Business
Business Monday: Tea Hawaiʻi & Co. helps nurture growing industry on the Big Island
Nestled in the lush landscapes near Kīlauea’s summit, Eva Lee and Chiu Leong’s Tea Hawaiʻi & Co. has cultivated a thriving tea estate by embracing agroforestry and collaboration.
Nurses at Queen’s North Hawai‘i Community Hospital ratify new contract
The vote not only averts a possible 3-day strike that was set to begin today, Hawai‘i Nurses’ Association also says it gives the nurses improved nurse-to-patient staffing ratios and wages closer to their colleagues at Queen’s Health Systems’ two O‘ahu hospitals.
Schatz stop on Big Island includes discussion about local priorities, federal policy and its impacts
U.S. senator from Hawai’i speaks with several Hawai’i Island chambers of commerce; nearly 250 residents turn out for community meeting in Waimea
Business Monday: Hilo farmland protected in perpetuity with help from nonprofits
O.K. Farm’s mission to enhance local food security is assured as more than 74 acres of the farm were established as the Pu‘u‘eo Mauka conservation easement, protecting the land to forever remain a productive agricultural land.
Kenichi Pacific in Kona reopens after passing follow-up health inspection
An inspector with the Hawai‘i Department of Health Food Safety Branch osbserved multiple criticial food safety violations July 30 at the Kailua-Kona restaurant, which was then immediately forced to close. It received its green “pass” placard Aug. 4.
Business Monday: Diamond Bakery launching ‘Ulu-made animal crackers in time for start of Hawaiʻi school year
With the 2025-26 school year beginning today, the locally made sweet treats can be found in a number of schools statewide, including Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy in Waimea.
New head chef from Greece takes helm at Big Island’s Meridia restaurant along Kohala Coast
The Hāpuna team cast a wide international net, attracting 15 candidates for the head chef position. Chef Kontos was one of three who made it to final interviews and a tasting.
Young Brothers provides update for port location gate hours and sailing schedules
Shipping company’s operations at ports in Hilo, Kawaihae on Big Island and Nāwiliwili on Kaua‘i are open again; barges from Honolulu arrived at Kawaihae and Nāwiliwili on July 29, but not all cargo was discharged and none was loaded back from either port.
Business Monday: Biggest shipping company to Hawaiʻi suspends transport of electric, hybrid vehicles
Matson announced the decision in a July 14 letter to customers, citing a fire risk posed by the large lithium-ion batteries used to power the vehicles.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for July 25-31: Grand Slam, Experience Volcano, Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea Celebration and Summer Jam, plus more
This is a week when each of the top 10 things to do on the Big Island has a vibe — a personality — all its own. A unique signature, if you will, the others don’t necessarily share or emulate. Check them out now to see for yourself!
Business Monday: Local grower returns to Hilo Orchid Society Show after winning best in show
Hilo Orchid Farm blends tradition with innovation at its wholesale nursery that grows about 600 different species of the flowering plants.
Big Island energy plant working on agreement with Hawaiian Electric to sell its power
A joint letter submitted to the state’s Public Utilities Commission filed on June 3 informed the commissioners that Hawaiian Electric received an offer to sell energy and capacity by Hu Honua as a Qualified Facility under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act.
Business Monday: Historic Manago Hotel drops sale price after year on the market
Every potential buyer has expressed interest in keeping the Manago Hotel Restaurant open.
‘Beyond just commerce’: 2025 Hawaiʻi Business Mākeke features community in practice
Vendor lineup highlights 60 businesses ‘rooted in purpose’ plus community organizations, cultural practitioners and grassroots initiatives that often collaborate with them behind the scenes.
PMG yearlong initiative to support Hawai‘i Island nonprofits kicks off in August
PMG will roll out an outreach and awareness-building campaign featuring a different nonprofit each month for a year, with a different focus highlighted.
Business Monday: Oʻahu-based brewery to open second taproom, restaurant in Volcano
Lanikai Brewing Co. is set to open its newest taproom near Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on July 11, offering exclusive small-batch brews and a locally curated menu that supports island farmers and sustainability.
Business Monday: New Kona tattoo artist from Hong Kong blends artistry with healing
Jayers Ko, a tattoo artist from Hong Kong now residing in Kona, specializes in areola-nipple tattoos to help breast cancer survivors and other surgery patients in the journey of personal healing and transformation.
Public Utilities Commission approves temporary rate increase for Young Brothers
State board OK’d limited temporary rate hike of 18.1%, effective from July 1 through Dec. 31, based on an assessment of the minimum amount necessary to allow the company to continue providing essential interisland shipping services while commissioners complete a review of the firm’s pending general rate increase request of 25%.
Stargazer Industries Hawaiʻi at forefront of getting wood-chipped mulch from island to island easier
Big Island-based firm and partners cleared by state agricultural inspectors to transport first bulk order of Eucalyptus grandis, commonly known as flood gum or rose gum, wood-chipped mulch from Big Island to Maui after successful fumigation showed no life found, including invasive species, inside.
Business Monday: Hilo’s guitar shop turns 10 and wants to ‘keep the music going’
Spencer and Laura Ahuna started Big Island Guitars and Music Supply in the Hilo Shopping Center with seed money they won on “Wheel of Fortune.”
