The Aloha United Way laid off nine people as part of a restructuring plan to better serve the community.

Employees in positions ranging from referral hot-line operators to administrative assistants were laid off Thursday. Rob Hale, board chairman of Aloha United Way, said the layoffs were necessary to reduce overhead costs and fill vacant positions with those who can strengthen the organization’s marketing and fundraising efforts.

Fifteen positions were eliminated, including two vice president positions. Six vacant positions are being filled, three of which will cover areas in fundraising, planned giving, major gifts, new business development and leadership. Duties for the remaining three vacant positions have yet to be determined. The changes reduced the staff to 30 from 39.

"It is all part of our effort to become more efficient stewards of the donation money that people trust us with," said Kim Gennaula, president and chief professional officer of Aloha United Way. "We are streamlining our efforts internally and outsourcing where we can to save money."

The laid-off staff members worked at Aloha United Way for periods of a year to nearly 20 years. All will receive a severance package that includes compensation, medical coverage until the end of the year, and job placement assistance.

"Laying off people is something that you never like doing. It’s the last choice. They were very good people and caring and supportive of the organization," Hale said.

In 2008, 10 people were laid off from the organization.

Over the past several years, contributions have been continually decreasing, said Hale. "We need to reverse that trend."

Aloha United Way officials have spent the past few months meeting with community leaders and corporate sponsors on what they can do to refine services and address community needs.

Aloha United Way has 96 partner agencies that include the American Red Cross-Hawaii State Chapter, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Honolulu, the Domestic Violence Action Center and the Institute for Human Services.