The economic numbers are worsening. The March unemployment rate on Kaua‘i hit 10.3 percent, higher than the state and national average, and many think it will get worse. According to Judy Lenthall at the Kaua‘i Food Bank, emergency food requests in the first quarter of the year were 48 percent higher than the same time last year.
A recession like this has the potential to cause many social as well as economic disruptions. Increased homelessness and overcrowding, property crime, domestic violence and child abuse are just a few of the symptoms we may see. Many nonprofits, already worried about their own budgets, are hoping they will be able to meet the growing demand for services.
But people on Kaua‘i are a resilient, generous bunch. We have proved in the past that circumstances can’t beat us. So how do we handle what’s to come if the economy worsens?
It’s time to reach out.
For those who can afford to help, give of your time and money. Reach out to your neighbors and make sure they are okay. See if there is a way you can help them. Volunteer at a nonprofit that provides services to those in need. Send a donation, even if you sent one a few months ago. We have to work together to build a stronger safety net.
If you find yourself in need of help, reach out. There are organizations that may be able to offer food, housing and clothing. Some people are finding themselves in need of help for the first time and find it difficult to ask for help. But no shame. We are all vulnerable. We are there for each other.
On a quite different topic, I invite everyone to offer their ideas at public meetings being held over the next two weeks for the Kaua‘i Energy Sustainability Plan. That plan is being developed to offer a roadmap for the next 20 years on how Kaua‘i can reduce its reliance on fossil fuels through energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy. So plan an evening out among other interested people at one of five meetings being held around the island:
— Kapa‘a Middle School Cafeteria, Thursday, April 30, 6:30-8:30 PM
— Kekaha Neighborhood Center, Monday, May 4, 6:30-8:30 PM
— Koloa Neighborhood Center, Tuesday, May 5, 6:30-8:30 PM
— Hanalei Elementary School, Tuesday, May 12, 6:30-8:30 PM
— War Memorial Convention Hall, Lihu‘e, Wednesday, May 13, 6:30-8:30 PM
Doors will open at 6 p.m. It’s a great time to learn more about the technologies being used around the country and to discuss what may work for Kaua‘i. There is a Web site with lots of energy information. There’s also a survey you are encouraged to take. Go to www.KauaiEnergySustainabilityPlan.com; the survey is in the “Get Involved” section.
• Diane Zachary is president and CEO of the Kaua‘i Planning and Action Alliance. She can be reached at dzachary@kauainetwork.org
