Unemployed residents utilizing Hawaii Restaurant Card

Residents who received the Hawaii Restaurant Card have spent more than $17 million since the program launched in mid-October.

Since Oct. 16, an estimated $17.2 million has been spent at restaurants, eateries, bakeries and for food catering in Hawaii, according to the Hawaii COVID-19 Joint Information Center. The initiative is is funded via $75 million from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

“That equates to $1.15 million being injected daily into our restaurant industry since the program started,” the center said in its daily media briefing.

The $500 prepaid debit card was mailed to Hawaii residents who have filed for unemployment since March 1 and received benefits during the month of September. It can be used for purchases of food and nonalcoholic beverages at establishments that accept Master Card.

Gov. David Ige said Monday during a Honolulu Star-Advertiser Spotlight Hawaii program that nearly 90% of the restaurant cards mailed had been activated.

“I’ve heard from restaurant owners, it’s made a big difference in just the number of people coming in,” he said.

All funds must be spent by Dec. 15.