[Closed - new thread started] Will Hawaii Open by [OCTOBER???] [Please use this thread for all Hawaii Coronavirus discussions]

[Tamaradarann]

All true. But you can't force the person to stay -- there could be a huge cost. Say you're got an OF timeshare for a week. On day 4 you are quarantined for 14 days. You're looking at 11 days in a room that retails for ~$1000/nt. And the TS didn't assume the risk that they'd eat the cost. And what about the owner that was scheduled to have that room? All kinds of issues come up.

Who eats the cost is an issue that I didn't address but cman did in a subsequent post. In view of the costs of this pandemic to every government as well as most resorts and hotels $11,000 is so minor, and the costs of allowing the infected person on their own could be possibly immense. Furthermore, I think that the owner or exchanger who was scheduled to have that room would be grateful to NOT to stay there. As I mentioned in a previous post the resort or hotel would find alternate accomodations for the incoming guest just as they would if the room had to be taken off line due to a maintenance problem. We have had 3 maintenance problems since we have been staying in the Lagoon Tower where we had to moved to an alternate location due to maintenance problems.(Keep in mind that we have stayed there for over 1000 nights in the last 12 years) The resort staff found alternate accomodations for us. The last two times the alternates were nice upgrades so we were very happy customers.

 

[controller1]

As of July 1st, travelers to Maine can forgo the quarantine if they have a negative Covid test. This puts even more pressure on Hawaii that just extended the measures until July 30th.

Beginning July 1, out-of-state visitors with recent negative test may forgo quarantine - Mount Desert Islander

AUGUSTA — The state has unveiled a proposed alternative to the 14-day quarantine for out-of-state visitors in an attempt to salvage the summer season

www.mdislander.com

Not to be flippant but I'm not sure this is much "pressure". I didn't even know Maine had a visitors' quarantine in place!

 

[Yellowfin]

Not to be flippant but I'm not sure this is much "pressure". I didn't even know Maine had a visitors' quarantine in place!

read the comments on David Ige's FB page

 

[JIMinNC]

I wonder if things will change when Federal money to the unemployed runs out at the end of July.

I suspect there will be a correlation..a strong correlation.....

There is a push by some in Washington to extend the Federal money to January 2021. I also believe I read that the Hawaii congressional delegation is pushing for the next bill to include extra extended help specifically for Hawaii's unemployed due to the outsized impact of tourism in that state and the likelihood tourism may be depressed there for months or years. I can't find it now, but as I recall they were asking for $1000/week instead of $600 and to extend it until the end of 2021 for Hawaii.

 

[amy241]

There is a push by some in Washington to extend the Federal money to January 2021. I also believe I read that the Hawaii congressional delegation is pushing for the next bill to include extra extended help specifically for Hawaii's unemployed due to the outsized impact of tourism in that state and the likelihood tourism may be depressed there for months or years. I can't find it now, but as I recall they were asking for $1000/week instead of $600 and to extend it until the end of 2021 for Hawaii.

That’s ridiculous - the governor is creating his own problems by not finding safe protocols with which to open up the state.

 

[1Kflyerguy]

There is a push by some in Washington to extend the Federal money to January 2021. I also believe I read that the Hawaii congressional delegation is pushing for the next bill to include extra extended help specifically for Hawaii's unemployed due to the outsized impact of tourism in that state and the likelihood tourism may be depressed there for months or years. I can't find it now, but as I recall they were asking for $1000/week instead of $600 and to extend it until the end of 2021 for Hawaii.

I know there is a push in Washington for more stimulus, but the exact type seems to up for debate. I had not heard of the special additional add for Hawaii, i wonder how well that request will be received, particularity if many perceive they are inflicting some of the damage themselves.

I have also read a number of articles that the HI state budget is bad shape. Of course many states have taken big hits, but i think Hawaii has been hit very hard.

 

[csodjd]

There is a push by some in Washington to extend the Federal money to January 2021. I also believe I read that the Hawaii congressional delegation is pushing for the next bill to include extra extended help specifically for Hawaii's unemployed due to the outsized impact of tourism in that state and the likelihood tourism may be depressed there for months or years. I can't find it now, but as I recall they were asking for $1000/week instead of $600 and to extend it until the end of 2021 for Hawaii.

Well, that would be an exceptionally effective way to sustain a very high unemployment rate. And a year from now, when their job no longer exist having been replaced by efficiencies, technology, moving over seas to another country, and their UI perk ends, then what?

 

[Ken555]

Well, that would be an exceptionally effective way to sustain a very high unemployment rate. And a year from now, when their job no longer exist having been replaced by efficiencies, technology, moving over seas to another country, and their UI perk ends, then what?

How do you move hospitality jobs overseas?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[1Kflyerguy]

How do you move hospitality jobs overseas?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I agree.. I don't think offshoring is the big risk for Hawaii jobs. The bigger issue will be changes in how hospitality is delivered... Will more people use hotel apps to check in and out, digital keys. etc. I believe the new guidelines call for an end to housekeeping for occupied rooms. That has to cut down on the need to housekeeping staff. etc.

 

[Ken555]

I agree.. I don't think offshoring is the big risk for Hawaii jobs. The bigger issue will be changes in how hospitality is delivered... Will more people use hotel apps to check in and out, digital keys. etc. I believe the new guidelines call for an end to housekeeping for occupied rooms. That has to cut down on the need to housekeeping staff. etc.

I don’t see digital keys and apps significantly impacting jobs at all. They’re currently used as ways to differentiate hotel operators for primarily business travelers who want to save the time from checking in, etc. In my limited experience trying to use them they also don’t work consistently, but I’m sure that will improve.

Limiting housekeeping would surely impact jobs, but some of those jobs (at least at the Westin’s in Maui) I was told some (most?) of their staff are brought in from the Philippines. Perhaps this has changed but if still true then this won’t have much impact. Still, I wouldn’t be surprised if all of them use this as an excuse to reduce service and/or increase costs, etc.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Yellowfin]

Other sectors will be affected as well even if they do not count in the tourism industry. They are actually very concerned that the local farmers cannot sell what they produce. David Ige mentioned that the schools will open and that will help the farmers a little bit. I am not sure if that is true unless he has seen data that a kid in school eats more that one at home lol.

 

[Ken555]

Other sectors will be affected as well even if they do not count in the tourism industry. They are actually very concerned that the local farmers cannot sell what they produce. David Ige mentioned that the schools will open and that will help the farmers a little bit. I am not sure if that is true unless he has seen data that a kid in school eats more that one at home lol.

You’re making the assumption that children have enough food at home, and that’s incorrect.

Many schools provide meals to children that don’t receive enough food at home. I’m not sure of the numbers in Hawaii, but this could definitely be a meaningful amount.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Yellowfin]

You’re making the assumption that children have enough food at home, and that’s incorrect.

Many schools provide meals to children that don’t receive enough food at home. I’m not sure of the numbers in Hawaii, but this could definitely be a meaningful amount.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

If that is the case, even more curious they have kept the schools closed for so long.

 

[cman]

Well, that would be an exceptionally effective way to sustain a very high unemployment rate. And a year from now, when their job no longer exist having been replaced by efficiencies, technology, moving over seas to another country, and their UI perk ends, then what?

You nailed it. I ran the numbers today, and for a minimum wage worker, with the extra $600/wk, their unemployment take home pay, more than doubles what they would make if they went back to work. Minimum wage in Hawaii is $10.10/hour, weekly gross pay is $404/wk. On unemployment, they get $231/wk from the state, plus $600/wk from the cares act, for a total of $831/wk. So if the choice is $404/wk for going back to work vs. $831/wk for staying home. If I were a low wage worker, it would be an easy choice to make.

With the extra $600/wk, a worker will take home more money on unemployment, as opposed to working up to about $50K/yr. A person making $50k/yr, will make about the same on unemployment as they would if they were working.

Of course things will change on 7/31 if the $600 supplement ends. But for now, my guess is that a lot of Hawaiians are just enjoying their uncrowded island. Heck, some of them would love for this to drag out for another six months. If my salary were doubled, and I didn't have to go to work. I wouldn't have a problem with that. lol

 

[1Kflyerguy]

I don’t see digital keys and apps significantly impacting jobs at all. They’re currently used as ways to differentiate hotel operators for primarily business travelers who want to save the time from checking in, etc. In my limited experience trying to use them they also don’t work consistently, but I’m sure that will improve.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I am a frequent business traveler, and personally i hate the digital keys. However I have seen a number of of hotel industry announcements and guidelines highlighting ways to create contact less guest experience. They are now promoting the digital keys as way for guest to avoid the lines and front desks. The other item being promoted is a kiosks where perform the check-in, i have not used one of those, but i am sure those could be setup to program and dispense a physical key. None of this is Hawaii specific, its just changes we are likely to see in hotels.

 

[Yellowfin]

You nailed it. I ran the numbers today, and for a minimum wage worker, with the extra $600/wk, their unemployment take home pay, more than doubles what they would make if they went back to work. Minimum wage in Hawaii is $10.10/hour, weekly gross pay is $404/wk. On unemployment, they get $231/wk from the state, plus $600/wk from the cares act, for a total of $831/wk. So if the choice is $404/wk for going back to work vs. $831/wk for staying home. If I were a low wage worker, it would be an easy choice to make.

With the extra $600/wk, a worker will take home more money on unemployment, as opposed to working up to about $50K/yr. A person making $50k/yr, will make about the same on unemployment as they would if they were working.

Of course things will change on 7/31 if the $600 supplement ends. But for now, my guess is that a lot of Hawaiians are just enjoying their uncrowded island. Heck, some of them would love for this to drag out for another six months. If my salary were doubled, and I didn't have to go to work. I wouldn't have a problem with that. lol

It is crazy they gave people an incentive to stay home. When they eventually go back to work they will be frustrated.

 

[Luanne]

It is crazy they gave people an incentive to stay home. When they eventually go back to work they will be frustrated.

I don't think it was meant as an incentive to stay home. I think the intent was to support people while they couldn't work during shutdowns of their businesses.

 

[Ken555]

I don't think it was meant as an incentive to stay home. I think the intent was to support people while they couldn't work during shutdowns of their businesses.

Exactly. It’s the price to pay for flattening the curve.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Ken555]

If that is the case, even more curious they have kept the schools closed for so long.

You’d rather they go to school and get infected? Based on the numbers, they can reopen now as long as it stays low. There are obvious trade offs here...


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[cman]

It is crazy they gave people an incentive to stay home. When they eventually go back to work they will be frustrated.

Giving people an incentive to stay home was not the intent. Had the Cares Act not been passed, $231/wk is all a minimum wage earner would be living on. Can't feed a family on that.

 

[controller1]

read the comments on David Ige's FB page

OK, let me try this again. "As Maine goes the rest of the country goes" said no one ever.

 

[csodjd]

You nailed it. I ran the numbers today, and for a minimum wage worker, with the extra $600/wk, their unemployment take home pay, more than doubles what they would make if they went back to work. Minimum wage in Hawaii is $10.10/hour, weekly gross pay is $404/wk. On unemployment, they get $231/wk from the state, plus $600/wk from the cares act, for a total of $831/wk. So if the choice is $404/wk for going back to work vs. $831/wk for staying home. If I were a low wage worker, it would be an easy choice to make.

With the extra $600/wk, a worker will take home more money on unemployment, as opposed to working up to about $50K/yr. A person making $50k/yr, will make about the same on unemployment as they would if they were working.

Of course things will change on 7/31 if the $600 supplement ends. But for now, my guess is that a lot of Hawaiians are just enjoying their uncrowded island. Heck, some of them would love for this to drag out for another six months. If my salary were doubled, and I didn't have to go to work. I wouldn't have a problem with that. lol

It probably is worse than that. How many do you think realize that their UI money is taxable? So, IF they do go back to work down the road, come April 2021 they're going to be hit with a tax bill they had no idea was headed their way.

 

[csodjd]

Giving people an incentive to stay home was not the intent. Had the Cares Act not been passed, $231/wk is all a minimum wage earner would be living on. Can't feed a family on that.

Yes. But they should have capped UI benefits at about 90% of their wages. Or even 95%. Not a profit.

 

[Yellowfin]

Those that hope to go to Hawaii this fall may be disappointed. He seems to base his decisions on the prevalence of the virus so, realistically, how soon can we expect he will lift the restrictions for the mainland?

 

[cman]

It probably is worse than that. How many do you think realize that their UI money is taxable? So, IF they do go back to work down the road, come April 2021 they're going to be hit with a tax bill they had no idea was headed their way.

Their W-4 withholding will take care of that. They are poor, not stupid.