Eligibility for the state's 2010 Summer Youth Employment Program has been expanded to provide more young people with summer jobs opportunities that pay $8 or more per hour at government and nonprofit agencies, the departments of Labor and Industrial Relations and Human Services announced today.

"We are excited about this opportunity for our young adults to earn wages, gain meaningful work experience and be exposed to great careers," Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona said in a statement.

Federal officials recently expanded eligibility for the Summer Youth Employment Program to 600 percent of the federal poverty level, which Hawaii officials said means most young people in Hawai'i are eligible.

Those on Oahu ages 14 through 23 can sign up for jobs at the Youth Summer Job Enrollment Day tomorrow from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations' Princess Ruth Keelikolani Building on 830 Punchbowl St. Officials said more than 1,000 are expected to sign up for the program.

Those on the Neighbor Islands can apply at the nearest DLIR Workforce Development Division Office.

Applications can be downloaded at http://hawaii.gov/labor/wdd/summer-youth-employment-program.