail or sales," said Kashinoki, 25, who landed a job interview at the fair with Macy's. "I have a degree in travel industry management, so restaurant and hospitality management is my area. But I also want to venture out to see if there's something else out there."

Laura Givens moved to the Islands with her husband three months ago and was at the fair seeking a job in education. But the 51-year-old Kahala resident said she realizes that now isn't the best time to be looking for work.

"I just started looking last month and it's been slow going," Givens said. "I'm looking for work in education, but I'm kind of open to anything."

The Job Quest Job Fair is held each January, May and September, and is sponsored by Oahu Worklinks, ALTRES Staffing and Success Advertising.