27-hundred hotel workers have taken a stand for better pay. Now they’re on day seven of striking against five Kyo-ya owned hotels on Oahu and Maui. The impacts on tourism may not be immediately noticeable but the noise from picketers is loud and clear.
For a week now, the peace in Waikiki has been disrupted. The chants, drums, and bells can get loud, affecting neighboring businesses.
“Sometimes we don’t get business for two hours. Sometimes people will come in, look around, and they’ll walk out because the chanting is too loud,” said Crazy Shirts employee Qiana Jackson.
Hotel guests we spoke to have mixed feelings about the noise, but all of them are sympathetic to the cause.
“We do not have a problem with this. Maybe some people at the hotel may have more problems, but when we are walking by, we see it and we understand why they’re doing it and we find it good,” said Michael Giger from Switzerland.
“You’re trying to sleep and it just keeps going on and on. Yeah when you only come here once in your life, it’s disappointing but I’m sure there’s a good reason for doing what they’re doing,” said Paul Carr who’s visiting from Australia.
In a statement from Kyo-ya Hotels and Resorts, officials are apologizing for the inconvenience and appreciate everyone’s patience. Unite Here Local 5 tells us they need to do what they need to do.
“We get the police there, we are following the rules. Our voices are not too loud even at night we stop the microphone and drums,” said picketer Geraldine Acoba. “We need to do it for our family. I get two kids so guests will understand because they have family too.”
Noise levels need to be lowered between 10 at night until 7 in the morning. We reached out to Honolulu Police if they’ve received any noise complaints or cited any of the union members. We’ll let you know when they get back to us.
