Just three days before the start of school, Relinda Nakasone picked up her children’s classroom supply list from Lunalilo Elementary and searched the emptying shelves of Fisher Hawaiʻi for erasers, markers and more. Nakasone had waited until her husband got paid to start in on the list for their two children, but the $200 total price tag would be a financial burden for the family.
Nakasone planned to buy as many items as possible, but said she might have to hold off on some until her husband gets paid again. In particular, she said, the prices of hand sanitizer and paper towels seemed to have increased over last year.
“Whatever we’re short on, then hopefully they can cover,” Nakasone said, adding the school often provides students with supplies their families can’t afford. “If not, then they’re just going to have to wait until dad gets paid again.”…