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HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – As a nationwide strike calls for people to avoid work, school and shopping in solidarity with ongoing protests, some small businesses on Oahu say closing their doors isn’t financially possible, even as they express support for the movement.
The shutdown follows recent protests tied to police and federal enforcement actions, including the shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis.
In Kaimuki, those events have prompted some business owners to find alternative ways to show solidarity while remaining open.
At Daily Whisk Matcha and Ten Tomorrow, owner Summer Shiigi said she wanted to support the movement without shutting down operations. The shop offered 25% off purchases as a gesture of solidarity.
“Today I stand in solidarity with the things that are happening in this country,” Shiigi said. “They feel awful and dangerous.”
Shiigi said support does not always look the same, especially for small businesses balancing financial realities.
At Hawaii Pie Company, general manager Andrew Chunhori said staying open was about protecting employees and families, not rejecting the message behind the shutdown.
“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.”
Other businesses chose a different approach. Yoga Under the Palms stayed open while offering free classes focused on healing and reflection.
Teacher Melissa Martin said the classes were meant to help participants process events tied to immigration enforcement and broader government actions.
“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,” Martin said.
During one class, participants discussed themes of resistance and values through movement and meditation.
Recent immigration enforcement actions, including the detention of 5-year-old Liam Ramos alongside his father in Minnesota, have galvanized community response.
Joanne Duncan, who attended one of the free yoga classes, said the experience reinforced the importance of connection.
“Just knowing there are people who feel the same way scared, but committed to compassion and humanity makes a difference,” Duncan said. “We shouldn’t be isolating people or taking children away from their families.”
While many businesses across the country closed in solidarity with the shutdown, several on Oahu say remaining open was a matter of survival not opposition as they continue to navigate how best to support their communities.
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