There’s a lot of activity going on island-wide in business. The state released its economic forecast today, and it looks good for the Big Island, with unemployment decreasing and visitor arrivals increasing.
Several new businesses are opening, including a ukulele store in Waikoloa and a women’s boutique in Hilo.
A popular Laupahoehoe diner is for sale and its owners have already purchased another restaurant in nearby Honoka‘a. Here’s a look at what’s happening in business news around the island this week.
Sook’s Collection Opens in Hilo
Hilo now has a new boutique featuring women’s clothing, accessories and jewelry. Sook’s Collection opened last week at 192 Kapiolani St., at the intersection of Ponahawai and Kapiolani.
Owner Kyong Sook, who previously operated JS Collections in the same location, decided to get back into fashion and launched the new store.
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The intention is to provide unique clothing, jewelry and accessories, as well as gifts.
Sook features clothing and accessory items that are both casual and dressy. She also purposely orders limited amounts of each item, so women will have to worry less about seeing someone walk out the door with the same clothing they are wearing.
What makes Sook’s unusual as a store is that there are also several spa-related services available in the building, providing a central location for shopping and relaxing.
Within the same building as Sook’s Collection are Acupuncture Works, Hilo Bay Facial and Spa, Jasmine’s Nails and Sook’s Styling.
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Sook’s Collection is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with no set hours on Sunday. For more information, call (808) 339-7387.
Laupahoehoe Restaurant For Sale
A well-known 50’s diner in Laupahoehoe is for sale. Courtesy photo.
The 50’s Highway Fountain Restaurant in Laupahoehoe is on the market.
Harold Meltzer, of Real Estate Consultants of Kona, is representing owners Chris and Kendra Ignacio.
Since the couple started the 50’s-style diner along Mamalahoa Highway 10 years ago, the mom and pop restaurant has become increasingly popular. Meltzer noted that the busy operation has grown to the point beyond the Ignacio’s comfort and handling.
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The couple plans to remain in the restaurant business, however, and have already purchased a dining establishment in Honoka‘a.
Chamber Offering Obamacare Seminar
Hawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce will offer a seminar on how island businesses can prepare for changes next year to the Affordable Care Act, frequently referred to as “Obamacare.”
The event will be held on June 3 at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel in the Moku’ola Room from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.
Registration fee is $75 for non-HICC members, with a discounted fee of $50 for HICC members and certain organizations, such as the Hawai‘i Island Contractor’s Association, Hawai‘i Island Realtors, Hawai‘i Employers Council and others.
Deadline to register for the seminar is May 22. For more information or to register, click here or call HICC at (808) 935-7178.
If your business has an opening, closing, promotion, retirement, new product release, special event, award, new location, or expansion, please let us know. Email us at [email protected].
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