Big Island Video News

Serving Hawaii County

  • Hawaiʻi Island News Regions
    • Hamakua
      • Mauna Kea
    • Hilo
    • Kau
    • Kona
    • Kohala
    • Puna

image from file video by BIVN

Only 5 Hotels Remain Open On Hawaii Island

by Big Island Video News
on Mar 28, 2020 at 9:03 am

Subscribe to Big Island Video News (FREE)

* indicates required

STORY SUMMARY

HAWAIʻI ISLAND - The economic outlook for Hawaiʻi Island is increasingly dire, according to the Big Island business community.

(BIVN) – As of March 27, there were only five resort hotels still open on Hawaiʻi island due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ross Birch, the Executive Director of the Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau, said during a conference call with assorted elected officials and community leaders on Friday, that rather than name the hotels that are closed, it is easier to name the ones that are still open. They are: The Sheraton Kona, Hilton Waikoloa, Fairmont Orchid, Grand Naniloa, and the Hilo Hawaiian.

Some smaller lodgings and bed & breakfasts remain open, as well, Birch said.

Those on the call added that the situation continues to change every day and the hotels that are open today may have to shutter in the coming days, as well.

Driving the closures are the loss of visitors due to the pandemic and the related government mandates, such as Governor David Ig’e 14-day quarantine for all arrivals to Hawaiʻi, and the stay-at-home order.

On Friday, Birch said there were 8 flights scheduled to arrive in Kona, holding 109 passengers. Of that, 39 were residents and only 18 were visitors.

One arrival had a total of 5 passengers: 4 crew, and 1 resident.

It was also said during the call that of the 5,000 employees on the Kohala Coast, 4 out of 5 are their losing jobs.

Unemployment insurance sites are inundated and people are waiting weeks for the claims process to go through. Food security is going to be a concern for the unemployed, call participants stated.


Filed Under: Hawaii Tagged With: coronavirus

LATEST NEWS

New Photos Show Lava Lake Activity At Kīlauea After 9 Months

Bills Related To Broadband, Digital Literacy Signed Into Law

Hu Honua Files Appeal With Hawaiʻi Supreme Court

Homicide At Hawaiian Beaches, Neighbor In Police Custody

Firework Permit Info For Hawaiʻi Island Ahead of July 4th

Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Weekly Update: 578 Cases On Big Island

About Big Island Video News

  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 · Dynamik-Gen on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in