113 thoughts on “Hawaii “Closed Without Notice” Signs Include Guy Fieri Find”
Ernie S.
Your Article about Closed Without Notice is very timely and informative, hopefully everyone will read it and follow your advice. During this Crisis due diligence could become an everyday occurrence to avoid any problems. Realizing the multitude of problems facing many businesses it needs to become an accepted and not a flash point of anger and dismay. Sometimes things are well beyond our control, accepting that isn’t always easy. Hopefully things shall improve in the coming months and year, many things need to fall in place at the same time for that to occur. Please keep us updated, it’s certainly appreciated. Thank You!
BOH, has anyone bothered to investigate “why” the labor force is so lacking after covid? I would wager that Government hand outs are at the root of the problem. Or it is something even more devious that is playing out behind the scenes? Maybe even money being used to keep the work force at home. These are things worth investigating. Something is not right with this scenario. Being that you are well informed about all things Hawaii, I hope you can dig a little further into this. Thanks.
Thanks. We’ll report back on anything more we find out. What we’ve been hearing is mostly just that they’re short-staffed at this point, without any more details. Prior wait staff we know, who by the way did well financially before, just decided that they’d had enough. Collected unemployment as long as possible, and now, who knows what they’re doing.
As the saying goes, if you’re looking for a conspiracy you’re gonna find one. Perhaps someone is paying everyone to stay home so you can’t get your favorite coffee, nefarious.
Hi Ed! Another idea is that people were fed up with low wages, no vacation, lack of health insurance, and other things that became more important than ever during the pandemic and are now finding other ways to make money. It’s not unique to Hawaii, I’ve heard this is happening around the entire US.
Aloha… on Maui two restaurants I’ve been going to multiple times yearly have closed much to my disappointment.
Gerard’s on Lahainaluna in Lahaina and
5 Palms on So. Kihei Rd. In Kihei
Honu Seafood and Pizza on Front Street in Lahaina has changed owners and their name… now Honu Oceanside. The menu has changed a little but the food is still excellent!
I have been commenting about this since the start of the pandemic. It makes me sound anti-tourist, but the reality is Hawaii can’t properly staff the islands, but continue to take bookings. Eventually the world will open up and people will remember the less than perfect experience they had in Hawaii and will book elsewhere.
Kelly, we reside in Florida and have the same issues that everyone else has but we don’t have very many problems as far as staffing in most Restaurants are concerned. It is high time Hawaiian’s take a good hard look at their Government (both State and Local) and start demanding that the Government freebies be cut off! Force the entitled, lazy, individuals, to either get a job, or starve!
Ed, in Florida you also have an economy that doesn’t totally depend on tourism. Many service people here moved up the ladder leaving many service positions unfilled. It is also much cheaper to live in Florida, but then you would have to live in Florida. Housing compared to Florida is off the charts.
Gallon of milk here in Kona at costco +/- $5 a gallon. Or a gallon of OJ for $5 at Walmart. Compared to $2.88 at Piggly Wiggly.
We also live 2500 miles from the nearest landmass. You comparison does not work here.
Works as good as it does anywhere. You are wrong, the biggest industry in Florida is the Hospitality Industry. Yes, there are other industries in Florida but there are other industries in Hawaii, as well. The Coffee industry is big in Hawaii and also places like Dole. Your rates of pay are much higher in your version of the Hospitality Industry, than they are in Florida. But regardless of the differences, where are the workers in Hawaii? No one on here, can tell me, with any certainty, where they are. Just saying they left for the Mainland, does not make it so!
And just saying people are sitting around taking money from the government doesn’t make it so, Ed.
3
Amy P
Hi Ed! If you continue to have that attitude, please stay in Florida. Suggesting that people are lazy and should be allowed to starve is a horrible thing to say and not the kind of aloha we have here. Take care!
This is still the United States of America and I will travel where I please, when I please. I said nothing bad about the Islands but I am questioning why there are no one to fill the jobs there. We have visited Hawaii many times and absolutely love it there.
When Paradise becomes Hostile to Itself? The loss of workers in Hawaii and across America is proving to be extremely problematic to everyone, businesses and customers alike. According to CDC Statistics there are Plenty of younger people to keep the country running, where are they and Why aren’t they working? They demanded Higher Wages and its occurred, not taking the jobs has become Absurd! Lack of true Leadership seems to be the problem. Supply chain issues may also be at Least partially to blame on lack of Workforce Participation, a Sad Time for America 🇺🇸 because they Lack Work Ethics!
Sad! Dark Horse was a nice spot to meet the two of you in January for “business” 😉. A bit of an unassuming location and lots of competition, but we love patronizing locals. We also loved the Emperor’s Emporium for our souvenirs and wearables.
Good to know Little Fish Coffee is still in business. We stay at Kiahuna Plantation across the street, and I like to walk over to Little Fish for a mocha and one of their excellent bagel sandwiches. Their smoothies are excellent as well. It’s popular, with lines 20 deep not uncommon, so get there early.
On our recent trip, one restaurant where we had made dinner reservations sent us a notice two days ahead that they would only be offering a limited menu due to staffing issues, which made us suspect it was likely a kitchen staff shortage. We decided they were still offering enough choices to keep our reservation.
We were pleasantly surprised when we got there to find they were offering the entire menu after all. Our server said they were able to bring in enough staff to cover their regular menu that night, but I couldn’t help but wonder if they were facing this situation every day. I can’t even imagine how hard it is to run a business with those challenges, and all on top of what they’ve already had to deal with during the pandemic.
And this question, I’m sure, will continue to be asked. Where have all the workers gone that were working pre-covid? This sorts of issue weren’t around then were they?
I believe a lot of people had to move back to the mainland due to the islands basically being closed down during the worst of the pandemic. You don’t get those folks back easily, unfortunately.
Patrick, to see that you even received one down vote for expressing what is an obvious truth, just shows how badly those that are refusing to work are. Just keep spreading the truth and those of us that appreciate the truth, will be grateful for you and those like you.
We have definitely been experiencing this on Kauai ever since Covid. Try to find a place for lunch in Hanalei on a Thursday! Even the food trucks have been closed of late. Also, it’s impossible to get into most restaurants without a reservation made days in advance, if not more, for dinner. The island is really suffering from the labor shortage and you have to take pity on the people working long hours in overwhelming conditions. I don’t know where it will end.
A lack of people to work is a problem everywhere it seems. The Government needs to cut off those that are able to work and just refuse to do so. Does anyone know if Hawaii is still compensating people because of covid? If so, write to your Representatives and tell them it is time to cut off the welfare programs and get those that are “able bodied” back to work!
Hi Ed! I’ve been downvoting you, but be assured I have a full time job. Stop assuming the worst of people and instead offer some grace after what has been a very difficult couple of years for everyone.
Of course you have! Why have you been down voting me? Can’t handle the truth? Can’t take a perspective, other than your own? I wear your down votes like a badge of courage.
Your Article about Closed Without Notice is very timely and informative, hopefully everyone will read it and follow your advice. During this Crisis due diligence could become an everyday occurrence to avoid any problems. Realizing the multitude of problems facing many businesses it needs to become an accepted and not a flash point of anger and dismay. Sometimes things are well beyond our control, accepting that isn’t always easy. Hopefully things shall improve in the coming months and year, many things need to fall in place at the same time for that to occur. Please keep us updated, it’s certainly appreciated. Thank You!
Hi Ernie.
Thanks for your input on this fast-changing phenomenon. And your 100 comments to date!
Aloha.
BOH, has anyone bothered to investigate “why” the labor force is so lacking after covid? I would wager that Government hand outs are at the root of the problem. Or it is something even more devious that is playing out behind the scenes? Maybe even money being used to keep the work force at home. These are things worth investigating. Something is not right with this scenario. Being that you are well informed about all things Hawaii, I hope you can dig a little further into this. Thanks.
Hi Ed.
Thanks. We’ll report back on anything more we find out. What we’ve been hearing is mostly just that they’re short-staffed at this point, without any more details. Prior wait staff we know, who by the way did well financially before, just decided that they’d had enough. Collected unemployment as long as possible, and now, who knows what they’re doing.
Aloha.
As the saying goes, if you’re looking for a conspiracy you’re gonna find one. Perhaps someone is paying everyone to stay home so you can’t get your favorite coffee, nefarious.
Hi Ed! Another idea is that people were fed up with low wages, no vacation, lack of health insurance, and other things that became more important than ever during the pandemic and are now finding other ways to make money. It’s not unique to Hawaii, I’ve heard this is happening around the entire US.
Aloha… on Maui two restaurants I’ve been going to multiple times yearly have closed much to my disappointment.
Gerard’s on Lahainaluna in Lahaina and
5 Palms on So. Kihei Rd. In Kihei
Honu Seafood and Pizza on Front Street in Lahaina has changed owners and their name… now Honu Oceanside. The menu has changed a little but the food is still excellent!
I have been commenting about this since the start of the pandemic. It makes me sound anti-tourist, but the reality is Hawaii can’t properly staff the islands, but continue to take bookings. Eventually the world will open up and people will remember the less than perfect experience they had in Hawaii and will book elsewhere.
Again, Mahalo for the article
Kelly, we reside in Florida and have the same issues that everyone else has but we don’t have very many problems as far as staffing in most Restaurants are concerned. It is high time Hawaiian’s take a good hard look at their Government (both State and Local) and start demanding that the Government freebies be cut off! Force the entitled, lazy, individuals, to either get a job, or starve!
Ed, in Florida you also have an economy that doesn’t totally depend on tourism. Many service people here moved up the ladder leaving many service positions unfilled. It is also much cheaper to live in Florida, but then you would have to live in Florida. Housing compared to Florida is off the charts.
Gallon of milk here in Kona at costco +/- $5 a gallon. Or a gallon of OJ for $5 at Walmart. Compared to $2.88 at Piggly Wiggly.
We also live 2500 miles from the nearest landmass. You comparison does not work here.
Spoken like a true Floridian.
Works as good as it does anywhere. You are wrong, the biggest industry in Florida is the Hospitality Industry. Yes, there are other industries in Florida but there are other industries in Hawaii, as well. The Coffee industry is big in Hawaii and also places like Dole. Your rates of pay are much higher in your version of the Hospitality Industry, than they are in Florida. But regardless of the differences, where are the workers in Hawaii? No one on here, can tell me, with any certainty, where they are. Just saying they left for the Mainland, does not make it so!
And just saying people are sitting around taking money from the government doesn’t make it so, Ed.
Hi Ed! If you continue to have that attitude, please stay in Florida. Suggesting that people are lazy and should be allowed to starve is a horrible thing to say and not the kind of aloha we have here. Take care!
This is still the United States of America and I will travel where I please, when I please. I said nothing bad about the Islands but I am questioning why there are no one to fill the jobs there. We have visited Hawaii many times and absolutely love it there.
However, this is happening worldwide so is the answer to stay home in protest?
Not enough people on the island to fill the jobs. This makes the most sense.
But where did they go? There used to be enough.
They’ve possibly gone to the continent for stable work, or to live with family there.
When Paradise becomes Hostile to Itself? The loss of workers in Hawaii and across America is proving to be extremely problematic to everyone, businesses and customers alike. According to CDC Statistics there are Plenty of younger people to keep the country running, where are they and Why aren’t they working? They demanded Higher Wages and its occurred, not taking the jobs has become Absurd! Lack of true Leadership seems to be the problem. Supply chain issues may also be at Least partially to blame on lack of Workforce Participation, a Sad Time for America 🇺🇸 because they Lack Work Ethics!
Hello Ernie S., the 2 down votes you received to this point are probably from 2 lazy individuals that are on the government dole and refuse to work!
Sad! Dark Horse was a nice spot to meet the two of you in January for “business” 😉. A bit of an unassuming location and lots of competition, but we love patronizing locals. We also loved the Emperor’s Emporium for our souvenirs and wearables.
Hi Gary.
Thanks. Great to hear from you. Regards!
Aloha.
Good to know Little Fish Coffee is still in business. We stay at Kiahuna Plantation across the street, and I like to walk over to Little Fish for a mocha and one of their excellent bagel sandwiches. Their smoothies are excellent as well. It’s popular, with lines 20 deep not uncommon, so get there early.
On our recent trip, one restaurant where we had made dinner reservations sent us a notice two days ahead that they would only be offering a limited menu due to staffing issues, which made us suspect it was likely a kitchen staff shortage. We decided they were still offering enough choices to keep our reservation.
We were pleasantly surprised when we got there to find they were offering the entire menu after all. Our server said they were able to bring in enough staff to cover their regular menu that night, but I couldn’t help but wonder if they were facing this situation every day. I can’t even imagine how hard it is to run a business with those challenges, and all on top of what they’ve already had to deal with during the pandemic.
And this question, I’m sure, will continue to be asked. Where have all the workers gone that were working pre-covid? This sorts of issue weren’t around then were they?
Too expensive and difficult to secure housing. Lots of people are moving off island and many of the folks moving in have cozy remote jobs.
I believe a lot of people had to move back to the mainland due to the islands basically being closed down during the worst of the pandemic. You don’t get those folks back easily, unfortunately.
Patrick, to see that you even received one down vote for expressing what is an obvious truth, just shows how badly those that are refusing to work are. Just keep spreading the truth and those of us that appreciate the truth, will be grateful for you and those like you.
It’s an interesting question, one that countries worldwide are asking.
We have definitely been experiencing this on Kauai ever since Covid. Try to find a place for lunch in Hanalei on a Thursday! Even the food trucks have been closed of late. Also, it’s impossible to get into most restaurants without a reservation made days in advance, if not more, for dinner. The island is really suffering from the labor shortage and you have to take pity on the people working long hours in overwhelming conditions. I don’t know where it will end.
A lack of people to work is a problem everywhere it seems. The Government needs to cut off those that are able to work and just refuse to do so. Does anyone know if Hawaii is still compensating people because of covid? If so, write to your Representatives and tell them it is time to cut off the welfare programs and get those that are “able bodied” back to work!
The one “down vote” I just received was most likely from one of the very people my comment above was about!
Hi Ed! I’ve been downvoting you, but be assured I have a full time job. Stop assuming the worst of people and instead offer some grace after what has been a very difficult couple of years for everyone.
Of course you have! Why have you been down voting me? Can’t handle the truth? Can’t take a perspective, other than your own? I wear your down votes like a badge of courage.