Gov. Linda Lingle activated the Rapid Response Team this morning to help employees laid off at the Kona Community Hospital, North Hawai'i Community Hospital, Maui Land and Pineapple, Kapalua Land Company and the Maui Pineapple Company.

Tomorrow, some of the affected workers will meet with the Rapid Response Team at 10 a.m at the Kapalua Training Center, 700 Village Road in Lahaina.

The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations' team is composed of staff from the Workforce Development Division and the Unemployment Insurance Division who will provide services from skills assessment, individual counseling, career planning, employment development, occupational skills training, on-the-job training, to entrepreneurial training.

On Friday, the Maui Land and Pineapple company announced it would cut 274 jobs, more than a quarter of its work force.

This session will be held for 46 employees being laid off Kapalua Land Company, and 24 in the corporate and community development unit.

Participants will also be provided information regarding unemployment benefits, welfare assistance and medical benefits.

"The administration's concern is for the employees and their families," said Darwin Ching, director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations in a prepared statement. "We will work to ensure that these workers are given every possible opportunity to find meaningful employment.

"We will do everything we can to assist these workers and their ability to provide for themselves and their families during this difficult time."