Tough job market
Is it true that corporations and businesses are required to post job openings even if there are no jobs available?
I’ve been out of work since August. I have a lot of experience and go on dozens of interviews, and I get the same responses, such as … “we have no money to hire at this time” (HFS), “we will continue to look at other applicants at this time” (HMSA), “no more positions available at this time” (Bank of Hawaii, American Savings, CPB, First Hawaiian Bank), and my favorite, “Oh, we cant hire friends of friends, relatives, hanai or anyone who knows anybody at this agency” (Title Guarantee).
I was told by a friend that … satisfying the federal and state guidelines is a requirement.
This is not right, going through the whole interview feeling good about it, only to be told all those reasons why you didn’t get the position. I’ve never been out of work this long and feel as if I’m being cheated by the system.
June Gomes
Pahoa
Why they’ll fail
Note to those who will, once again, attempt to cut short the geothermal permitting process: You tried this with the 500-megawatt project, and, thanks to concerned citizens and the federal court system, it didn’t work.
We’re STILL all here because you’re STILL not all there.
Lynne Goldstein
Keaau
What a waste
Dear PUC: The stated purpose of the Home Energy Report is to (a) provide information, (b) track progress, (c) share energy efficient tips. It does none of the above.
The report does not account for variance in home occupancy or the fact that some of us work from home or stay at home during the day — hence consuming more power at home while other “more efficient” neighbors are probably at work, consuming even more power there. So the information provided is flawed.
The “neighbor efficiency rank” is both intrusive and meaningless. Is this peer pressure or just spying on your neighbor’s power meters and the amount of laundry they put in the dryer every week? And this is how I’m supposed to measure consumption and track my progress? Thanks, but I’d rather see real progress on my power bill by having HELCO improve operating efficiency and develop more cost-efficient power generation and distribution methods.
As for sharing tips, the “action steps” are a joke. Surely, everyone in Hawaii has already replaced the refrigerator, put squiggly bulbs in our light fixtures, and turned off lights when not in use. Is this PUC’s idea of public awareness?
My neighborhood is pretty dark at night since we are all well aware of the cost of electricity. Surely, this so-called “energy saving program” WASTES more energy than it can possibly save.
How much energy — and money — does it take to collect and compile the data, print the report, mail it, have the post office deliver it? Lather, rinse, repeat. The administrative costs of this useless exercise produce exactly ZERO energy and saves ZERO dollars.
Instead of having rate-payers fund this ridiculous “neighborhood comparison,” how about getting rid of the program and investing in more practical solutions?
Sylvia Dahlby
Hilo
