The September 11th attack
Local jobless benefits may be extended
| • | State seeks comments, questions |
| • | Business leaders speak out about economy |
| • | What can Hawai'i do to cushion the economic fallout from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks? Join our discussion. |
By Johnny Brannon
Advertiser Staff Writer
Gov. Ben Cayetano agreed yesterday to consider expanding unemployment and health benefits for Hawai'i workers idled by the economic downturn that followed the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.
Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser
"The first priority of government is to take care of our people, and it is important for all of us to make sure we hear their concerns," Cayetano said.
Union leaders checked in before meeting with Gov. Ben Cayetano yesterday. They are concerned about unemployment and other economic effects of last week's terrorist attacks on the Mainland.
The governor met for nearly two hours with dozens of top labor union leaders who voiced concern that workers not bear the brunt of the slowdown that has stalled the state's tourism-dependent economy.
Cayetano agreed to look at ways to extend the six-month limit for unemployment payments if necessary, and to help laid-off workers who lose health insurance qualify for the state-sponsored QUEST health plan.
"The governor obviously wants our cooperation, and we're patriots," said Hawai'i Government Employees Association executive director Russell Okata. "Labor leaders spoke as one voice: We want to protect working families and we're very concerned about unemployment."
Union officials were supportive of Cayetano's proposal to speed up the allocation of money for state capital improvement projects that will keep construction workers employed, and for his suspension Wednesday of landing fees normally charged to airlines.
Cayetano hopes the break will assist airlines hit hard by a nationwide travel slump, including the two based here, Aloha and Hawaiian. Both have eliminated some flights, and Aloha cut 250 jobs on Wednesday.
Okata said he was pleased that Cayetano had not suggested laying off or furloughing government workers. But others said they believed the state should have already launched a major tourism marketing effort to attract visitors who have largely deserted hotels, restaurants and retail stores.
"My only advice to the governor is that the state should have jumped in immediately," United Public Employees state director Gary Rodrigues said before the meeting.
Cayetano said he understood the concern but that it was important that any such effort be well thought out if it is to be successful.
"We really need to take a look at how we shape the new message before we do it," he said.
Cayetano did not propose to the unions that a state minimum wage increase due to take effect in January be postponed, an idea floated among some business leaders who met with him the day before. A law that Cayetano backed will raise the hourly minimum wage from $5.25 to $5.75 beginning Jan. 1 and to $6.25 on Jan. 1, 2003.
