1 - American Memory

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operations in terms of employment through September. By the end of
that month their bulk sugar and molasses storage capacities are
expected to be depleted. They expect to re-evaluate their situation
for October. The plantations directly employ some 2,800 workers. If
a major layoff occurs in October, then our unemployment roll by October
would run an additional 2,800 plus the 250 indicated in our survey—
some 3,000 people or greater. The subsequent figures through November
then might Increase at a large rate as sugar-related industries are
affected. A 3,000 unemployment roll as a result of the strike would
result in a total unemployment rate for the Big Island of about fifteen
percent or 5,000 people. (Our unemployment rate was 6.3 percent before
the Impact of the strike.)
This survey will run on a weekly basis for the duration of the strike
and we will be submitting weekly reports to you.
An Inventory of the Island's food and medical supply indicates adequacy
for at least one month. We initially made monthly surveys at the out-
set, then every two weeks and now we are making weekly food and medical
surveys.
He understand that goods are being brought in from the East, Gulf,
Canada and other ports. Reportedly, this move incurs greater shipping
expenses, and to pass the additional cost to the consumer is obviously
a burden, especially coupled with the wage freeze. Families with Icwer
incomes would be hit more severely by such a move. If the importers
were forced to operate on a price freeze and at a point when this
situation makes it unprofitable, they will cease to look at other ports
or their operations.
As you know, we have our Civil Defense agency taking the food and
medical survey and our Department of Research and Development surveying
the economic impact of the strike.
We appreciate the shipment of chlorine that you arranged for our water
and sewer uses. The shipment will alleviate our immediate shortage.
Dr. Shelley M. Mark
Mr. Wesley Hlllendahl
Mr. Robert Hasegawa
Mr. Frederick Erskine
Dr. Wilbur S. Lummis, Jr.