Big Island Briefs: Sweets, new GM, renewable energy and ‘Third Act’

Kona Village, Sweet Laurel launch exclusive line of baked goods

Kona Village resort in Kukio on Kahuwai Bay recently launched an exclusive line of baked goods in collaboration with beloved Los Angeles health-conscious bakery Sweet Laurel.

The two baked goods — inspired by Kona Village’s commitment to healthful living — are indulgent alternatives to traditional breakfast pastries or deserts. They are gluten-free, paleo and vegan, and are available through April 15 at the resort’s Kahuwai Market.

Vegan Chocolate Chip Everything Cookies is made with coconut flour, chocolate and macadamia nuts. Gluten-free paleo Blueberry Muffins are subtly sweetened with pure maple syrup and topped with coconut and macadamia nut streusel. Follow Kona Village on Instagram for more.

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Kuhns named general manager of Hilton Waikōloa Village

Nicholas Kuhns was named the new general manager of the 647‑room Hilton Waikōloa Village, a premier oceanfront resort on the Kohala Coast.

Kuhns has a bachelor’s degree in hotel administration from University of Nevada and 25 years of experience at luxury resorts, destination properties, convention and urban lifestyle hotels He joins Hilton Waikōloa Village team from Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows, where he served as general manager since 2024.

“This resort is a truly special place — rich in culture, natural beauty and guest tradition,” Kuhns said in a press release. “I look forward to building on its legacy, creating memorable experiences for our guests and fostering a workplace where our team members can thrive.”

Read more about Kuhns’ hire here. Find more about Hilton Hotels & Resorts online.

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Hawaiian Electric achieves 37% renewable energy in 2025

Hawaiian Electric achieved a 37% consolidated renewable portfolio standard in 2025, marking progress toward the 2030 renewable portfolio standard milestone of 40% — even as the company’s electricity demand grew at the highest rate in more than 20 years.

The consolidated renewable portfolio standard is for Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Island and Maui County and represents the percentage of electricity generated by renewable resources. It increased by 1 percentage point from 2024, despite having the highest year-over-year increase in electricity load since 2004.

There was a 2.5% increase of electricity usage in 2025 compared with 2024.

The 37% renewable portfolio standard was achieved through a mix of geothermal, biomass, hydro, wind, biofuels and solar, including 120,570 rooftop systems, most of which are residential. The 2025 increase provides enough clean, renewable energy to serve nearly 39,000 homes.

Read more on the Hawaiian Electric website.

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Special free screening of Sundance selection ‘Third Act’

If you’re going to be on O‘ahu at the end of this month, check out a special screening of 2025 Sundance Film Festival selection “Third Act,” presented by University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa College of Social Sciences in partnership with Japanese American National Museum and Daniel K. Inouye Institute.

This exclusive event is slated for 6 to 8 p.m. March 31 in the Architecture Auditorium on the Mānoa campus. Interested attendees are encouraged to register for seats by March 27.

The 91-minute documentary directed by Japanese American National Museum Frank H. Watase Media Arts Center director and Emmy Award winner Tadashi “Tad” Nakamura offers an intimate look at the life of his father Robert A. Nakamura — a legendary filmmaker and activist.

The screening will be followed by a live Q&A session with Tad Nakamura, who has more than 20 years of filmmaking experience and was named to CNN’s “Young People Who Rock” list for being the youngest filmmaker at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival.

Click here to watch the “Third Act” trailer.