Federal Shutdown begins to Impact Hawaii
A federal government shutdown began Wednesday after Congress failed to reach a funding agreement by the midnight deadline, creating uncertainty for Hawaii residents and visitors.
Officials at Hickam Air Force Base stated they do not anticipate immediate changes to operations at commissaries, exchanges, or recreational activities. Though, the base warned that general scheduled employees could be placed on unpaid leave. ”If it’s just a few days, people might not notice. But if it’s an extended shutdown for multiple days,or weeks,or over a month,that’s when it’s going to be very worrisome,” said Lopez,a base representative.
The shutdown’s impact was immediately felt at the Pearl Harbor National memorial, a National Parks Service facility, where employees left Tuesday unsure if they would be working wednesday. The memorial welcomes nearly two million visitors annually. Concerns were raised that a shutdown would prevent people from experiencing this critically important historical site.
“We’d be really concerned if it were shut down, all the parks and all of TSA,” said James Frost, a visitor from Georgia. “I worked for the federal government before, so I know that whole concept. This time, I’m worried it’s going to be a little more crazier than the past.”
Fortunately, the Pearl Harbor National Memorial has potential support from its partners: the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum (home to the WWII submarine USS Bowfin), the USS Battleship Missouri Memorial, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, all part of the nonprofit Pacific Historic Parks. This organization has the capacity to fund the memorial’s operations, though it remains unclear if the parks department will allow this in the current situation.The Battleship Missouri Memorial has already announced it will remain open to guests regardless of the federal government’s status.
Other national parks and monuments, such as Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, face uncertainty. During the 2018 shutdown, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park remained open but with minimal staffing. Some are advocating for a full closure of the park this time to prevent potential misuse and vandalism, as occurred during the previous shutdown.
Beyond tourism, the shutdown will directly effect Hawaii residents.Approximately 20,000 Hawaii residents will lose tax subsidies on thier Obamacare health insurance policies as the fiscal year ends.
Agencies are still finalizing their shutdown plans, and individuals needing services or details are advised to check agency websites for updates.
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