"Just in Time" Workforce Assistance Program ~
In March, the Director of the local Workforce Development Office indicated that due to an overwhelming number of applicants, and cut-backs in workforce staff, his office was unable to provide adequate service to clients.  Specifically, he indicated that many Workforce clients do not have the basic computers skills to fill out job applications, to prepare resumes, or search for employment on-line.      
With concurrence from the KCC Chancellor, RDP staff developed a 15 hour course that provided Workforce clients, during April-June, 2009, with an orientation to computers, one-on-one assistance in completing on-line applications and resumes, job searching via the internet, and job interview skills. 

"Just in Time" RN State Licensing Board Examination Assistance ~
RDP was contacted in March by the President of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce regarding possible assistance to the Filipino community.  Specifically, he indicated there are approximately 20 residents of Kauai who were trained Registered Nurses in the Philippines that have been unable to pass the Hawaii State Licensing Board Examination.  He indicated that because they have been unable to pass the examination these individuals are working as lower paid Certified Nurses’ Aides.   Because there is an acute need for registered Nurses on Kauai RDP began exploring a course to assist these residents in passing the state exam.  The KCC Chancellor has given approval to proceed with this project.  Accordingly, the Director of Nursing at KCC was contacted and has secured an instructor to present a 42 hour course aimed at preparing students to pass the state exam.  Other partners in this project included Workforce Development and Garden Island Healthcare.   Classes began on May 20th, 2009 with 15 students.  All students successfully completed the 6 week course and are prepared to take the state board examination to become registered nurses.

Kauai Police Department – Entry Level Test Preparation Course  ~
In January RDP staff conducted a six session course designed to prepare applicants to pass the entry level examination for Kauai Police Officer.  Nationwide 50% of all applicants for the position of Police Officer fail the entry level examination.  This course focused heavily on Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Spelling, and Ethical Decision Making.   RDP partnered with KPD and Workforce Development to advertise and promote this course.  The Kauai Police Department Recruiting Lieutenant addressed the class on the first night providing students with insight into the testing process, and handled questions from students.   Intake forms were collected from 21 students, with 12 students completing the entire six session course.  As of this report the County of Kauai is still in the process of administering the test to applicants.  Students have been urged to call RDP to report how they faired on the test.  Thus far of the eight students who have taken the examination, seven were successful, an 87.5% pass rate.

Energy Conservation Program ~
In December RDP began discussions with KCC administration on a project related to energy conservation.  Kauai Community College, like all UH campuses, has been mandated to reduce energy costs as a method to address budget shortfalls throughout the UH system.   To address this issue, in the first quarter of 2009, RDP, partnering with OCET, met with the head of KCC’s Maintenance Department to plan the action steps for this project.  In January and February RDP staff contacted a local vendor of energy savings electrical sensors that would automatically turn lights off in selected locations, mostly restrooms and classrooms, around the campus when they were not in use.   In June RDP funding was utilized to purchase 50 sensors.  As of this report the KCC maintenance department is installing these devices during the summer break in bathrooms and classrooms.

Scuba Instructor Development Course and Instructor Examination ~
In November 2008, eleven of the twelve participants in this program successfully passed the examination and obtained certification as Scuba Instructors.  In February, 2009, the twelfth student, utilizing his own funds, travelled to Oahu and retook one portion of the course he failed.  The student was successful in passing the examination on this try.   As of this date, nine students have secured positions with local dive shops.  

Chain Saw Safety & Tree Felling 2007 ~ RDP in Partnership with Kauai Landscape Industry Council Safe chainsaw operation and its relationship to proper maintenance have been unequivocally established as a major concern and challenge for anyone who owns and/or operates a chain saw. Knowledge and use of proper felling practices is also very important to minimize the risk of serious injury and fatalities during tree felling
Local Supervisors, managers, and employees were encouraged to attend so that they might best understand and facilitate practice, compliance, and mastery of important safety requirements and procedures on the job.