Kamaaina Come Home Program

Funder: Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, in partnership with University of Hawaii and Engineering Sector Partnership

Program Type: Job placement and mentorship program for returning professionals

Target Participants: Hawaii-born or Hawaii-connected engineers and IT professionals seeking to return to the islands; employers seeking engineering talent

Geographic Scope: Statewide Hawaii (part of Engineering Sector Partnership initiative)

Trademarked By: Hawaii Island Economic Development Board

A no-cost initiative designed to reconnect Hawaii-born engineers and IT professionals currently living on the mainland with engineering opportunities in Hawaii. The program addresses Hawaii's critical workforce shortage in engineering and IT fields by leveraging technology and professional networks.

Problem Being Addressed:

• Hawaii faces significant talent drain, particularly in engineering
• UH College of Engineering graduates only meet 73% of Hawaii's engineering workforce needs
• Approximately 350 engineering jobs remain open annually
• 27% engineering workforce gap needs to be filled
• Calculus prerequisite creates barriers for K-12 students in STEM pathway

Key Program Components:

1. For Returning Professionals: One-on-one mentorship matching with local engineering professionals; exclusive LinkedIn group; networking events; informational resources; job placement support
2. For K-12 Students: Career awareness initiatives; math readiness programs; early exposure to engineering pathways; focus on increasing women's participation in STEM
3. For Employers: Direct access to skilled, Hawaii-connected engineering professionals; support in filling positions

Key Benefits:

• One-on-one mentorship from established local professionals
• Access to exclusive LinkedIn group for networking
• Networking events and professional connections
• Job insights and career guidance
• Early support system for those planning to return
• No-cost program

Program History:

• Engineering Sector Partnership launched in 2018
• Kamaaina Come Home launched as key initiative in 2025
• Emerged from July 2020 UH/Chamber summit on engineering talent pipeline
• Goal: Create "cradle-to-career" system for aspiring engineers

Partners:

• Engineering Sector Partnership (industry-driven initiative)
• University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Engineering
• Chamber of Commerce Hawaii
• CONSOR Engineers
• Local engineering firms and employers

Contact:

• McKenna Dale, Manager of Workforce Development: mdale@cochawaii.org or (808) 380-2606
• Vanessa Rogers, Vice President of Workforce Development: vrogers@cochawaii.org

Application Process

For Returning Engineers/Professionals:

1. Join the exclusive LinkedIn group (one-stop shop for opportunities)
2. Attend networking events to connect with local professionals
3. Apply for one-on-one mentorship matching
4. Participate in mentoring relationship with assigned local professional
5. Access job placement support and industry insights
6. Leverage professional network for transition back to Hawaii

For Employers/Businesses:

1. Contact the Chamber to learn about joining the initiative
2. Participate in networking events to meet returning professionals
3. Offer mentorship and informational interviews
4. Post job opportunities
5. Provide insights into local engineering landscape
6. Work with Chamber to match with qualified returning professionals

How to Get Started:

• Visit the program website
• Join the LinkedIn group
• Contact McKenna Dale or Vanessa Rogers at Chamber for questions and to express interest
• Attend networking events
• Available at no cost

Key Resources Provided:

• Exclusive LinkedIn group
• Networking events
• One-on-one mentorship
• Career resources and guidance
• Job placement assistance