HONOLULU (KHON2) — If you’re unemployed, the state’s newest economic plan is looking to keep money in your bank account, and food in your stomach.

If you qualified for unemployment insurance since March 25 and are still receiving benefits, you’ll soon be getting the Hawaii Restaurant Card in the mail. It will come pre-loaded with $500 and it can only be spent at any restaurant in Hawaii.

State officials reported that $75,000,000 of the CARES Act money will be used to fund the program. The goal is to help stimulate the economy, give a boost to businesses and keep local families fed.

“According to the UHERO study that evaluated the program, it would nearly double its economic impact for our local businesses,” said Hawaii Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Sherry Menor McNamara.

The card functions like a debit card. Residents can use it to pay their restaurant bill and tip, and the total will be taken out of the card’s balance. That money goes to the restaurant, and with many local farmers providing goods, it should keep supply chains intact.

https://www.khon2.com/coronavirus/state-to-distribute-debit-like-card-for-hawaiis-unemployed-in-new-restaurant-card-program/

If any folks on here are unemployed due to COVID, I truly feel for you.  That said, there has got to have been a better way to utilize $75 Mil on CARES act funding. . .

When morning radio folks are commenting on how their "friends and family" who were formerly "less employed" prior to COVID are now doing better than they are during COVID, that doesn't quite add up. . .

Steak, lobster and a glass of wine please ...

At first, I thought this was a bad idea.
But when you think about it, it does benefit a whole string of people down to the farmers.

At least it's better than spending the money to hire enforcement officers to give citations for people walking a dog in the park.

At first, I thought this was a bad idea.
But when you think about it, it does benefit a whole string of people down to the farmers.

At least it's better than spending the money to hire enforcement officers to give citations for people walking a dog in the park.

I do think overall it's a good idea to get $$$ back into the economy quickly, as well as helping those who need help and without a lot of red tape.

That said, too little too late.  Damage already done.  State trying to appease and hope people forgive and forget.  I also hate that there are folks that blatantly abuse the system.  Yeah, I get that there are many that truly need the assistance.  That said, it's the people who administer the programs that I have issue with.