Tesoro Hawaii moves forward with refinery layoffs
'Handful' of Tesoro Hawaii employees at Kapolei refinery begin receiving layoff notices
KAPOLEI, Hawaii (AP) -- Tesoro Hawaii is moving forward with plans to lay-off workers in phases at the Kapolei oil refinery as discussions continue with potential buyers.
Spokesman Lance Tanaka says a "handful" of employees were given notices Monday that they will be laid off starting June 17 and 21.
He says if a buyer emerges, that could change.
The company previously announced they would postpone layoffs. The state was notified last month the company plans to lay-off 165 workers in phases.
U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz say they are looking for ways to help affected workers.
They say they'll help ensure there's no fuel supply disruption.
Tesoro Corp. has said the Kapolei refinery and 32 Hawaii gas stations are no longer in line with the company's strategic focus.
