Small Businesses Balance Solidarity and Survival
HONOLULU — As a nationwide call to strike encourages people to abstain from work, school, and shopping in response to widespread protests, many small business owners on Oahu are facing tough decisions. While they support the movement’s goals, the financial challenges of closing their doors make full participation difficult.
The national shutdown follows a series of protests reacting to law enforcement and federal actions, including the controversial shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis. These events have sparked a wave of solidarity across the country, but for small businesses, the path forward isn’t always straightforward.
Creative Acts of Solidarity
In Kaimuki, entrepreneurs are finding alternative ways to show their support without halting operations. At Daily Whisk Matcha and Ten Tomorrow, owner Summer Shiigi chose to remain open while offering a 25% discount on purchases to symbolize solidarity with protestors.
“Today I stand in solidarity with the things that are happening in this country,” Shiigi stated. “They feel awful and dangerous.” She emphasized that support can take many forms, particularly for small businesses that must juggle economic realities with social responsibility.
Protecting Employees While Supporting the Cause
Similarly, Andrew Chunhori, general manager of Hawaii Pie Company, said the decision to stay open was not a dismissal of the shutdown’s message but a necessity to support his employees and their families.
“I understand the things that are going on and respect all of it,” Chunhori said. “But at the same time, we also have to look out for our employees and our family.”
Many small businesses operate on thin margins, and a single day of closure could have lasting financial consequences. For them, the choice to remain open is not a sign of indifference but a matter of survival.
A Space for Healing and Reflection
Other businesses opted for a different approach. Yoga Under the Palms chose to stay open but offered free classes aimed at healing and reflection instead of regular services.
Instructor Melissa Martin explained the intent behind the classes: “We chose to stay open and offer a space for people to do the work of healing and preparing to do the work of resistance.”
During one session, participants engaged in movement and meditation while discussing themes of resistance, values, and emotional resilience. These classes served as a therapeutic outlet for attendees seeking ways to process recent events, including troubling immigration enforcement actions.
Community Impact and Shared Experience
Recent developments, such as the detention of 5-year-old Liam Ramos alongside his father in Minnesota, have intensified public concern and community response. These incidents highlight the emotional toll of federal actions and the importance of communal spaces for dialogue and support.
Joanne Duncan, who attended one of the free yoga classes, shared how the experience reaffirmed her sense of connection. “Just knowing there are people who feel the same way — scared, but committed to compassion and humanity — makes a difference,” she said. “We shouldn’t be isolating people or taking children away from their families.”
Staying Open, Staying Engaged
Across the country, many businesses did shut their doors in full solidarity with the national strike. However, several on Oahu chose a more nuanced path—staying open but actively engaging with the movement’s message through discounts, healing services, and community discussions.
These choices reflect the complex reality that small business owners face. For many, it’s not about choosing between protest and profit but finding meaningful ways to support their communities while keeping their livelihoods afloat.
“Support doesn’t always look the same,” Shiigi noted. “What matters is that we’re doing something — whether it’s offering discounts, creating safe spaces, or simply having conversations.”
As the nation continues to grapple with social unrest and calls for systemic change, small businesses are proving that engagement can come in many forms. Whether through acts of compassion, economic support, or spaces for healing, their efforts contribute to a broader movement that values both justice and community resilience.
This article is inspired by content from Original Source. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.