Weekly Business Wrap Up

From Ka’u to North Kohala and from Kona and Pahoa, there’s a lot going on business-wise around this Big Island we call home.

Starting this week, we’ll offer a wrap-up of business news not already featured on Big Island Now every Friday to bring you the latest business buzz affecting the Big Island.

Hawaiian Airlines Applies for Direct Route Service from Haneda, Japan to Kona

Hawaiian Airlines is hoping to initiate direct flight service from Haneda, Japan to Kona starting in Spring 2013. The direct flight route was operated by Japan Airlines from 1996 until October 2010 and the loss of the flight impacted the Big Island’s economy. Hawaiian Airlines has applied for direct flights from Haneda, near Tokyo, to West Hawaii and is likely to compete with other airlines with proposed flights from other places to land in Haneda. Hawaiian Airline officials say the route is an opportunity to help the Big Island economy.

Google Offers Free Online Seminar to Hawaii Small Businesses

This past week Google hosted a seminar for Hawaii small business owners to help them increase and expand their web presence. Google officials noted that 68% of Hawaii small businesses do not have a website, but that 97% of internet users look online for local products and services. For those who missed the seminar, you can check it out online for free at www.Hawaiigetonline.com.

Outrigger Hotels Looking for New Big Island Resort Opportunities

We reported last week that the Keauhou Beach Resort—managed by Outrigger Hotels—will close at the end of October. The hotel will be demolished and the land, which is owned by a for-profit subsidiary of Kamehameha Schools, will be used for outdoor education efforts. The closure means Outrigger Enterprises will lose its Big Island presence. However there are reports that Outrigger is looking for another resort property on island. Hotel officials say they would like to operate another full-service hotel on the Big Island and are optimistic they’ll find an opportunity among the several island resorts currently for sale.

Waimea Group Receives Grant to Help Beginner Ranchers and Farmers

The Kohala Center in Waimea announced it will receive a $562,000 farmer and rancher development program grant from the USDA. The program, which was started in 2008, supports training, education, outreach, and technical assistance initiatives for beginning farmers or ranchers.