Business briefs for July 27: Waimea Country Lodge, second quarter results, chief medical officer and more

Castle Resorts & Hotels celebrates 50th anniversary of Waimea Country Lodge

Waimea Country Lodge is celebrating its 50th anniversary and its management firm Castle Resorts & Hotels is marking the occasion with limited-edition commemorative offerings for guests, including a $50-off future stay certificate and 50th anniversary commemorative print available for a limited time.

Guests who stay in 2026 at the Big Island property will receive both, while supplies last. The gift certificate has no cash value and is nontransferable. It requires a minimum 2-night stay and cannot be combined with other promotions, discounts or group rates. Additional terms and conditions also apply.

The 22-room Waimea Country Lodge opened in 1976 and continues to serve as one of Waimea’s longstanding visitor accommodations, offering an upcountry retreat surrounded by working ranches and farms with views of the Kohala Mountains and Mauna Kea. It is a a convenient base for exploring Waimea’s paniolo heritage. Call 808-885-4100 or visit the Castle Resorts & Hotels website for additional information or to book a reservation.

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Alaska Air Group reports second quarter 2026 results

Alaska Air Group President and Chief Executive Officer Ben Minicucci said second quarter fiscal results, ending June 30, were defined by a fuel spike outside its control — but underneath it, the company is executing better than ever, leading the industry in on-time performance, completing the last major technical milestone of Hawaiian Airlines integration, launching service to Europe and returning to profitability in June.

Second quarter total revenue grew 10% from second quarter 2025 to $4.1 billion on capacity growth of 1%, with unit revenue up 8.6%. Yields strengthened through the quarter, with June producing double digit revenue growth and double digit pretax profit margins. The group’s second quarter adjusted pretax margin was 4.3% and adjusted net loss was $102 million, or $0.92 per share.

Second quarter economic fuel cost was $4.43 per gallon, an increase of 85% from 2025, resulting in $600 million of incremental fuel cost for the period. The group in response proactively raised $1 billion in financing during the quarter, deliberately bolstering liquidity. Revenue performance was also impacted by historic rainstorms in March in Hawai‘i, which had a meaningful impact on April spring break travel. Demand outside Hawai‘i, however, remained resilient.

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Kona Community Hospital chief medical officer appointed to American Urological Association advocacy committees

Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation West Hawai‘i Region recently announced that Kona Community Hospital Regional Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jeffrey Palmgren was appointed to the American Urological Association State Advocacy Committee and Federal Advocacy Committee.

The appointment recognizes Palmgren’s leadership as a practicing urologist and rural healthcare executive. American Urological Association engages with policymakers on issues affecting physicians, patients, workforce sustainability, reimbursement and access to urologic care. Palmgren will help bring a rural hospital and neighbor island perspective to those conversations at a time when many communities are working to recruit, retain and sustain specialized services close to home.

The appointment also builds on his work to expand access to urologic care in West Hawaiʻi. Palmgren In 2020 began the region’s first full-time urologist to practice in nearly a decade, helping patients access specialty care closer to home instead of waiting for visiting physicians or traveling off island for care.

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Gary Kai to step down as executive director of Hawai‘i Business Roundtable

Hawai‘i Business Roundtable recently announced that executive director Gary Kai will step down following 17 years of leadership and service to the organization. His final day will be announced at a later date.

Kai joined Hawai‘i Business Roundtable in 2009 and played a key role in advancing the organization’s mission to promote the overall economic vitality and social health of Hawai‘i. He also helped strengthen collaboration among business, government, education and community leaders on issues critical to the state’s future.

Hawai‘i Business Roundtable Board of Directors launched a search for the organization’s next executive director and retained Inkinen & Associates to assist with the recruitment process. The organization expects to fill the position by the end of 2026. Kai will continue to work closely with the board to support a smooth transition and ensure continuity in the organization’s work and strategic priorities.