Santa Claus wasn’t the only one on duty this holiday. Across the island, police officers and firefighters were on the clock Sunday, along with restaurant and hotel workers, gas station employees and airport personnel. “Every year, I work on Christmas
Santa Claus wasn’t the only one on duty this holiday. Across the island, police officers and firefighters were on the clock Sunday, along with restaurant and hotel workers, gas station employees and airport personnel.
“Every year, I work on Christmas Day,” said Bill Kaauwai of Kapa‘a, who was patrolling the airport parking lot for Securitas USA.
Because he knew he would be on duty on a day that allows most people to spend time with family and friends, Kaauwai celebrated Saturday with his father.
“It’s always quiet, we hope,” he said about working holidays at the airport.
Sunday was noisier for Edraline Manero of Puhi, who spent the day waiting on a steady stream of customers at a 7-Eleven store in Lihu‘e.
The advantage? “We get double pay,” she said.
Although she couldn’t spend all day with her family, Manero said she found a way to celebrate on the job.
“We celebrate Christmas giving love and giving a smile to the customer, so the customers will come back all year,” she said.
Clarissa Pacheco of Kapa‘a celebrated with her family on Christmas Eve before reporting to work Sunday morning at Kaua‘i Sands Hotel.
“Last night, we had a family dinner, and we went to midnight Mass. Tonight, we’ll have another dinner, and my husband and I will open presents when I get home,” she said.
Pacheco said she doesn’t think Christmas should be defined by a specific date on a calendar.
“I live, give and share all year round,” Pacheco said. “I think it should be Christmas every day.”
