Rep.Colleen Hanabusa criticized the civilian defense furloughs that began this week, including those for 13,000 in Hawaii.

The result, she said will mean $42 million in lost wages. “On average, that means $1,100 less in each paycheck for groceries, childcare, gas, and other necessities.”

She added, “The impact will also be felt at our bases statewide where important services will be cut, maintenance will be delayed, and our ability to recruit new employees to replace our retiring workforce will be hampered. These consequences will affect our military readiness.

And, she noted, more furloughs are coming next year and every year if Congress cannot agree on a budget. Without a new budget, the current budget with the automatic cuts will remain in place as a continuing resolution.

“Allowing sequestration to remain in place is not a solution to getting our fiscal house in order,” she said.

— Kery Murakami