On Wednesday, Gov. David Ige announced a new dining card program funded by $75 million from the Federal CARES Relief Fund. Everybody receiving Unemployment Insurance will receive a $500 Dining Card, a debit card, that may be used at any Hawaii restaurant. The cards will be sent out without anybody needing to apply.
The cards may be used between Oct. 20, 2020 and Dec. 15, 2020, with no extensions on time. The intent is to help those who are currently unemployed as well as give a boost to local restaurants. Because the money is coming from Federal CARES funding, it must be spent before the end of the year.
Sherry Menor McNamara, president and CEO, Chamber of Commerce of Hawai‘i, a statewide organization, said the program could potentially double current spending at local restaurants in the state and save at least 1,000 jobs.
