The Hawai‘i Restaurant Card officially launched just over two weeks ago when those on unemployment  began receiving the pre-loaded, pre-paid cards in mailboxes statewide.  Gov. David Ige and Sherry Menor-McNamara of the statewide Hawaii Chamber of Commerce announced the restaurant card distribution on Oct. 1.  The funding, around $75 million, is coming from the Federal CARES Act Funds.

As of November 1, 103,384 Hawai‘i Restaurant Cards have been activated. So far, $17.2 million has been spent at restaurants, eateries, bakeries and for food catering in Hawai‘i. That equates to $1.15 million being injected daily into our restaurant industry since the program started.

Locally, restaurant owners and managers say the cards plus increased tourism are boosting diners to their facilities.  Melany Kerver, owner of The Coffee Shack in South Kona along with her husband Jim, said business noticeably picked up following the Oct. 15 relaunch of tourism with pre-travel testing.  Papa Kona’s manager Chrishelle Gavoni said on Thursday that they have seen an uptick in business.  Both said they are also getting local residents who pay with the restaurant cards.

Both restaurants also are getting a benefit from their open-air dining, with some feeling most comfortable with the increased air flow.

For details about the Hawai‘i Restaurant Card and answers to frequently asked questions visit: www.HawaiiRestaurantCard.com.

The cards must be used by Dec. 15.  The intent was to help both local residents who have lost jobs and also local restaurants.

Photos:  Papa Kona’s to the right, The Coffee Shack below, and an image of the Hawaii Restaurant Card attached