Last week, we put out a “call-to-action” to our readers asking how they feel about the COVID-19 pandemic. There was strong participation with more than 2,000 verified responses. This was an over 400% increase in participation from our April survey.
A few of the questions came from our previous survey, and a few were added to reflect the changing news cycle. This survey was conducted from May 8 through May 15, 2020. All participants were required to verify their information via e-mail, in an effort to ensure accuracy. The survey was promoted on our social media channels and website. Here’s what we found:
Vaccinations
Our first question has proven to be a controversial topic, and our readers’ input reflected the mixed opinions on vaccination.
If a government-approved COVID-19 vaccine was available today, would you take it?
If a government-approved COVID-19 vaccine was available today, would you take it?
29% Absolutely
17% Probably
23% Maybe
30% Definitely not
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Small Business
The concern for Maui’s small businesses didn’t change much from the previous survey. The concern actually increased a bit, with only 1% answering that they have no worries about the survival of Maui’s small businesses.
Are you concerned about Maui’s small businesses being able to survive?
Are you concerned about Maui’s small businesses being able to survive?
89% Yes, I am very concerned about our local small businesses surviving this shutdown
8% I am somewhat concerned, but I don’t think about it much
1% Not at all, they will either survive or I will shop elsewhere
Do you agree with the decision to re-open shopping malls next week?
Do you agree with the decision to re-open shopping malls next week?
56% Yes
29% No
13% Makes no difference to me
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What concerns you more, COVID-19 or the Economy?
What concerns you more, COVID-19 or the Economy?
21% The COVID-19 health risks
37% The negative economic effects
40% Both concern me equally
Do you feel Maui County should re-open for tourism?
Do you feel Maui County should re-open for tourism?
21% Yes, open up completely
26% Yes, but with some limitations
41% Not right now
8% Keep it closed indefinitely
1% I don’t know
0% I don’t care
Employment
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As for employment, almost 60% answered they still have a job. Of the participants that did file for unemployment, a majority still said the process was difficult to impossible.
Have you filed for unemployment?
Have you filed for unemployment?
59% No, I still have a job.
16% Yes, but still waiting for my money.
8% Yes, but I was denied.
16% Yes, and I've received my money.
If you filed for unemployment, how difficult was the process?
If you filed for unemployment, how difficult was the process?
1% Very easy
4% Easy, but had some issues.
6% Somewhat difficult, but not a huge issue.
19% Difficult
9% Impossible
58% I didn't file for unemployment
Do you miss work, or are you enjoying the time off?
Do you miss work, or are you enjoying the time off?
32% I can’t wait to get back to work!
14% I miss going out, but not work.
14% I prefer the time off
39% I'm still working.
Have you been financially affected by the temporary closing of Tourism?
Have you been financially affected by the temporary closing of Tourism?
23% Yes! I’ve lost my job and it has completely devastated me financially
48% I’ve been somewhat affected, but I can get by just fine
28% Not at all, it has made no difference for me
Politics
When it comes to politics, Maui leadership fared slightly better than state leadership in the court of public opinion.
Do you feel Hawaii state politicians are managing the COVID-19 crisis well?
Do you feel Hawaii state politicians are managing the COVID-19 crisis well?
20% Yes
48% No
31% They are doing good enough
Do you feel Maui County leadership is managing the COVID-19 crisis well?
Do you feel Maui County leadership is managing the COVID-19 crisis well?
27% Yes
39% No
32% They’re doing good enough
Activities
As far as activities are concerned, a majority of our readers still miss hanging out with friends and family. Fortunately, with beaches opening up, 72% may be pretty excited.
What activity do you miss the most?
What activity do you miss the most?
23% My favorite restaurant or bar
10% My gym/fitness center
19% Travelling
5% Shopping for fun (non-essential retail)
42% Hanging out with friends, group meetings or other gatherings
Do you think the beaches should be re-opened for more than walking/jogging/water activities?
Do you think the beaches should be re-opened for more than walking/jogging/water activities?
72% Yes
19% No
7% I don’t know
The Threat
The more direct COVID-19 questions found that just under a quarter of the participants know someone with the virus. Not much of an increase from the April survey.
Do you know someone with COVID-19?
Do you know someone with COVID-19?
24% Yes
75% No
How serious do you feel the COVID-19 threat is to Maui?
How serious do you feel the COVID-19 threat is to Maui?
39% Very serious, it’s a matter of life and death for many!
34% Somewhat serious, but there are many other threats too.
25% I worry very little about the COVID-19 threat.
How often do you leave the house?
How often do you leave the house?
24% Daily for work
41% 2-3 times a week for necessities
30% 1 time a week for necessities
3% Never, I have everything I need here
When going out, do you wear a mask?
When going out, do you wear a mask?
40% Yes, all the time
47% Yes, when required
4% Sometimes
7% No
As we move into the third month of this pandemic, the concern is still there. Opinions were split between more concerned and less concerned from 30 days ago.
Are you more concerned, or less concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic compared to 30 days ago?
Are you more concerned, or less concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic compared to 30 days ago?
13% More concerned
37% Less concerned
35% Same amount of concern
12% I was never concerned
0% I don't know
News Sources
Finally, we wanted to know where you are getting your news updates. As with the previous survey, we’ll admit the bias in asking readers of an online news source where they get their updates. Still, we appreciate your readership!
What is the primary source for COVID-19 updates on Maui?
What is the primary source for COVID-19 updates on Maui?
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