HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Hawaiian Council is taking local employment initiatives into its own hands through its for-profit subsidiary, Hawai‘i Holdings & Investments.
The Council has acquired Hawai‘i Staffing and Services, or HSS, in a move to strengthen workforce development across the islands.
Formerly known as Superior Staffing Services, HSS employs more than 400 people. Since its acquisition earlier this year, the company has restructured and rebranded to expand operations.
It is now a certified Professional Employer Organization, or PEO, that offers full human resource and compliance solutions for Hawai‘i businesses.
“This acquisition strengthens our ability to connect people with meaningful employment and local businesses with the talent they need,” said Kūhiō Lewis, CEO of the Hawaiian Council.
He went on to explain further.
“When we approach workforce development and human resource management through a cultural lens, we’re not just filling jobs — we’re investing in Hawai‘i’s people, our values, and the future of our islands. We see a tremendous void in this market that we plan to fill.”
Based in Kapolei, HSS is led by Executive Director Samlynn Kubota and a team of HR professionals. The company provides flexible staffing and full scale HR support to meet Hawai‘i’s changing workforce needs.
Services include short term placements, contract to hire options and specialized team building for complex projects.
Through its PEO division, HSS works with businesses in co employment relationships to manage payroll, benefits, compliance and employee relations. These services give employers the freedom to focus on their operations while HSS handles the administrative details.
“At Hawai‘i Staffing and Services, we are designed to grow alongside our clients, whether they’re startups navigating early growth or established organizations seeking to streamline operations,” Kubota said.
“By combining our PEO expertise and staffing capabilities with a deep understanding of Hawai‘i’s people and culture, we’re helping to build a more resilient workforce for the future,” he added.
HSS clients include:
- Hawai‘i Convention Center.
- Alzheimer’s Association.
- Kapena School of Music.
- Hawai‘i Stage.
These companies’ efforts align with the Hawaiian Council’s broader mission to strengthen Hawai‘i’s workforce through education, training and local employment initiatives.
Other programs under the Council include Hawaiian Trades Academy and the Maui Workforce Development Program, which prepare residents for skilled careers grounded in local knowledge and values.
You can watch Lewis’s full interview above.
Click here to find out about Hawai‘i Staffing and Services and here to learn more about Hawaiian Council.
The Hawaiian Council continues to expand through Hawai‘i Holdings & Investments, which manages its portfolio of for-profit ventures in areas such as live event production, retail, cultural tourism and workforce development; and each is focused on creating lasting economic opportunity across the pae ʻāina.