The second in a series of weekly surveys being conducted by the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii shows that the government action needed most by local businesses is a suspension of General Excise and other tax collection to help them not only survive, but recover from the impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic.
“The results of our second survey confirm that Hawaii businesses need more financial assistance than what is already available from our government,” Sherry Menor-McNamara, President & CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii said. “Our local businesses are responding as best as they can to safely meet the needs of our community, while trying to survive the unprecedented impacts of the Coronavirus. But, we’re hearing from many of them that they’re on their last heartbeat and their message is loud and clear. To keep their doors open and to be able to retain their employees to the best of their abilities, government relief is direly needed.”
Over 160 businesses responded to the Chamber’s second survey, which was conducted in partnership with the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce and Kauai Chamber of Commerce. The survey also found that:
- 50.3% of businesses are still operating, 36.1% operating on a limited basis, 13.5% not operating
- 45.1% are working from home, 32.2% are cutting employee hours, 33.5% have furloughed or laid off employees, 16% said there were no changes necessary (essential businesses)
- 66.8% of respondents would like suspension of GET or other tax collection
- 54% would like mortgage/rental relief
- 45% would like low/no interest loans
- 42.3% would like a grant or other direct capital from the government
- Other requests included better supply chain management and clear information
The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii is updating its COVID-19 resource for businesses page at www.cochawaii.org.