Business
Japanese Visitor Arrivals Surging
Government statistics show visitor traffic from Japan tracking significantly higher than in 2011.
3 Big Island Restaurants Get Top Ratings
Blue Dragon restaurant, Brown’s Beach House at the Fairmont Orchid, and Sam Choy’s Kai Lani were selected by Open Table’s users as top picks for Al Fresco dining.
Experts Predict Growth in Jobs, Income on Big Island
Tourism will lead the Big Island’s economic recovery, and construction activity will finally turn the corner this year, according to the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization.
Big Island Unemployment Claims Decline
Unemployment claims on the Big Island were down over 38% from the same period a year ago according to recent data.
Surf Break Café Riding the Wave of Mobile Technology
Malissa Thompson is betting on hand-pressed Italian coffee, free Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere to filter working professionals away from the competition.
Sheraton Keauhou Resort Names Preza Sales Director
Angelina Preza has been named the new director of sales and marketing at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa, which is also undergoing major renovations.
A Rarity, Southern Comfort Food in Hilo
Popolo’s is having a soft opening on Friday, April 5, and will welcome all to their cozy hideaway for gumbo, grits and fried chicken and waffles. The brothers plan to have their grand opening during the week of Merrie Monarch.
State’s Unemployment Rate Lowest in 3 Years
Hawaii’s unemployment rate fell in February to 6.4%, its lowest rate in three years, the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations reported today.
Credit Union President Admits Information Breach
The president of the Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union said some of its employees improperly accessed confidential information of its members last year.
Veteran NPS Concessionaire Wins Volcano House Contract
A firm experienced in National Park Service concessions has teamed with a Hawaii hotelier to create a new company to operate the historic Volcano House.
Mizumoto Named Chief Banking Officer at CPB
The parent company of Central Pacific Bank announced Thursday that Lance Mizumoto would fill the newly created position of Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer beginning April 2nd.
Cate, Oshima Garner Statewide SBA Honors
A Hilo small-business consultant and a long-time Kona proprietor are honored by the SBA for being Hawaii’s best.
Hilo Operation Named State’s Top Small Business
Michael Tokunaga, proprietor of S. Tokunaga Store in Hilo, has been named Hawaii’s Small Business Person of the Year for 2012.
New Biodiesel Plant in Keaau to Hold Job Fair
A Maui-based biodiesel company will hold a job fair Saturday to fill positions for a new plant being built at the Shipman Business Park in Keaau.
New Flight Video Game ‘Soars’ Over Big Island
The new Microsoft Flight video game uses the Big Island landscape as its setting.
Liberty Tax Service Expands on the Big Island
Franchise owner offering free federal and state 1040EZ filing, and opening two new locations.
“Bulb Blitz” Challenge Reaches Big Island
The challenge involves replacing a minimum of three or more old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs with energy-saving compact fluorescent lights (CFLs).
BRIEF: Entrance Fees Reinstated at Akaka Falls
Entrance fees have returned to Akaka Falls State Park after a brief hiatus that allowed the Department of Land and Natural Resources to execute a new five-year contract with its new vendor.
Study: Visitors to Volcanoes Park Spent $88 Million
A study says visitors to the four National Park Service sites on the Big Island spent more than $122 million to support the local economy.
Lucy’s Taqueria Brings Mexican Food to Downtown Hilo
Judging by their “lull” at 3 p.m., the freshest face in downtown Hilo is enjoying more than just the thrill of being the new kid in town.
