We had the senior HR Director of PHI up at the school I've now started training at(!) a few days ago - he's looking for all those CFII's with 1000 hours or more. I wouldn't have thought it would be worth his while paying a visit if pilots were so easy to attract...
He also mentioned that PHI were considering sponsoring foreign applicants visas.
The question was asked directly about hours and there seemed to be no chance of reducing the hour requirement.