Kauai businesses beg visitors to return as layoffs mount

Kauai small businesses are pleading with tourists to return after Hurricane Lowell wiped out power and revenue, with several owners saying they have already been forced into layoffs. More than 3,000 households and businesses on the island still lack power as cleanup continues from the Sept. 7 storm.

Kakalia, co-owner of The Musubi Truck, has cut her 50-person staff in half and shut down one of the family’s three locations. Sales of poke bowls, spam musubi and bento boxes have dried up.

“Now that power and water is being restored, we should start to switch the narrative before many of us go out of business,” said Kakalia, 36. “People are canceling their trips in November.”

Officials and some residents had asked tourists to reconsider visits to Kauai in the storm’s wake, warning that visitors could strain limited resources and clog roads needed for utility restoration. Tourism injected $21.75 billion into Hawaii’s economy last year, according to state data.

On Thursday, Kauai County Mayor Derek Kawakami said the island is now “welcoming visitors back,” while asking them to respect the ongoing recovery.

“Come with patience, spend local, and help us recover,” he said.

Kristal Scott, who has run Kauai Juice Co. for 16 years, said sales are down 85%. She has laid off half of her 45 employees. All three of her juice bar locations and a warehouse went dark after Lowell, and one store remains without power. Most of her fresh product spoiled.

“It’s scary out there,” Scott said. “Other businesses are already shutting their doors.”

Scott, 41, said she hopes her laid-off workers will come back. “I beg them,” she said. “I’m like ‘Please, please, this is temporary.'”

Cadena Ragsdale, owner of seafood supplier Kauai Fresh Fish, has laid off all but one of her eight-person team this week. She sources fish from local fishermen for hotels and restaurants.

“It’s not just about the money, or me, it’s about all the fishermen we’re supporting and their families and their livelihoods,” Ragsdale said. “Without us, where are they going to sell fish?”

Ragsdale’s “heart sank” when she saw video of the damage at her largest client, a seaside restaurant on the south shore. Interrupted air cargo prevented her from shipping interisland.

She is selling two vehicles to fill the gaps. If an area is closed, she said, “Don’t go there.” But, “Please come … be patient, have respect and aloha.”

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green requested an expedited major federal disaster declaration for Kauai and Maui counties. President Donald Trump has not yet approved the request. A declaration would unlock low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration.

Kawakami said returning tourists should check with their accommodations and activity providers about possible interruptions. Some beach parks and communities on the far north shore remain closed.

Visitors can help by signing up for volunteer opportunities listed on a county website, Kawakami said. Those off island can buy online gift cards from local shops.

The Musubi Truck has collected money online for its Feed Our Keiki program, which distributes free meals in the community.

“It helps us feed the kids, but it also supports our business,” Kakalia said, “keeps us cooking.”