Cash those Clunkers!

Ho, Mistah Prez,

Mahalo for da ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program, brah! 1,850 new vehicles been bought in da aina, makin’ fo’ a huge increase in da kine aut-mo-beel sales in Hawaii. Good fo’ da kine environment too. Eh but…any mo’ ideas fo’ helping da kine car sales, brah? Could use some help!

Aloha,
Cuz

Thanks to the ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program, it’s true, a whopping 1,850 new automobiles have been released onto the streets of Hawaii in the past month. As could be predicted, truck sales are down (as people are trying to be environmentally friendly, and save their wallets from the gas monster), and Japanese makers have outsold all other makes. Brands including Hummer and Land Rover are suffering, though Korean makes are enjoying the largest percentage increase.

Given the state of our economy, it’s expected that the car industry would suffer since cars are luxury items. When times get tough, a family trying to save can easily just not buy a car. Plus, gas prices are horrendous! Statewide, Hawaiians are paying 85¢ more per gallon of gas than the rest of the U.S. That’s an average of $3.36 per gallon! With prices like that, who would spend the money on a new car? So it’s a truly pleasant bonus when car dealerships (even if only Toyota and Kia) can experience a good month, and all thanks to a government program.

A good month, however, says nothing about the future of Hawaii’s car industry. Bill van den Hurk, president of Aloha Auto Group Ltd., says,

“We had an incredible August…[but now] we’re back into reality world.”

Despite the boost from ‘Cash for Clunkers,’ no vehicle in Hawaii has seen a year-to-date sales increase. And with furloughs on the way, plus a possible rail system on the way, what will happen to Hawaii’s car industry? Van den Hurk says that,

“All we can do is hope now.”

Well, in my opinion, hoping is a little passive. President Obama helped the industry out– maybe it’s our state government’s turn to do the same. Times are definitely rough, but perhaps some out-of-the-box thinking could turn “hoping” into “doing.”

Here is my out-of-the-box idea of the day:

I remember a man spoke to my class one day in 8th grade assembly about an outreach program he was spearheading for the homeless. The concept was to take old busses and turn them into homeless shelters and/or soup kitchens. I think this could be turned into a ‘Cash for Clunkers’ type of government program, encouraging people with extremely old cars to get new ones. The government would assist in a type of rebate for these people, who would feel compelled to help the homeless as well as get a discount on a new car. Also, the quality of the car wouldn’t be too much of an issue, as the shell of the car is the main part needed to make the project work.

But this idea is just to get you thinking. Because while van den Hurk is hoping, the economy isn’t getting better. What we need are innovative thinkers to propel us forward in ways we wouldn’t think possible. So no matter how outlandish the ideas, please come forward with them, because they might actually help. So kids, the lesson for today is: be creative, and be brave about it. Shoots cuz, we go.