Census seeks workers and assistance from nonprofits

Every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau takes a snapshot of the population, determining how many people reside within the nation's borders, who they are, and where they live. The results help determine your representation in government, as well as how federal funds are spent in your community on things like roads, parks, housing, schools, and public safety.

It is critical to our communities that we have an accurate census – not only for statistical purposes, such as grant proposals, but also because federal funds are allocated to the state based on the census. It has been reported that the 2000 census grossly undercounted Hawaii residents and, as a result, Hawaii did not receive its share of federal funds.

The U.S. Census Bureau released the 2009 State Population Estimates on Dec. 23. The Hawaii data is now posted on the DBEDT web site.

Census takers play a vital role in making sure that everyone is counted. The U.S. Census Bureau is now recruiting temporary, part-time census takers. These short-term jobs offer good pay, flexible hours, paid training and reimbursement for authorized work-related expenses, such as mileage incurred while conducting census work. Most census takers work right in their own communities.

Census jobs are attractive to people who want to work part-time, those who are between jobs or anyone who wants to earn extra money while performing an important service for the community. Pay for Hawaii census workers starts at $17 per hour.

More than 2,000 census takers are needed in Hawaii to help locate households and conduct brief personal interviews with residents. Most positions require a valid driver's license and use of a vehicle. However, use of public transportation may be authorized in certain areas. People with supervisory experience also are needed and are encouraged to take the supervisory test as soon as possible. Hiring will start after Jan. 1. Click here for more information.

Bilingual speakers are encouraged to apply. All census takers must be able to speak English, but people who have bilingual skills are needed in communities where a large number of residents primarily speak other languages. To apply, contact one of the Hawaii census offices:

• Waianae Office, Farrington Highway, Waianae, (808) 697-7220
• Honolulu Office, Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu, (808) 535-0920

The DBEDT 2010 Census web site, where you will find updated information about the 2010 census efforts in Hawaii is at: http://hawaii.gov/dbedt/info/census/Hawaii_Census_2010/. 

For 2010 Census promotional activities by state and county governmental offices, see the section under "2010 Census Hawaii Government Complete Count Committee" at: http://hawaii.gov/dbedt/info/census/Hawaii_Census_2010/2010-Census-HGCCC/.

The 2010 Census Hawaii Government Complete Count Committee has released the first issue of its 2010 Census Monthly Newsletter. The December issue of the newsletter is at: http://hawaii.gov/dbedt/info/census/Hawaii_Census_2010/2010-Census-HGCCC/Newsletter/Census_2010_Newsletter_Dec2009.pdf.