Hawaii Gas Strike Disrupts Local Businesses as Propane Shortage Forces Closures

Businesses in the area are severely disrupted by the ongoing Hawaii Gas strike, which has forced some of them to close. On the island of Hawaii, businesses, primarily restaurants, have been forced to close down because they cannot operate without gas until delivery trucks refill propane tanks.

Four restaurants at Kona Commons in Kailua-Kona that share a propane tank unexpectedly ran out of fuel during a meal. Hawaii Gas failed to deliver the required refill despite promises of a noon delivery, forcing Daiichi Ramen, Genki Sushi, Panda Express, and Ultimate Burger to close their doors.

Service interruptions have been brought on by the strike involving Hawaii Gas and more than 200 unionized workers from Hawaii Teamsters and Allied Workers, Local 996. Businesses that depend on propane tanks are running out of supply, even though the utility is aware of the issue and is trying to find quick fixes on a case-by-case basis.

To preserve the remaining propane in its 1,000-gallon tank for the hot water used by hotel guests, the Manago Hotel in Captain Cook had to close its restaurant. The hotel must rely on the meager supply in its tank because the delivery schedule is uncertain. The closure will drastically reduce propane use, as the restaurant will be closed for about a week, but this is only a temporary fix.

In Pukalani, Maui, Serpico’s Pizzeria deals with comparable difficulties. When the restaurant ran out of propane, the malfunctioning equipment forced a full-day closure. Although there are other gas providers, some restaurant managers and owners cannot fill their on-site propane tanks with anything other than Hawaii Gas.

More extensive facilities that rely on underground pipes have not encountered shortages, but smaller businesses suffer severe losses even from a single day of closure. The situation is especially difficult for companies like restaurants, which might have to throw away fresh ingredients and lose money.

Hawaii Gas has deployed temporary outside staffing to maintain service delivery after assuring the public that essential gas services wouldn’t be interrupted. However, there will be a meeting today to continue the ongoing negotiations between Hawaii Gas and the Hawaii Teamsters.

Businesses are advised to monitor their propane tank levels during the propane shortage and refrain from completely emptying them out of safety concerns.

To help its members, the Hawaii Restaurant Association has been in touch with Hawaii Gas. As contract negotiations proceed, the effect on gas service and how the strike will end remain unknown.