Caring for one another will carry us through

The article, “Coronavirus concerns bring out the worst and best in shoppers” (Star-Advertiser, March 13), reveals the truth that the virus has no borders and fear has no ethnicity.

Although there are a few rude and self-interested shoppers, overall people are indeed polite and kind. Many argue why our government does not enforce a strict ban as China does. The answer to that is our population does not need a strong hand to push us around. Most of us are educated, disciplined, kind and caring. Spreading facts and mobilizing our people to fight this pandemic is the most effective way.

Wearing a smile is always better than wearing masks in such a confusing time.

Kenneth Lam

StarAdvertiser’ Editorial Letters, March 18, 2020

ASPHALT RESURFACE

Aloha value customers,

We have learned from the property management that they are resurfacing asphalt on our Honolulu’s property on December 27th, 29th and 30rd of 2018. As such, service to your companies on those days may be interrupted due to the restricted access and early closure. To be specific, some of the stores may not get service on those days as we must close shop early.

Updated information will be posted on the company’s website as well as Twitter. Please feel free to call 808-944-8888 should you have any question.

We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

United Courier Services

United Armored Car Services

ACQUISITION ON KAUAI

News Release August 1, 2018

United Courier Services Inc. announced its expansion to Kauai after operating under a chartered agreement with an independent contractor since 1990. The plan will offer more flexibility and wide spectrum of services for local businesses to face the growth of Kauai’s economy.

“We have completed our facility acquisition at the end of July 2018 and commencing service as of August 1, 2018. Our direct engagement will help us meet increased demand by local businesses in inter-island deliveries, ATM placement and cash logistic management.” said Armil Bugarin, operation manager of Kauai market. “We, as a local business, are very pleased to increase our service and continue our reputable legacy to the island.”

UNITED ARMORED RECEIVED TOP CUSTOMER RATING

United Armored Car Services has received consistent excellent reviews from an internationally renowned and Nasdaq listed financial company.

BUILD HOMES THAT ARE AFFORDABLE-Published at Star Advertiser 9-30-15

Caldwell's administration "is committed to housing the .... homeless communities." (Star-Advertiser 9/19/15). Mayor's idea of building temporary modular homes for homeless is the right thing to do but not enough. We must also prevent more people from becoming homeless. Many consider skyrocketing home prices and building luxury condos are signs of prosperity. To the contrary,  it diminishes the chances for many young adults and new families from owning their homes. Owning a home no doubt is a big part of the American dream. This dream motivates people to work harder for their dwellings and pride. Instead of only pampering those high end projects, the government and developers must also cater to the upcoming generation by building affordable housing projects. Our Keiki are the Hawaii's future not those foreign buyers.

USING MINIMUM WAGE TO COMBAT DEFLATION

Japan's long lasting deflation will ultimately affect Hawaii's economy. Minimum wage can combat this economic phenomenon. As Paul Krugman's article in Insight states (StarAdvertiser, 9/19/15), "Japan needs to make decisive break with its deflationary past." The real reason for them hoarding cash and avoiding borrowing is their bleak view of future. Giving hopes to the Japanese is the cure.

Since 1990, wages fell by 3.5% while consumer prices rose about 5.5% mainly from the rising cost of utilities. Japan firms, however, accumulate their cash holding to the stunning level of $2.1 trillion or 44% of its GDP. With no dividends and pay raise in sight, saving rate certainly accelerate. Imposing higher minimum wage forces businesses to reduce its cash holding which subsequently will stimulate consumer spending.

In contrast, Americans have severe spending problem. As such, imposing the $15 an hour minimum wage may cause more economic problems than solving any.

TRUMP WRONG ABOUT CHINA'S CURRENCY MOVE

Published in short form version in Star Advertiser, August 15, 2015 Saturday

Mr. Donald Trump's comment of China devaluation will devastate the U.S. is faulty. His exact words, "China has gotten rich off of us. China has rebuilt itself with the money it's sucked out of the United States and the jobs that it's sucked out of the United States." 

First of all, China did not get rich off of us. The truth is United States used China to make money for the U.S. Investors by outsourcing manufacturing jobs to China. We made them rich while President Bush was having tunnel vision on Iraq. Chinese got richer by saving In a much higher rate than American and its domestic land reform. 

Second, the Yuan devaluation seems arbitrary but necessary as the Yuan is still loosely pegged to the U.S. Dollars despite the Chinese official media denounces the U,S, often. The continuous rise of the dollar and other major currencies force China to do the inevitable. Although the falling Yuan may help its export to regain its fading luster and slow down its deflation by increasing the domestic cost of living, the economic impacts to China outweigh its benefits which subsequently trigger a massive outflow of capital back to the United States and Europe. Isn't Mr. Trump just sold an apartment for $15 millions to somebody from China as he disclosed says it all? In simple term, we buy cheap, sell high and get our money back at the end. How devastating could that be?