1 - American Memory
1 - American Memory
1 - American Memory
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other Solutiontf<br />
Any suggested solution must take Into account the unique Insular position of<br />
Hawaii. No other state must depend almost completely on one mode of trans-<br />
portation and one carrier. In all other states, even if there Is a major transporta-<br />
tion strike, supplies keep moving by alternate methods of transportation. For<br />
example. If railroads are struck, barges, coastwide shipping, and trucks are avail-<br />
able. Given Hawaii's unique situation, it seems inappropriate to attempt to apply<br />
mainland collective bargaining procedures and practices and still expect the<br />
Islands to run on an even keel when all of Its sources of supply are almost com-<br />
pletely cut off. As we have seen, a stockpile approach cannot supply all the econ-<br />
omy's needs.<br />
One possible solution—which might dramatize and thus lead to more basic<br />
changes—would be the creation of a Labor-Management-Consumer Board which<br />
would be charged with the responsibility of estimating the likelihood and duration<br />
of strikes. It would be expected to make recommendations to the business com-<br />
munity on how much additional inventory should be carried. Its recommenda-<br />
tions, of course, would be a public announcement that Inventories should be in-<br />
creased, that inventory carrying costs will be Increased, and that therefore prlce»<br />
will be raised. This approach would dramatize the fact that the whole state-<br />
not just Matson and the unions—is affected by strikes.<br />
This suggestion is not endorsed by the author because an extremely difficult<br />
task would be imposed upon such a Board. Many of the strikes which affect<br />
Hawaii are due to grievances between labor and management groups which are<br />
controlled by any Hawaiian Interests. National and International unions are<br />
faced against a management group—the Pacific Maritime Association—which<br />
Is concerned with shipping In the whole Pacific area, not just to Hawaii. Further,<br />
the approach, like the stockpile approach, does not get at the cause of the problem.<br />
The only real solution the author sees is (1) for the Hawaiian people to<br />
recognize that they are In a imlque position which calls for measures which<br />
might not be necessary on the mainland and (2) to act accordingly. Specifically,<br />
they should realize that they are already paying a premium—higher retail<br />
prices—for (1) their sanctioning unions' right to strike and (2) the Irregular<br />
delivery schedules being maintained by Matson. Further, they should realize<br />
that building Inventories before and during strike threats adds further to costs<br />
and prices. With this understanding, they might Instruct their representatives<br />
to work toward a basic solution to the problem rather than a remedy, which Is<br />
what stockpiling would be.<br />
A basic solution would entail keeping supplies moving, perhaps with govern-<br />
ment-chartered vessels In the time of strike threats, or legislation which treated<br />
Matson like a public utility and prohibited anyone interrupting shipping. Dis-<br />
cussion of these possible solutions is beyond the scope of this study, but some<br />
such solution seems the only possibility in the face of this unique situation.<br />
The Hawaiian economy is an Integral part of the United States economy and<br />
cannot sever all connections for long and still remain healthy.<br />
m<br />
StrUFACE CABOO SHIPMEKTrS AND CAROO CARBTINO POTENTIAL OT AlKUNES<br />
SEBVING HAWAII<br />
What Is the present level of cargo shipments to Hawaii? How much cargo<br />
would be affected by a stoppage of U.S. flag ships? Mr. Wesley H. Hlllendahl,<br />
Vice President, Bank of Hawaii has made the following summary of cargo<br />
shipments to Hawaii showing foreign and U.S. mainland Imports.<br />
It Is as.sumed that a stoppage would primarily affect the U.S. flag line's activity<br />
between Hawaii and the West Coast including Canada. Presumably, bulk ship-<br />
ments of petroleum products and foreign shipments other than Canadian would<br />
not be affected. It Is not known If barge shipments (primarily lumber and con-<br />
struction materials from the Northwest) will be affected. Presumably military<br />
cargoes would not be affected (roughly a potential total of a tenth of all cargo<br />
If they Import goods to supply post exchanges).<br />
AsRiimlng 10.000 weight tons to a ship, the effect of a strike Is as follows (based<br />
on 1967 Imports) :<br />
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