It is disgraceful that the state and its Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) are so incapable of meeting the needs of thousands of unemployed workers on Maui following the fire disasters. We are four weeks beyond the Aug. 8 fires on Maui, and DLIR has not gone fully into emergency mode or sent necessary personnel to Maui to enroll those qualified to receive unemployment compensation.

DLIR’s computer system is still defective and its phone system is not much better, so jobless workers are left stranded and without vital assistance.

There are so many in need of employment on Maui. Some of these unemployed individuals might be interested in jobs with DLIR to help Maui’s jobless apply for unemployment insurance benefits.

John Witeck

Kamehameha Heights

EXPRESS YOURSELF

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser welcomes all opinions. Want your voice to be heard? Submit a letter to the editor.

>> Write us: We welcome letters up to 150 words, and guest columns of 500-600 words. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. Include your name, address and daytime phone number.

>> Mail: Letters to the Editor, Honolulu Star-Advertiser 7 Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana, Suite #7-500 Honolulu, HI 96813

>> Contact: 529-4831 (phone), letters@staradvertiser.com, staradvertiser.com/editorial/submit-letter