KAPOLEI, HAWAIʻI – The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA), in partnership with the American Association of University Women, Honolulu Branch (AAUW Honolulu), will launch the first Hawaiian Trades Academy Commercial Driver License (CDL) training course exclusively for wāhine (Wahine Cohort).
“Entering a traditionally male-dominated industry such as commercial driving can feel daunting for women,” said CNHA chief executive officer Kūhiō Lewis. “Our Wahine Cohort aims to eliminate obstacles and establish a supportive environment, enabling women to confidently pursue new career opportunities. We want to extend a warm mahalo to AAUW Honolulu for recognizing the need for this program and partnering with us.”
The training program for the Wahine Cohort starts in July 2023 with limited seats. Applications are currently being accepted for this six-week course that includes CDL theory training, simulator training, and behind-the-wheel training that meet Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requirements. Participants will train, then test for the CDL-A license. Included in the course is Native Hawaiian cultural education, financial education and job readiness education.
The course requires a completed medical examiner’s certificate and a CDL-A permit prior to training. A free CDL-A permit prep class will be held June 5, 6 and 7. A CDL-A licensed driver in Hawaiʻi can earn between $53,000 to over $90,000 annually.
The Hawaiian Trades Academy delivers workforce development programs across the state. Since inception, the Hawaiian Trades Academy has serviced over 500 students in carpentry, craftsmanship, CDL-A licensing, firefighter exam preparation, police officer exam preparation, and solar energy. The CDL-A Wahine Cohort will be its 21st academy.
Anyone interested in joining the Wahine Cohort for the CDL-A training program may contact Hawaiian Trades Academy Program Manager Kāne Lindsey at (808) 204-2726 or kane@hawaiiancouncil.org.
About the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) is a member-based 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission to enhance the cultural, economic, political, and community development of Native Hawaiians. Headquartered in Kapolei, CNHA is a Native Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) certified by the U.S. Treasury department and a HUD-Certified Housing Counseling agency. CNHA provides access to capital, financial education and individualized financial counseling services with a focus on low and moderate-income families. CNHA serves as a National Intermediary, providing grants and loans targeting underserved communities in Hawaiʻi. For more information, visit www.hawaiiancouncil.org.
About AAUW Honolulu
For over a century, AAUW Honolulu has sought to advance gender equity throughout our island home. Through academic scholarships, professional development grants, programming, and community partnerships, AAUW Honolulu strives to promote economic security for women and girls of all economic backgrounds. For more information, visit www.aauwhonolulu.org.
Media Contacts:
CNHA
Dawn Hirai
dawn@strykerweiner.com (808) 722-9445
Lance Aquino
(808) 398-0657
AAUW Honolulu
Hope Bennet, president, board of directors