Layoffs Have Consequences

[BlackAkita]

https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/02/15...s-layoffs/
I am worried about workers who moved here to start new jobs, as well as those impacted by Federal layoffs, either as longer term workers, or those who are dependent on Federal support. Those without income, or who have insufficient income, may not have the money to pay for their mortgages, food, medicine, etc. Will the banks provide forbearance to borrowers? How will the state government pressure those who have issues paying income tax, property tax, or permit fees? Where is the nearest food bank around Pahoa, and will those who can afford it, donate food or household supplies? Life would be simpler if there were a Costco in Hilo.

[randomq]

Between layoffs and cutbacks in Medicaid/SNAP/DoE/USDA/other federal dollars coming into Hawaii, I fear Puna and Hilo will be hit hard. Hospitals and schools are often considered the anchor institutions that foster economic development in communities. Grocery stores here certainly benefit from SNAP. Will some of those employees now lose their jobs too?

[Punatang]

Life would be simpler if there were a Costco in Hilo


A true statement.

[HiloJulie]

"Life would be simpler if there were a Costco in Hilo"

"A true statement."

"Between layoffs and cutbacks in Medicaid/SNAP/DoE/USDA/other federal dollars coming into Hawaii, I fear Puna and Hilo will be hit hard. Hospitals and schools are often considered the anchor institutions that foster economic development in communities. Grocery stores here certainly benefit from SNAP. Will some of those employees now lose their jobs too?"

If there are cutbacks, especially SNAP benefits, one must think this scenario out a little longer than the nose on their face.

Walmart captures 25.5% of the total SNAP benefits paid for food on a national level. I am quite sure the Hilo Walmart captures a much higher percentage than that. Costco also captures 6% of the total SNAP benefits paid for food on a national level. I am also quite sure that the Kona Costco captures a much higher percentage than that.

So then, if SNAP benefits are suddenly cut off, how long do you think Walmart and to a much lesser degree, Costco is going to operate without severe staff cutbacks as well?

Safeway? Malama Market? Foodland? The Natch? JHara?

Furthermore, consider that a majority of Walmart workers are paid wages that are so low they still qualify for SNAP, so to those workers impacted, it's a double slap in the face.

So much winning!

[leilanidude]

So then, if SNAP benefits are suddenly cut off, how long do you think....
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My first thought is Pahoa 7-11 and if you have ever been in the store 10-30 minutes before school starts, will have seen that almost every purchase of sodas and other junk food, is being done by SNAP. Same thing 10-30 minutes after school is out.

[HiloJulie]

My first thought is Pahoa 7-11 and if you have ever been in the store 10-30 minutes before school starts, will have seen that almost every purchase of sodas and other junk food, is being done by SNAP. Same thing 10-30 minutes after school is out.

The straw grasping continues!

First, Walmart SPENDS more on postage than 7-11's takes in in annual revenue nationwide.

Secondly, if the Pahoa 7-11 is impacted enough to lay off staff or even close, at most - 5 to 6 employees, whereas if Walmart loses the SNAP revenue, it will be laying off thousands, and here in Hilo/Kona, we could see 75 to 100.

At any event, carry on!

[BlackAkita]

At any event, carry on!

Any experience with the Cost U Less franchise? I am tied up in Honolulu now, but will be back in Puna in June or July.

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

Cost U Less

It’s a hybrid cross somewhere between Costco-Sack&Save-Mom&Pop stores. Some bulk items, some regular size, prices are good but not as low as Costco.

[leilanidude]

Any experience with the Cost U Less franchise?
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They even carry some Kirkland items. Stores are much smaller than a Costco and not as into the big bulk items. Usually decent quality meat.