Hawaii Gas Strike Archives - Propane Insider

Alii Gas Provides Propane Service Amid Hawaii Gas Strike

Gas service has been interrupted due to Hawaii Gas’s ongoing statewide strike, but substitute businesses like Alii Gas are filling the gap. Since the strike started on June 1, Alii Gas, located in the Kailua-Kona region of the island of Hawaii, has experienced increased business. Alii Gas has been able to refuel propane tanks for companies with contracts with Hawaii Gas despite recent gas disruptions that necessitated the temporary closure of restaurants. These companies have granted Alii Gas waivers to fill the tanks and maintain a constant propane supply. The cooperation between propane companies shows the sector’s dedication to providing excellent customer service even in trying circumstances.

In addition, the strike has raised concerns about propane shortages at hotels and other tourism-oriented establishments, particularly in Waikiki. However, the commercial gas supply for customers outside the island of Hawaii is stable. Hotels directly receiving gas from Hawaii Gas through pipelines have remained relatively stable. Commercial entities with on-site gas tanks that depend on regular refills from Hawaii Gas trucks have been the most affected.

According to Alii Gas, Hawaii Gas tanks can be filled with no problems despite technical and safety concerns about using different companies to serve the same propane tanks. The business emphasizes that its services adhere to the required standards and that any problems must be more understood.

The Hawaii Teamsters and Allied Workers, Local 996, and Hawaii Gas have resumed their negotiations, but no deal has been reached as of yet. The two sides continue to disagree on wage increases and medical premiums. Public exchanges and accusations have been made during the strike between the union and Hawaii Gas, including claims of truck blocking and gas shipment disruption.

Both Hawaii Gas and the union are prepared to pick up negotiations as the strike drags on. A resolution to the strike will be essential to maintain uninterrupted gas service and address the company’s and its employees’ concerns.

Gas Shortages Continue as Hawaii Gas Workers’ Strike Enters Second Week

As the second week of the Hawaii Gas workers’ strike begins, gas shortages are increasing, impacting customers. Residents of Kona have reported that a dozen or so local eateries have temporarily stopped serving food due to the strike. Hawaii Gas responded to the complaints by stating on Saturday that the Big Island is a priority… Continue reading Gas Shortages Continue as Hawaii Gas Workers’ Strike Enters Second Week

As the second week of the Hawaii Gas workers’ strike begins, gas shortages are increasing, impacting customers. Residents of Kona have reported that a dozen or so local eateries have temporarily stopped serving food due to the strike. Hawaii Gas responded to the complaints by stating on Saturday that the Big Island is a priority for temporary resources and that they are working with other gas providers to refill their customers’ propane tanks.

Paul Kai, who assists off-grid residents at the Kai Store in Hilo, has been delivering discouraging news. He said, “I’m so sorry, but the propane vendor has run out,” then apologized to the customers. It might take another week or so for the propane distributor to restock. The anticipated time frame is uncertain, though. More than 200 employees of Hawaii Gas from Local 996 went on strike eight days ago, calling for a nearly 30% wage increase.

Picketers have reportedly blocked trucks at base yards on the islands of Oahu and Hawaii, according to reports from Hawaii Gas. While the employer respects the union’s right to strike, it urges the workers to abstain from actions detrimental to nearby businesses. Several restaurants have had to temporarily halt operations due to the strike’s delays. Propane is essential for the forklifts used at Miranda Country Store in Shipman Industrial Park to unload containers and serve customers. The store’s operations manager, Damien Demello Jr., emphasizes the effect by saying, “We won’t be able to unload any new products, including feed for animals or other essentials.”

The propane-dependent Eric Waldram expressed his disappointment: “Not knowing that I would come over here and find no gas… hopefully, these people realize the importance of propane gas for the people.” Eric Waldram uses propane to grill on the weekends at his condo. While informing customers that propane is unavailable at his store, Kai maintains a patient and friendly demeanor. He wishes for a speedy end to the labor dispute.

The union clarified that tankers could use alternative gates in response to the company’s claim that strikers are preventing them from leaving its Hilo facility. The union views the gas shipment delays as a negotiating strategy. Hawaii Gas disputes this, emphasizes a smaller staff, and appreciates the community’s and its customers’ patience during these trying times. The employer declares its readiness to speak with the Teamsters as soon as possible to settle outstanding issues and anticipates calling the workers back as quickly as possible.

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… Continue reading Hawaii Gas Strike Disrupts Local Businesses as Propane Shortage Forces Closures

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.