Holiday decorations are already on display in retail stores, and craft fairs will become commonplace as the calendar heads toward December.
This particular holiday craft fair is being held at the HGEA headquarters downtown. They hold it as a scholarship fundraiser for member families. We were curious how the advent of furlough Fridays has impacted HGEA members this holiday season.
"Yes, watching my way of spending. I was always very thrifty, always. But even more so now. I go to retail stores just to see prices of how the real world is and I shop elsewhere," said HGEA member, Yvonne Perry.
Amidst the embroidered backpacks and handmade jewelry, even former HGEA members say they are watching their pennies.
"Being a retiree we don't know what's going to be happening to our benefits. So I have to make sure that I save some money and not spend as much as I normally would," said HGEA retiree, Fran Kagawa.
Furlough Fridays have had an impact on everybody, according to Yvonne Perry.
"And I think after we get our furloughs back, if we ever do, which I believe we won't. They won't be able to afford to give us back our furloughs, we have changed the way Hawaii, local people have been spending," said Perry.
The craft fair is a micro-economy. Vendor booth fees go to the scholarship fund, the goods are made locally and sold to locals. It may be a trend.
"So fortunately, the way the economy is, we just have to tighten our belt and enjoy the little things in life," said Kagawa.
