Regarding unemployment
Regarding unemployment, the article on April 27 was confusing. First, the small business loan/forgiveness program was intended to let businesses pay their employees (and most will not be working if nonessential businesses) so they come back when allowed and the business can have trained employees available. Unemployment is for those who are otherwise unemployed/unpaid where the business does not get a loan.
Hawaii gives roughly 60% of prior income while unemployed up to a max of $648 a week. A minimum wage worker would get less than $300 a week. If there is concern about overpaying with the federal $600 addition, perhaps a max of 100% of prior wage could be set so there is more incentive to apply for the few jobs available and for which qualified. This is a temporary situation, and if some folks are “overpaid,” it’s still probably in the best interest of the community as they won’t be evicted and can take care of their families while spending this money in the community.
Stan Chraminski
Kailua-Kona
Make a choice
I do not like the government telling me what to do. The law is clear they can protect everyone by making us stay home and they should have done it sooner, but here we are. This is smart and follows the science.
We are all in the same canoe and the sick, the weak, the kupuna and the Polynesians are the most vulnerable. Be smart and we can all get through with the minimum of deaths.
This is that challenging time to make a choice about who you are and then have the courage to be kind, joyful and thankful. Yes, I am a haole, but Hawaii taught me to kokua with aloha to make it pono.
Bhagavan Buritz
South Kona
An inspiring piece
Thank you, Tina Owens, for the wonderful ideas in your recent “My Turn” essay. We should all support our beautiful island home by enjoying the things that lured us here in the first place — and by patronizing our local retailers. Thank you to WHT for printing this inspiring piece.
Ruth Savakinas
Kailua-Kona
A prompt and professional response
We want to thank the Hawaii Fire Department for their prompt and professional response to the recent wild fire near our home in Kohala by the Sea subdivision. Mahalo.
Tom O’Leary
Waimea
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Kailua-Kona, HI 96745