Felon Friendly Jobs in Hawaii | Second Chance Employment

Hawaii offers various job opportunities for individuals with felony records, providing a second chance for redemption and reintegration into society. According to the Hawaii Department of Public Safety, over 2,000 individuals are released from prison each year, and finding employment is crucial for their successful reentry. 

With a felony conviction on their record, finding employment can feel like climbing a mountain without a map. But don’t lose hope—there is a way forward! Our mission is to guide you in securing jobs, finding apartments, understanding your voting rights, selecting professions, and accessing grants and loans. We also provide information on insurance options and much more, tailored to your specific state. We’re here to help you navigate these challenges and build a brighter future.

Jeremy Larry

Latest Second chance Jobs in Hawaii

Searching for “no background check jobs near me” and living in Hawaii ? Here are the latest opportunities hiring felons in the state. Residents of Honolulu, Hilo, Kailua, Kapolei, Kahului, Kaneohe, Mililani, Ewa Beach, Pearl City, Waipahu, or any other city in Hawaii should apply for the positions mentioned below. 

Some of the listed jobs are open to felons with no experience. Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to secure your position.

Is Hawaii a Felon-Friendly state?

Yes, Hawaii is considered a felon-friendly state. It offers various resources to support individuals with criminal records. The state provides access to free grants for felons. These grants aid in rehabilitation and help felons get back on their feet. In Hawaii, individuals with felony convictions never lose their voting rights, even while incarcerated.

Additionally, Hawaii offers second chance apartments for felons. These apartments provide affordable housing options and a supportive community. These initiatives show Hawaii’s commitment to promoting reintegration and rehabilitation. It is an ideal place for individuals with criminal records to start anew.

Places That Hire Felons in Hawaii

There are various industries and companies that are known to be more open to hiring ex-offenders. I mention the job category and in that category companies that are felony friendly

Let’s explore various job categories and companies that are known to hire felons, providing a pathway to rebuilding lives and securing a brighter future.

Hospitality and Tourism

Hawaii’s vibrant tourism industry offers numerous opportunities for second chances. Many hospitality companies value dedication and hard work over past mistakes, making them great places to begin anew.

  • Hilton Hawaiian Village: This renowned resort welcomes individuals with a passion for hospitality, offering roles in housekeeping, maintenance, and food services.
  • Marriott Hotels: Known for its inclusive policies, Marriott hires in various capacities including kitchen staff, groundskeeping, and guest services.
  • Outrigger Resorts: With a focus on providing excellent service, Outrigger Resorts offers positions in administration, customer service, and hospitality management.
  • Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort: This hotel is a great place to start a career in hospitality, with roles in guest services, housekeeping, and food services.
  • Aston Hotels & Resorts: Providing a supportive environment, Aston Hotels hires in front desk management, maintenance, and customer service.
  • The Kahala Hotel & Resort: Known for its luxury service, this resort offers jobs in hospitality management, housekeeping, and customer service.

Construction and Trade

The construction industry in Hawaii is always in need of skilled and dedicated workers. These companies often provide the training needed to succeed, making them ideal for those seeking a new beginning.

  • Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company: They believe in second chances and offer positions for laborers, carpenters, and electricians.
  • Hensel Phelps: This company is known for hiring felons in various construction trades, providing opportunities to build a solid career.
  • Nan, Inc.: A significant player in Hawaii’s construction industry, offering a variety of entry-level and skilled positions.
  • Swinerton Builders: Provides roles in project management, carpentry, and site supervision, welcoming those looking for a fresh start.
  • Kiewit Corporation: Offers positions in construction engineering, labor, and project management, valuing hard work and dedication.
  • Nordic PCL Construction: Known for its inclusive hiring practices, offering jobs in construction management, labor, and technical trades.

Retail

Retail offers numerous entry-level positions that can lead to career growth. These companies are known for their inclusive hiring practices.

  • Walmart: With several locations in Hawaii, Walmart provides roles ranging from stock clerks to customer service representatives.
  • Home Depot: Known for hiring felons, Home Depot offers positions in inventory, customer service, and sales.
  • Costco: This wholesale giant offers various jobs such as cashier, stocker, and customer service roles.
  • Target: Provides opportunities in sales, stock, and customer service, welcoming those with a felony conviction.
  • Lowe’s: Offers positions in sales, customer service, and inventory management, providing a supportive work environment.
  • Safeway: Known for hiring in roles such as grocery management, cashier, and stock clerks, Safeway values dedication and reliability.

Food Service

The food service industry is always in need of enthusiastic and hardworking individuals. These companies provide a welcoming environment for those looking to start anew.

  • McDonald’s: Offers roles such as crew member, cook, and maintenance, providing a supportive workplace.
  • Subway: Known for hiring felons, Subway offers positions in sandwich artistry, customer service, and store management.
  • Taco Bell: Provides opportunities in food preparation, customer service, and shift management, valuing dedication and hard work.
  • Burger King: Offers jobs in food preparation, customer service, and maintenance, welcoming individuals seeking a second chance.
  • Pizza Hut: Known for hiring in roles such as delivery, kitchen staff, and customer service, Pizza Hut offers a supportive environment.
  • Starbucks: Provides positions such as barista, shift supervisor, and store manager, known for its inclusive hiring practices.

Healthcare

The healthcare industry offers various non-clinical roles that can be a great fit for those looking to rebuild their lives.

  • Kaiser Permanente: Offers positions in administrative support, maintenance, and other non-clinical roles, providing a supportive environment.
  • Hawaii Pacific Health: Provides jobs in housekeeping, food services, and patient transport, valuing dedication and reliability.
  • Queen’s Medical Center: Known for hiring in various support roles including clerical and maintenance, offering a path to career growth.
  • Castle Medical Center: Offers opportunities in administration, housekeeping, and support services, welcoming those looking for a new beginning.
  • Straub Medical Center: Provides roles in patient transport, food services, and administrative support, valuing hard work and dedication.

Transportation

Transportation companies often offer roles that do not require extensive background checks, making them ideal for those with felony convictions.

  • UPS: Offers positions in package handling, delivery driving, and logistics management, providing a supportive environment.
  • FedEx: Known for hiring in roles such as package handler, delivery driver, and customer service, valuing hard work and dedication.
  • Hawaiian Airlines: Provides opportunities in ground support, customer service, and maintenance, welcoming those looking for a fresh start.
  • Young Brothers, LLC: Offers jobs in logistics, shipping, and dock operations, providing a pathway to career growth.
  • Roberts Hawaii: Known for hiring in transportation, customer service, and tour operations, offering a supportive workplace.
  • TheBus (Oahu Transit Services): Provides positions in driving, maintenance, and administrative support, valuing dedication and reliability.

Manufacturing

The manufacturing sector provides numerous job opportunities that are accessible to those with a felony conviction.

  • Hawaiian Host: Known for producing chocolates and snacks, offering positions in production and packaging, valuing hard work and dedication.
  • HFM FoodService: Provides jobs in food processing, warehousing, and logistics, welcoming those looking for a new beginning.

Landscaping and Maintenance

Landscaping and maintenance companies often hire individuals based on their willingness to work hard, making them great opportunities for those with a felony conviction.

  • BrightView Landscape Services: Offers positions in landscaping, groundskeeping, and maintenance, providing a supportive environment.
  • Lawn Doctor of Honolulu: Provides opportunities in lawn care, landscaping, and customer service, welcoming those looking for a fresh start.
  • TruGreen: Known for hiring in lawn care, maintenance, and customer service roles, offering a supportive workplace.

Warehousing and Logistics

Warehousing and logistics companies often offer roles that are accessible to those with a felony conviction, providing opportunities for career growth.

  • Amazon: Offers roles in warehousing, packaging, and distribution, providing a supportive work environment.
  • Hawaii Logistics: Known for hiring in warehousing, inventory management, and distribution roles, valuing hard work and dedication.
  • Aloha Air Cargo: Offers jobs in cargo handling, logistics, and warehousing, providing a pathway to career growth.
  • Kuehne + Nagel: Known for hiring in logistics, warehousing, and distribution roles, offering a supportive workplace.
  • DHX – Dependable Hawaiian Express: Provides positions in warehousing, logistics, and transportation, valuing dedication and reliability.

Cleaning and Janitorial Services

Cleaning and janitorial services provide numerous job opportunities for those looking to start anew. These companies often value reliability and a strong work ethic.

  • Jani-King: Offers positions in cleaning, janitorial services, and maintenance, providing a supportive environment.
  • ABM Industries: Known for hiring in roles such as cleaning, janitorial, and maintenance services, valuing dedication and reliability.
  • ServiceMaster Clean: Provides opportunities in cleaning, janitorial services, and maintenance, welcoming those looking for a fresh start.
  • The Cleaning Authority: Offers jobs in residential and commercial cleaning services, providing a pathway to career growth.
  • Merry Maids: Known for hiring in residential cleaning services and customer support roles, offering a supportive workplace.
  • Coverall: Provides positions in cleaning, janitorial services, and maintenance, valuing hard work and dedication.

Call Centers

Call centers are always in need of customer service representatives and support staff. These companies are known for their inclusive hiring practices.

  • Alorica: Offers positions in customer service, call center operations, and support, providing a supportive environment.
  • Concentrix: Known for hiring in roles such as customer service, technical support, and call center operations, valuing dedication and reliability.
  • Teleperformance: Provides opportunities in customer service, support, and call center operations, welcoming those looking for a fresh start.
  • TTEC: Known for hiring in customer service, support, and call center roles, providing a supportive workplace.

Automotive Services

Automotive services provide numerous job opportunities for those interested in working with vehicles. These companies value technical skills and a willingness to learn.

  • Jiffy Lube: Offers positions in automotive maintenance, customer service, and technical roles, providing a supportive environment.
  • Firestone Complete Auto Care: Known for hiring in automotive repair, maintenance, and customer service roles, valuing dedication and reliability.
  • Midas: Provides opportunities in automotive repair, maintenance, and customer service, welcoming those looking for a fresh start.
  • Pep Boys: Offers jobs in automotive maintenance, repair, and customer service, known for its inclusive hiring practices.
  • AutoZone: Known for hiring in automotive parts, customer service, and maintenance roles, providing a supportive workplace.
  • O’Reilly Auto Parts: Provides positions in automotive parts, customer service, and technical support, valuing hard work and dedication.

Nonprofit Organizations

Nonprofit organizations often provide a supportive environment for those looking to rebuild their lives. These organizations value dedication to their mission and a willingness to help others.

  • Goodwill Hawaii: Offers job training, employment placement services, and other support to individuals with barriers to employment, providing a supportive environment.
  • The Salvation Army: Known for hiring in roles such as retail, support services, and administration, valuing dedication and reliability.
  • YMCA of Honolulu: Provides opportunities in various support roles, welcoming those looking for a fresh start.
  • Catholic Charities Hawaii: Offers jobs in social services, administration, and support roles, known for its inclusive hiring practices.
  • Hawaii Foodbank: Provides positions in warehousing, distribution, and support services, valuing hard work and dedication.
  • Helping Hands Hawaii: Known for hiring in roles such as support services, administration, and outreach, providing a supportive workplace.

Security Services

Security companies often provide roles that do not require extensive background checks, making them ideal for those with a felony conviction.

  • Securitas: Offers positions in security, monitoring, and customer service, providing a supportive environment.
  • Allied Universal: Known for hiring in security services, patrol, and monitoring roles, valuing hard work and dedication.
  • American Guard Services: Known for hiring in security, customer service, and monitoring roles, offering a supportive workplace.
  • Hawaii Protective Association: Provides positions in security, monitoring, and patrol services, valuing dedication and reliability.

Job Market of Hawaii Specifically for Offenders

According to the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR), Hawaii’s unemployment rate was 2.4% in early 2024, reflecting a stable job market. 

General Job Market Trends

In 2023, Hawaii experienced a robust job market recovery post-pandemic, with sectors like tourism, healthcare, and construction seeing significant growth. The state’s employment increased by 3% from 2022 to 2023, with over 700,000 individuals employed across various industries.

Offender Employment Trends

Offenders in Hawaii face higher unemployment rates compared to the general population. According to a 2023 report by the Hawaii Correctional Industries (HCI), the unemployment rate among offenders was approximately 25%. However, initiatives like the Work Furlough Program and community-based employment services have shown promising results, reducing the unemployment rate among participating offenders to 15%.

Which other states offer Second Chance Employment?

Background Check Limits For Felons in Hawaii 

Hawaii has implemented various laws and regulations to ensure fair hiring practices and protect employers from potential risks . 

Here are the background check limits for felons in Hawaii:

Hawaii Ban the Box Law

Employers can only inquire about criminal convictions after a conditional offer of employment. They must conduct an individualized assessment of the conviction history and its relation to the job before making a final hiring decision.

Arrest Records

Employers cannot consider arrest records unless there is evidence that the arrest directly relates to job duties or the candidate’s ability to perform the role. Expunged criminal records cannot be considered, and candidates cannot be asked about expungements.

Credit Reports

Employers are prohibited from checking credit reports before making a conditional offer of employment. They can only use credit reports if there is a substantial relationship between the candidate’s financial history and the role.

Salary Inquiries

Employers can ask candidates about salary expectations but cannot ask about salary history in previous roles. Salary history cannot be used to determine salary or benefits for the role.

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

Employers must provide written notice and receive written consent before performing background checks. If information from the search causes an employer not to hire the candidate, they must follow the adverse action process.

Local Hawaii Fair Hiring Laws

There are no local fair hiring laws in Hawaii. All employers must follow Hawaii Revised Statutes §378-2.5(a), which prohibits inquiries into a candidate’s conviction history until after a conditional offer of employment.

Criminal background checks are limited to seven years for felony convictions and five years for misdemeanor convictions. Employers that use a background check provider must comply with the FCRA’s requirements for companies relying on background checks in the hiring process.

Resources for Felons in Hawaii 

Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR)

The DLIR offers a variety of programs specifically designed to assist individuals with criminal records in finding employment. According to the DLIR, their Workforce Development Division provides job training, resume building, and job search assistance tailored for felons. This support can be instrumental in regaining confidence and building a new career path. For more information.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit is a federal tax credit available to employers who hire individuals from target groups, including felons. This initiative incentivizes businesses to offer second chances to those with criminal records. According to the IRS, businesses can receive a tax credit of up to $9,600 per eligible employee. This program can be a significant factor in encouraging employers to consider hiring felons. 

Goodwill Hawaii

Goodwill Hawaii offers job training, placement services, and ongoing support for individuals with criminal records. Goodwill’s programs include job readiness workshops, vocational training, and individualized career counseling. According to Goodwill Hawaii, they have successfully helped over 13,000 individuals annually find employment. 

Indeed

Search for “felony jobs” or “second chance jobs” in Hawaii. Indeed allows you to filter your search by location and job type.

SimplyHired

Search for “felony friendly employers” in Hawaii. SimplyHired connects job seekers with employers who are open to hiring individuals with criminal records.

LifeChangers, Inc.

This organization offers a compilation of resources for felons seeking employment, including financial assistance programs and links to job boards.

Fiverr

Fiverr is a global online marketplace offering tasks and services, starting at $5 per job. It’s a great platform for felons to offer freelance services such as graphic design, writing, programming, and more.

Upwork

Upwork connects freelancers with clients in need of various services, ranging from web development to administrative support. Felons can create profiles, showcase their skills, and bid on projects.

Freelancer

Similar to Upwork, Freelancer allows users to bid on projects posted by clients. It covers a wide range of categories, including software development, data entry, and marketing.

Final Thoughts

Hawaii provides various resources and job opportunities for individuals with felony records, offering them a second chance for reintegration into society. 

The Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) and the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) incentivize employers to hire felons. Non-profit organizations like Goodwill Hawaii and the Salvation Army offer job training, placement services, and ongoing support. 

Educational institutions, such as Windward Community College and Hawaii Community College, provide vocational training and educational programs tailored for felons. Legal assistance is available through the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, helping to expunge records and improve job prospects. Numerous companies in industries like hospitality, construction, retail, food service, healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, and more are known for their inclusive hiring practices, providing a pathway to a brighter future for those with a felony conviction.

 These resources collectively aim to rebuild lives, restore self-sufficiency, and foster a supportive community.

FAQs

Yes, companies in Hawaii are willing to hire individuals with a felony record. These companies may have specific programs or policies in place to support the hiring of individuals with criminal backgrounds.

Felon-friendly jobs in Hawaii can vary, but common options include positions in hospitality, construction, landscaping, food service, customer service, and some retail industries.

Being honest during the job application process is important. Employers may conduct background checks, so disclosing your felony record upfront and providing context or information about your rehabilitation efforts is advisable.

Yes, resources are available to help individuals with felony records find employment in Hawaii. These include job training programs, reentry programs, and organizations that specialize in helping individuals with criminal backgrounds find work.

Focusing on building job skills, obtaining certifications or training, networking with potential employers, and demonstrating your commitment to rehabilitation and success can improve your chances of getting a job with a felony record in Hawaii.

Yes, some employers in Hawaii offer second chance opportunities for individuals with felony records. These employers may have specific programs or initiatives to support the hiring and success of individuals with criminal backgrounds.

Individuals with felony records may be eligible to apply for government jobs in Hawaii in some cases. Each government agency may have its own policies and restrictions regarding hiring individuals with criminal backgrounds.

During a job interview in Hawaii, address your felony record by being honest, taking responsibility for your past actions, highlighting your rehabilitation efforts and accomplishments, and emphasizing your qualifications and skills for the job.

Networking with employers who are open to hiring individuals with criminal backgrounds, obtaining relevant job training or certifications, being proactive in your job search, and staying positive and persistent in your efforts are key tips for finding and securing a felon-friendly job in Hawaii.

About us
We are a hub of information all about felons, covering every single thing about ex-offenders on our website. Our offerings include felon-friendly apartments, houses, grants and loans, jobs and companies that hire ex-offenders, legal affairs, insurance, and much more. Read more
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I’m Jeremy Larry, once enjoying a fulfilling career and life, then reshaped by a felony conviction. This pivotal moment drove me to help others facing similar challenges. Today, I dedicate my efforts to guiding felons in finding employment, housing, and financial aid through comprehensive resources and advocacy. My mission is clear: to provide a pathway to redemption and a second chance for those who seek it.

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