With a partial federal government shutdown in place and the Trump administration freezing $26 billion in federal funding for Democrat-run states, including Hawaii, the office of Gov. Josh Green says it is “closely monitoring the impacts … on our residents, workers and critical programs.”
The longest U.S. government shutdown, 35 days in late 2018 and early 2019 during Trump’s first term, ended in part because of flight delays caused by air-traffic controllers calling in sick.
“While the situation in Washington remains uncertain, we want to assure the people of Hawaii that our state will do everything within its power to protect essential services and ensure continuity for families who depend on them,” the governor’s office said Wednesday in a statement. “Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits will continue. State departments are authorized to use available resources through October to offset impacts on federally funded programs.
“Gov. Green’s administration is in constant communication with agencies across all sectors — from food assistance and public health to transportation and safety — to assess and address needs as they arise. At the governor’s direction, the Department of Human Resources Development is encouraging departments to add vacant positions to the Operation Hire Hawaii program to welcome separated federal employees and others wanting to work for the state.
“The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism and the Hawaii Tourism Authority are reassuring visitors, with information on how to check on the status of federally funded attractions, such as national parks, that they hope to experience while in the islands.
“We recognize that past shutdowns have varied in length and scope, and while we cannot control decisions made at the federal level, we can control how we respond here at home. Hawaii will continue to lead with compassion, responsibility and resolve. We encourage residents to stay informed through official channels, support one another and take care of their communities.”
Other officials and agencies also have issued statements with advice and assurances for Hawaii visitors and residents.
— The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau said it’s working closely with the Hawaii Tourism Authority and its partners to monitor this situation and its impacts on visitor-related operations across the Hawaiian Islands. Travel to and within the Hawaiian Islands remains largely unaffected by the federal government shutdown. Visitors do not need to cancel or postpone their trips to Hawaii.
HVCB said travelers should check with their airline for the status of their flight before heading to the airport and allow extra time to pass through Transportation Security Administration checkpoints. The bureau said updates and special travel alerts will be posted online at gohawaii.com/govshutdown.
— The Hawaii Department of Transportation added that the shutdown “is not expected to have an immediate impact to Hawaii’s air and maritime transportation systems.”
Essential federal government workers such as air-traffic controllers, TSA agents, Customs and Border Protection officials, Federal Aviation Administration personnel, and U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors continue to provide direct services to the public at Hawaii’s airports, ensuring safety and security.
At Hawaii’s commercial harbors, the U.S. Coast Guard as well as CBP officials continue to provide direct services to support cargo and passenger operations.
— Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park and Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park are all prime Big Island visitor destinations. The National Park Service’s Office of Public Affairs said NPS will continue to keep parks as accessible as possible during the lapse in appropriations. Critical functions that protect life, property and public health will remain in place, including visitor access in many locations, law enforcement and emergency response. For information about what is open, visit doi.gov/shutdown.
— Hawaii Island’s volcanoes are monitored by federal scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Ken Hon, the observatory’s scientist-in-charge, said in an email, “Due to the lapse in appropriations (government shutdown), I am currently only working as required on critical volcano/earthquake monitoring and response activities in direct support of the protection of life and property for the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.”
— National Weather Service meteorologist Thomas Vaughan of Honolulu said NWS “will continue to issue all products and services, so nothing is going to change that you’ll notice.” He told the Tribune-Herald that any additional questions should be directed to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Communications via email.
The Tribune-Herald sent an email and received this automated response: “Hi there, Due to the federal government shutdown, NOAA is unable to respond to e-mails or voicemails that are not mission-critical. If your request is urgent and critically important, we will make every effort to accommodate; however, please be aware that responses may be delayed. For routine inquiries, NOAA Communications will respond in a timely manner once funds have been appropriated and the shutdown ends.
“Please be aware that NWS products, watches and warnings and (National Hurricane Center) operations will continue as normal and will not be affected.”
— The U.S. Judiciary said on its website that despite the shutdown, federal courts will remain open and will operate through Friday, Oct. 17, by using court fee balances and other funds not dependent on a new appropriation. Most proceedings and deadlines will occur as scheduled. In cases where an attorney from an executive branch agency is not working because of the shutdown, hearing and filing dates may be rescheduled. The Case Management/Electronic Case Files system also will remain in operation for electronic filing of documents.
— AARP Hawaii State Director Keali‘i Lopez said it’s “not totally clear what the impacts of the shutdown will be” on seniors.
“A lot depends on what’s considered essential and how long the shutdown lasts,” Lopez said. “The important thing for kupuna to know is that Social Security payments will still go out, and Medicare and veterans benefits will mostly continue as normal. You will get your Social Security payment. You can still go to the doctor or hospital and get your prescription medication under Medicare. You can apply for Medicare. Mail will be delivered. Some routine telehealth services will not be available, and you may experience some customer service delays at Social Security and Medicare.”
AARP has assembled information about the impact of the shutdown, available at aarp.org, and according to Lopez, those affected can contact AARP at hiaarp@aarp.org and also can contact their members of Congress and the White House.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com and Daniel Farr at dfarr@hawaii.com.