DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
DAVID Y. IGE
GOVERNOR
SCOTT T. MURAKAMI
DIRECTOR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 15, 2019
STATE LAUNCHES NEW UNEMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS
HONOLULU — The Hawaii State Department of Labor & Industrial Relations (DLIR) today announced the successful launch of a newly implemented unemployment insurance employer web application as well as an expanded claimant web application for claimants proficient in Cantonese and Mandarin with translations in Simplified Chinese.
“These innovative and responsive applications are enhancing the way employers and claimants interact with the department to provide effective and efficient customer service,” stated Director Scott Murakami. “This project is an example of working towards Gov. Ige’s charge to restore the public’s trust in government by committing to reforms that increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve transparency and accountability.”
The department compiles data on Limited English Proficiency (LEP) populations served and determined Cantonese as the most widely used foreign language. In line with the department’s ongoing policy to provide meaningful access to its customers, the claimant web application was enhanced to offer Simplified Chinese to this population.
Employers are also now able to electronically file wage and tax data, make tax payments, update and make changes to their accounts, and view real time data. Employers filing quarterly wage reports online significantly simplifies the preparation and submission of tax and wage data, saves taxpayer’s money, and results in greater accuracy when calculating taxes due.
The software was developed in partnership with DataHouse Consulting Inc. “For us at DataHouse, its always been about the people and relationships, and honoring the trust given to us by our clients,” stated President Edward Ontai.” We greatly appreciate the true partnership in this effort, one that we feel was the “secret sauce” to our collective success.”
The department encourages employers to register with this innovative application before January 1, 2020, when it becomes mandatory. The new website is secure, free, and easy to use and is found at www.uiclaims.hawaii.gov.
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View DLIR news releases:
https://labor.hawaii.gov/blog/category/news/
Media Contact:
Bill Kunstman
Department of Labor and Industrial Relations
(808) 586-8845
[email protected]
https://labor.hawaii.gov