Shoppers at Kukui Grove Center report being more cautious with their cash this holiday season compared to previous years. That mirrors a statewide and nationwide trend, according to poll results released recently that show Hawai’i residents will spend less this
Shoppers at Kukui Grove Center report being more cautious with their cash this holiday season compared to previous years.
That mirrors a statewide and nationwide trend, according to poll results released recently that show Hawai’i residents will spend less this holiday season.
Hawai’i residents will hang onto more of their holiday money, though the state’s average of $836 is still more than 8 percent more than consumers are expected to spend nationally on holiday gifts, according to The People’s Pulse poll, conducted by the Honolulu firm OmniTrak Group.
Uncertainties remain about present and future economic conditions on Kaua’i, statewide, nationally and around the world as a result of the terrorist acts of Sept. 11, and how those events shook an already unstable national and international economy, many Kaua’i residents say.
One male shopper who wished not to be identified said he would be spending more this year because his wife will get some special jewelry to make up for a less-than-stellar gift selection for her last year.
Another unidentified family man said he’ll spend the same this year as last, because he still has to buy for the same amount of people despite hard economic times.
Others are being more cautious, making presents to cut expenditures or cutting corners in other ways.
“I don’t wrap gifts now. It costs money to buy paper,” said Cheryl Lovell-Obatake of Nawiliwili. She added that she is spending less money on gifts this Christmas. And since she doesn’t like to shop, she usually gives gift certificates, she said.
You’ll find Brenda Alayvilla of Hanapepe around the sale racks at local stores, as less income and worries about the economy have forced her to spend less this Christmas as well.
Bonnie Kakinami of Koloa will spend about the same as she has the past few holidays, feeling fortunate that her teacheing job wasn’t impacted by the terrorist events of Sept. 11.
“I don’t have a long list,” she added.
Sherrill Kennedy of Po’ipu will spend a lot less this Christmas, a combination of her current “money situation” and high prices for gifts on Kaua’i.
“It just seems like things are more expensive,” said Kennedy, who is also worried about accruing “heavy” credit card debt and possibly not having the ability to pay down those charges in the new year.
Sonny Waialeale of Wailua will spend a lot less this holiday season than during previous years, but remains upbeat about an economic turnaround in the new year.
“It’s just that way,” he said of current economic conditions. “I hope the state can work together and make a comeback.”
Staff Writer Paul C. Curtis can be reached at mailto:pcurtis@pulitzer.net or 245-3681 (ext. 224).
