1 - American Memory

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Ronds of small and independent businesses In Hawaii, Guam and other V.3.
Pacific Islands In the event of another West Coast dock strike.
During the last such strike, literally scores of small businesses went out of
business as a result, while thousands of others suffered economic losses of up to
30 percent or more—according to NFIB surveys.
May 1 respectfully urge, despite the lateness of this Session of Congress, that
hearings be held on this vital legislation as soon as possible. The very existence
of many of our member firms in these affected areas could be at stake.
Sincerely,
E. NEEL EDWARDS,
Oovemment Affairs Representative.
Luwxjw CORP.,
Needham Heights, Mass., September 18, 1974.
JOHN JARMAN,
Chairman, Transportation d Aeronautics Subcommittee of the Interstate d Foreign
Commerce Committee, Rayhurn House Offlcc Building, Washington, B.C.
CHAIRMAN JARMAN : House Bill H.R. 7189 is presently before you for consideration.
This bill would exempt the State of Hawaii for 160 days from West Coast
maritime or longshore labor disputes.
Hawaii's lifeline obviously is seagoing ships, but that lifeline was broken for
175 days when there was no shipping service because of maritime or longshore
labor disputes during the 17 month period ending in December, 1972, and for a
total of 1,788 days in the past 28 years. This interruption and the constant threat
of interruption has a significant, adverse impact on the Hawaiian economy,
driving firms out of business, causing unemployment and resulting in sharply
rising prices to consumers. While shipping to Hawaii is so important to its
economy, that shipping accounts for less than 3% of West Coast shipping, so the
impact on a strike of requiring shipping to the Islands to continue for 160 days
is insignificant.
Ludlow Corporation is actively engaged in doing business in Hawaii and is
consequently vitally concerned that the Hawaiian economy not be subjected to
unnecessary difficulties. We urge, therefore, that you give H.R. 7189 your full
support
Very truly yours,
T. R. PEIART, Senior Vioe Pretident.
CTTT AND COUNTT or HONOLULU, HAW AH,
September 19, 1974.
Hon. HARLET O. STAGGERS.
Chairman, Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee, U.S. House of Representatives,
Raybum House Office Building, Washington, D.C.
DEAR CONGRESSMAN STAGGERS : Please convey to the members of the House of
Representatives Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce my strong recnuiniendation
for an early consideration of nnd favnrnble action on H.R. 7189,
to exempt Hawaii and the U.S. Pacific Islands for 160 days from the effects of
any West Coast longshore or maritime strike or lockout.
Both as Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu and as a 1974 gubernatorial
candidate, I would like very much to testify factually and in detail on how
surface shipping interruptions seriously endanger the economy of the City of
Honolulu and all the State of Hawaii.
I am convinced that if Congress fails to enact this legislation and .should
another serious shipping stoppage occur, Hawaii's econom.v will simply collapse.
It Is time for the House of Representatives to follow the Senate's lead in giving
Hawaii relief from this sword of Damocles that hangs suspended over our heads.
With warm personal regards.
Sincerely,
FRANK F. FASI, Mayor.