Hawaii Tax Incentives
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Hawaii Tax Incentives
Page Contents
- Apprenticeships
- Assistive Technology Demonstration
- Assistive Technology Device Loan Program
- Assistive Technology Exchange Program
- Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii
- Chamber of Commerce
- Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism
- Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
- Employment and Training Fund
- Enterprise Zones
- Financing Assistive Technology
- HI Growth Initiative
- Veterans Services
Apprenticeships
By hiring apprentices and journey workers, contractors and employers are able to take advantage of the many benefits of hiring these skilled workers. The benefits are as follows:
- Highly skilled workforce
- Reduced turnover
- Apprenticeships produce constant flow of new skilled workers
- Hiring skilled workers will reduce risk of workers’ compensation costs due to their high skill level
- 5% bidder’s preference.
The person hired as an apprentice can be someone with a disability who needs this method of training to secure employment.
Assistive Technology Demonstrations
An assistive technology device demonstration compares the features and benefits of a particular Assistive technology device or category of devices to meet the need of an individual with a disability. Assistive technology demonstrations provide an opportunity for a consumer to become familiar with various types of devices and try them out before making a purchasing decision. Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii staff and volunteers provide one-on-one demonstrations and training to clients at no cost.
Assistive Technology Device Loan Program
The Assistive Technology Device Loan program allows individuals with disabilities, families, employers, and educators to “try-out” assistive technology devices prior to acquisition. This is the only program in the State of Hawaii that lets individuals try and also borrow assistive technology products free of charge.
Assistive Technology Exchange Program
Through the Assistive Technology Exchange program, Assistive Technology devices are provided to persons with disabilities at little to no cost. Technology can also be traded or donated to help others. If you are interested in trading or donating assistive technology devices and software, the items must be in good, working condition.
Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii
Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to link people with technology and empower individuals through its use. Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii is also the State of Hawaii's designated Assistive Technology Act agency.
Chamber of Commerce
As the "Voice of Business" in Hawaii, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii is a statewide, non-profit organization whose mission is to serve as the advocate for business in the State. With approximately 1,000 member organizations representing more than 200,000 employees, the Chamber is the largest business organization serving businesses in Hawaii.
Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism
The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism is Hawaii’s resource center for economic and statistical data, business development opportunities, energy and conservation information, and foreign trade advantages.
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Vocational Rehabilitation is a state-federal program for individuals with disabilities who require assistance to prepare for, secure, retain or regain employment. The underlying philosophy and goal of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is that through employment, individuals with disabilities are empowered toward economic self-sufficiency, independence, inclusion and integration into society.
This document has a list of Division of Vocational Rehabilitation offices with their contact information. Employers who wish to hire workers with disabilities should contact the office in their area for assistance.
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Office List PDF
Employment and Training Fund
From its inception in 1991, Employment and Training Fund has helped employers train thousands of workers to learn invaluable new skills for their jobs. This web page has information on the two types of Employment and Training Fund funding sources. First, the Employment and Training Fund Macro, which provides grants for industry specific training where there are critical skill shortages in high growth occupational or industry areas. Second is the Employment and Training Fund Micro, which is the most popular program among businesses that need to upgrade the job skills of their employees.
A worker receiving training through this fund could be someone with disability who needs additional vocational instruction to advance in his/her career.
Links to forms and other resources for employers and training providers.
Employment and Training Fund Brochure
Enterprise Zones
The Enterprise Zones partnership program is a joint state-county effort intended to stimulate—via tax and other incentives—certain types of business activity, job preservation and creation in areas where they are most needed. Up to six zones can be designated per county.
If your business (or a branch of your business) is eligible and located in one of the Enterprise Zones , you can reduce your state taxes and receive other county benefits for up to seven years by satisfying the Enterprise Zone hiring or, for agricultural related companies and gross receipts requirements.
The job creation and preservation generated by this program could be beneficial for job seekers and workers who have disabilities.
This is a map of Hawaii and its designated zones.
Use the online forms on this web page to electronically submit applications, reports and claims. Links to forms that can be downloaded and printed are also found here.
Financing Assistive Technology
There are various methods of paying for assistive technology products and service. This web page is a resource a consumer can explore to understand the different financing options.
HI Growth Initiative
The HI Growth Initiative is a state equity investment program designed to catalyze the development of an innovation ecosystem that supports entrepreneurial high growth businesses and creates high wage jobs for Hawaiians. The HI Growth Initiative currently provides $20 million of investment capital that will focus on the critical building blocks of an innovation ecosystem: entrepreneur development, research commercialization and the mobilization of startup investment capital.
The job growth generated by this program could mean an increase in employment opportunities for qualified workers with disabilities.
Veterans Services
The Workforce Development Division and its network of One-Stop Career Centers not only offer its array of employment and training services to veterans, but also provides relevant applicant recruiting assistance tailored to the needs of the business community. Specialized staffs known as Local Veterans Employment Representative are employed at the centers to offer assistance to employers seeking to hire veterans with specific skills and experiences. Local Veterans Employment Representatives and One-Stop Career Center staffs are prepared to help the employer leverage federal and state hiring incentives aimed at reducing the costs of hiring and training veterans for employment.
Veterans Services Brochure PDF