Copyright staradvertiser
The federal government shutdown is in week five. The financial pressure on employees working without pay is forcing many to seek other employment. For us in Hawaii, this is an immediate crisis. Our supply chains for fresh food, medical supplies and many other products rely nearly entirely on air cargo. Our largest industry, tourism, has 99% of our visitors dependent on fully staffed airports. And airlines are already cutting flights nationwide. Every single person in Hawaii will be impacted if our air service is curtailed — tourists and hotel workers, patients awaiting medical supplies, and everyone wanting fresh groceries. To help prevent this, the state should immediately establish an emergency loan program for unpaid federal employees. It should be no-interest, because the loans can be repaid as soon as the shutdown ends and backpay is received. This will help protect our economy, public health and food supplies at minimal cost. Stanton Lum EXPRESS YOURSELF The Honolulu Star-Advertiser welcomes all opinions. Want your voice to be heard? Submit a letter to the editor. >> Write us: We welcome letters up to 150 words, and guest columns of 500-600 words. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. >> Mail: Letters to the Editor, Honolulu Star-Advertiser 7 Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana, Suite #7-500 Honolulu, HI 96813 >> Contact: 529-4831 (phone), letters@staradvertiser.com, staradvertiser.com/editorial/submit-letter
