1 - American Memory

52
The attendees were asked whether their estimates on food are holding
up, which would now be approxmately two weeks to a nonth's supply. Tliey
felt that they were, although some goods are already short. Ifr. Isherwood
added that sone items are getting to the critical stage; for eioople, canned
baby foods. However, this oay be only on a certain brand.
The group felt that local produce (vegetables and fruits) is holding
vp pretty well. There are a few people raising com individually but not
coianercially. Mr. Haeda mentioned that they tried getting some frozen com
(com-on-the-cob) from the East Coast; however, they presently do not have
com there, too*
Mr. Abe stated that the Chaiaber of Coimerce took a survey in a diffsrant
method. Their survey would prove that the strilce itself would hurt our
economy. Raw ciaterials v;ere found to be good for only another couple of
weeks. This is not true for every outfit, but for nost.
Hr. Maeda asked what action is taken as a result of these forms.
Mr. Isherwood replied that it is an accumulation of infonaation on what
the situation is and we pass this on to the State Hesource Agency. They,
in turn, determine whether they should request the Governor to take certain
steps to either use barges. Federal contacts or some other means of getting
materials in, particularly staples; and also the allocation of the materials
throughout the state rather than perhaps just Honolulu. It would tie in
with the sane procedures established during World VJar II when there were
a Limited nunber of ships that could cone in. Priorities would be set on
who gets what and how much and the type of raterials that could be. brought
in. There v;ould be a determination on items that would not be necessary,
like caviar, for example, unless the person wants to fly it in.
Mr. Maeda mentioned that it seems as though air freight space is getting
tight, too. Mr. Ishon.rood added that the ne-.vspaper articles mentioned that
one airline is putting additional freight carrying planes on, although this
seems to be only for Oahu.
Mr. Abe asked about Katson. Mr. Douglass said he wishes they had
Bomething positive worked out. They had hopes of providing services through
Vancouver, which would be fairly e:rpensive but better than directly from
the Vfest Coast; havever, so far they have not been able to do that. Seatrain
is also vrorking on services out of Vancouver but i-Ir. Douglass does not have
any late word on how successful they have been. This woiU.d be better than
shipping out of the East Coast, Gulf Ports or air freigliting, but it still
is not very fast. Hoifever, in line v.dth what [!r. Isherrfood was saying avmile
ago, someday the ftriko v;ill end and when it does, the State Government will
probably designate the priorities to t'atson, Seatrain and others so the more
critical items could be brought in first.
Hr. Abe asked that on the assumption that the strike would last, at
what point would the State say the situation is critical. Mr. Isherwood
replied that if we do not have any inforration, we would not bo able to
eupply information on our situation; however, with the infornaticn, we can