Business
ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi launches crowdfunding online portal for small businesses
Businesses can use, repay and reuse these low-interest loans over three years, after which time the money becomes part of a “forever fund.”
Hawai‘i Island’s technology park celebrates 50 years of researching renewable ocean energy
Hawai‘i Ocean Science Technology Park is celebrating 50 years since its creation with an open house.
Young Brothers seeks 20% rate hike on majority of cargo
The shipping company is asking the Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission for the additional revenue to cover significant spikes in service costs, support critical investments in equipment and infrastructure upgrades and sustain vital interisland services.
Business Monday: Kona aquafarm raising tasty abalone with sustainable operation powered by deep ocean water
Big Island Abalone was founded in 1988 and is currently owned by KOWA since 2018. Now, it annually produces 100 tons of the delicacy, making it one of the largest commercial operations in the United States.
Business Monday: Big Island real estate company purchases Lili‘uokalani Trust industrial property in Kona
According to a joint press release from the Trust and Ula Kapa Moe, the new owners don’t plan to redevelop the property.
Big Island hotels follow state trend with lower occupancy, less revenue per available rooms in August
Occupancy for Hawai‘i Island hotels was down at 66.8%, 2.1 percentage points lower than August 2023 and 14.1 percentage points behind 2019.
Business Monday: Banking institution leads volunteer effort statewide for National Cleanup Day
Volunteers worked at Camp Kilohana and Kealakehe Elementary.
UHERO report: Hawaiʻi’s economy holding steady, but labor force growth a concern
The current growth trend for the state of Hawaiʻi is slower than in past decades — and it is expected to continue to be slow in the coming years due to limited increases in population with births no longer outpacing deaths.
Alaska Airlines clears last regulatory hurdle to finalize merger with Hawaiian Airlines
The US Department of Transportation has given Alaska Airlines permission to close on its $1.9 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, after the carriers agreed to maintain key Hawaii routes and adopt consumer protections. This exemption allows the carriers, which are respectively the fifth and tenth largest domestic airlines, to finalize their merger while maintaining separate operations until DOT rules on their transfer application.
Business Monday: New shop featuring honey products all abuzz in Kona
Bee Space Honey Shop opened on Sept. 4 at Brewery Block in Kailua-Kona.
Business Monday: Inaugural Big Island Vegan Chef Challenge winners announced at Veg Fest
The inaugural challenge was meant to show off the creativity and innovation of participating restaurants and the chefs, who were tasked with cooking up delicious new vegan dishes even the most martialed meat minion would devour.
Business Monday: History, fun facts and more about Labor Day
If you are one of those who get the long weekend, we hope you’re enjoying the extra day off. Take some time to learn about the history of why today is a holiday and a few fun labor facts to go with it.
Business Monday: OluKai opens new retail location at Queens’ Marketplace
This is the company’s seventh brick-and-mortar location in the state, and first on Hawaiʻi Island.
4 Native Hawaiian-owned Big Isle companies showcasing products at Made in Hawai‘i Festival; Nāʻālehu start-up also launching during event
Cupcakes, Boom!, Kaulana Mahina, Kumumea and Pawniolo Pets are being supported by the Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture with grant funds from the state while Stargazer Industries Hawai‘i hopes its presence at the annual festival will open more doors with retailers.
Big Island hotels reported 67.6% occupancy rate in July, per latest performance report
Statewide revenue per available room in July 2024 was $301 with average daily rate at $385 and occupancy of 78.4%.
Alaska-Hawaiian airlines merger moves forward following DOJ review
The “important milestone” brings the merger closer to reality as DOT looks at the airlines’ interim exemption application.
Business Monday: 2 weeks remain in inaugural Big Island Vegan Chef Challenge
Nine businesses around the island are participating, showcasing the creativity and culinary prowess of talented chefs who have cooked up some delightfully delectable vegan dishes that even the most devoted meat lover would devour.
Jack in the Box Hilo gets special visit from Jack Box himself
Exclusive appearance of mascot and spokesperson was in honor of location’s outstanding performance in a national sales performance for the new Smashed Jack burger.
Business Monday: CanoeHouse at Mauna Lani welcomes 1st woman executive chef; Culinary Classic returns Labor Day weekend
Chef Rhoda Magbitang started Aug. 1 and will also be at the second annual Mauna Lani Culinary Classic, which benefits nonprofit Māla`ai: The Culinary Garden of Waimea Middle School.
Costco rolls out membership card scanners for entrance into warehouse
Over the coming months, scanning devices will be rolled out where members must scan their physical or digital membership card by placing the barcode or QR code against the scanner.
