If you ever wanted to spend some time in Hawaii, enjoying the warm weather and picture-perfect beaches, now you can. The state has launched the "Movers and Shakas" program, which offers free flights to remote workers looking to temporarily relocate.
Officials will start accepting the first group of applicants on December 15. They will give 50 lucky people a free round-trip flight to Oahu. Those who are selected will have to move within 30 days and commit to spending at least one month in the state. They will also be required to volunteer at local non-profits for a few hours every week.
The state hopes the new residents will boost the local economy, which has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.
"The pandemic has normalized remote work for the foreseeable future, so we believe this situation presents an opportunity for local residents to return home, and for out of state professionals to experience Hawaii, not as tourists, but as contributing members of our community," Jason Higa, the group's founder, told CNN.
The program will also help people get settled into their new accommodations by offering "exclusive discounts on month-to-month accommodations, flights, restaurants, attractions, and other services they need."
The state plans to accept more people in the future and expand the program to allow people to move to other islands.
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