LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce recently sent a survey to all of its members, and the results concluded that most businesses rank the safety and health of the people of Kaua‘i as a top priority before their own business needs. Yet there were still some mixed responses.
The survey disclosed that 40% of businesses say they will close within the next six months if there is no sign of visitors returning to the island, and over 70% believe the 14-day interisland quarantine is necessary to protect the community regardless of its impact on local business.
Greg Askew, president of OnoPops Kaua‘i, endorses the survey’s overall summary.
“OPK believes that until we can protect the public health through testing, tracking, quarantining or even a highly-effective vaccine, the local economy will struggle to recover,” said Askew.
“Local businesses are struggling to adapt to be able to survive. Some will survive, but unfortunately many will not. But our community’s health and safety are more important than business,” he said.
Askew said before the pandemic, OnoPops were available at 46 Kaua‘i retailers from Wainiha to the top of Waimea Canyon. In April that dropped to 12, but has since grown to 26.
“Five of them are new OPK retailers: Wilcox Hospital, Japanese Grandma’s Cafe, Haole Girl Sweets, BBs Kaua‘i and Lawai Store opening in September,” said Askew.
Like most businesses fortunate enough to work through the pandemic, Askew also had to make some changes.
Prior to COVID-19 Askew had three full-time staff on board, but now has three part-time staff with no layoffs.
Even though OPK was impacted by COVID-19, they were able to give back to the community.
“We’ve donated chest freezers to nonprofits feeding the hungry,” said Askew. “OPK has been donating to all the hospital staff at Mahelona Medical Center, Wilcox, KVMH, Kaua‘i Hospice (with Aloha ‘Aina Juice Cafe), the Emergency Operations Center and five Kaua‘i fire stations.”
Mark Perriello, chamber president and CEO, said over 75% of respondents believe that the island is not ready to reopen to tourism until the number of current COVID-19 cases drops throughout the state, there can be assurances that adequate medical resources re available, or until there is a vaccine or standard treatment for COVID-19.
“Kaua‘i’s business leaders recognize that we are one ‘ohana,” said Perriello. “Our businesses are willingly sacrificing in order to ensure the health and safety of our families, friends and neighbors. It is a testament to their character and integrity.”
“With almost 40% of businesses indicating they will close within six months, this survey is also a warning sign to government and community leaders. More will need to be done in order to keep our local businesses afloat during this ongoing economic crisis,” Perriello continuted.
While Uncle’s Shave Ice owner Rick Lovesy and his wife and secretary Veronica believe in safety first, they have opposing views.
Veronica Lovesy said they believe in health and safety but they cannot survive without visitors.
“We closed just 32 days when the pandemic started, but then reopened both shops with reduced hours in Po‘ipu,” said Veronica Lovesy.
“Our business is down 70-80% every month compared to last year. Many days we do not make enough to pay the one employee in each shop for their pay, payroll taxes and health insurance.
“I am worried that if we keep Kaua‘i too isolated and strive for ‘perfect health’ we will not develop any immunity to COVID-19, making it even hard to reopen and for our residents to welcome the visitors we miss who provide the business and taxes we all need to survive,” she ontinued.
According to Perriello, the chamber conducted the poll, focusing on business’ views on COVID-19 and government-intervention measures. Some 129 businesses participated in the survey.
Perriello said other findings included that 47% of businesses view mask requirements and social distancing as more important than their business concerns.
According to the survey, almost 42% report that social distancing and mask requirements have had no impact on their business. Some 11% report social distancing and mask requirements have negatively impacted their business.
Lovesy said they require all employees and guests, one person/family at a time in each shop, and social-distance the line waiting.
Fortunately, Uncle’s has not yet had to let go of any of their five employees, however, they have reduced their hours.
“The PPP loan was very helpful for only eight weeks, and the new Kaua‘i grant will be another good boost to help for four weeks or so,” said Lovesy.
According to Perriello, the chamber has an active membership of over 400 Kaua‘i businesses and organizations who give freely of their time and talent to advance the commercial, financial, industrial, civic and social well-being of the county and state.
“Our mission is to champion economic prosperity by being the voice of business, promoting collaboration, and helping our members thrive,” said Perriello.
For more info: http://www.kauaichamber.org/
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Stephanie Shinno, features and community reporter, can be reached at 245-0424 or sshinno@thegardenisland.com.
