Hawaii’s Flying Out Remote Workers For Free To Help Economy

The pandemic has introduced us all to the world of remote work, and now Hawaii, the epitome of relaxation, has taken it to the next level.

Movers and Shaka’s, the newly-launched state program, is offering free round-trip tickets to Oahu for out-of-state remote workers looking to call Hawaii home for a while.

The program was launched to help the tourism-based economy stay afloat in partnership with its government, businesses, and schools.

“We wanted to help fill the gap from the decrease we’ve experienced in the 7-day visitors to our state,” group founder Jason Higa said in a news release. “Now that many people have the choice to work remotely, there’s an opportunity for former residents to return home and for out-of-state individuals and families to live and work from Hawai‘i for a longer period.”

Those who apply for the program must commit to living in Hawaii for 30 days. According to People, applicants are being accepted on a rolling basis until Dec. 15. The first 50 qualified applicants will make up the first cohort and will be given a round-trip ticket to the main island.

The program also requires accepted participants “to commit a few hours every week to a nonprofit where they can use their knowledge and skills.”

Along with a free round-trip ticket, other benefits include “access to promotions, special program benefits, and opportunities to interact with the local community.”

“We believe this program will attract many former Hawai‘i residents and professionals seeking a safe, warm environment to continue living their normal lives while contributing to the Hawai‘i community,” Higa said.

In fact, Richard Matsui, a Movers and Shaka’s founder, recently relocated from San Francisco back to Hawaii as apart of the program and is thrilled with his decision.

“The pandemic provided an unexpected opportunity for me to leave the San Francisco Bay Area and work remotely from Hawaii. I’m excited by the prospect of Movers & Shakas bringing even more people like me who can help to diversify our local economy,” he said.