The Hilton Waikoloa Village resort on the Big Island is holding a job fair today to fill at least 30 positions at a time when many other hotels have been laying off or reducing hours because of the current economic downturn.

General Manager Debi Bishop said the positions are a combination of existing vacant positions as well as newly created jobs.

"The hotel is projecting a higher occupancy than last year for this fall and is gearing up for that," Bishop said. "There are actually a total of 38 positions: 21 full time, 3 part time, 13 casual, one temporary," she added.

Tourism — the state's No. 1 industry — has contracted over the past year and a half, with declining numbers of visitors coming to the Islands as part of a worldwide slowdown in travel.

Positions are available at the Kohala Coast resort in the culinary, food and beverage, and front office departments, and also at the Kohala Spa.

The resort will hold a job fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today in its Queen's Ballroom to interview applicants.

"We know that many people are looking for employment right now, and we feel fortunate to be in a position to hire workers," Bishop said. "We're proud to employ the Big Island's finest and have a wonderful 'ohana here."

Applicants can view and apply for specific positions at www.hiltonfamily.jobs and are encouraged to apply even before they attend the job fair.