Business
Live Venue Grant Funding Available in April
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced that the $16 billion program aimed at helping live event businesses impacted by the pandemic will begin accepting applications in April.
Soul Community Planet Acquires Hilo Seaside Hotel
A California-based company announced its purchase of the 138-room Hilo Seaside Hotel.
$1 Million Raised for Local Nonprofits
Blue Planet Foundation announces the successful completion of its program to crowdfund for Hawaiiʻs nonprofits.
Survey Shows Record Level of Support for Local Businesses
Hawaii Chamber of Commerce Foundation partners with Omnitrak on “The People’s Pulse Survey”.
Guide For Hawai‘i Bars, Restaurants to Access New COVID Grant Funding
Administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA), the new Restaurant Revitalization Fund will offer grants to small food and beverage businesses to cover the difference between 2019 revenue and 2020 revenue.
Mālama Market Opening This Month in Pāhoa
Mālama Market Pāhoa will officially open its doors at 10 m on March 31 following a private blessing ceremony. The store will be open daily from 6 am to 9 pm.
Hawaiian to Expand Pre-Clearance Travel Program
Hawaiian announced Monday it is expanding its pre-clearance program to Japan and South Korea, making it more convenient for international travelers to visit and safely enjoy the state of Hawai‘i.
Bill That Just Cleared Hawaii Senate Would Create Highest Income Tax Level in US
The Hawaiʻi State Senate passed Senate Bill 56 on March 9, which aims to address a multi-billion dollar shortfall in state revenue through a number of different tax and rate increases.
Hawaiian Launches Nonstop Flight From Maui to Long Beach
Hawaiian Airlines on Wednesday began nonstop service between Long Beach and Kahului, Maui.
Hawai´i Businesses Receive Temporary UI Tax Break
Hawai´i businesses will pay lower unemployment tax rates in response to the economic strain caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
How Do You ‘Ulu?
The Hawai‘i ‘Ulu Cooperative recently released two new products: ʻulu flour and ʻulu chocolate mousse.
Visitor Attractions and Amenities on the Big Island Are Back, Sort Of
The Hawaiian Islands share a great many characteristics, yet each has its own personality. Amid so much commonality, differences stand out starkly, which has also proven true through each county’s unique response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus arrived to Hawai´i in early 2020, travel screeched to a halt, the tourism economy fell to ashes […]
Visitor Arrivals Down 80% in January From 2020
Hawai‘i’s visitor industry continues to be impacted significantly by the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Unemployment Tax Breaks For Businesses Sent to Governor’s Desk
If signed by the Governor, HB 1278 would help to contain the economic fallout from COVID-19 by temporarily reducing the unemployment insurance contribution rates.
Big Island Vacation Rentals Operate Below 50% Capacity in January
The report included data for 27,980 units, representing 48,094 bedrooms in the Hawaiian Islands.
Hotel Numbers Remained Grim in January
If the state’s hotel occupancy for January 2021 was calculated based on the pre-pandemic room supply from January 2019, occupancy would be 21.5% for the month.
Aerial Arts Studio Set to Open in Downtown Hilo
A new aerial arts studio is opening doors in downtown Hilo starting March 1.
Recovery Support for Hawai‘i Small Businesses Offered by DBEDT
Some events have registration deadlines.
Celebrate Chinese New Year With Queens’ MarketPlace
The holiday represents a centuries-old tradition widely celebrated in Hawai‘i.
Pandemic Travel Toll Not Impacting Hawai‘i Experience, Survey Says
State tourism officials and industry stakeholders have agonized over the impact government restrictions and personal hang-ups may have on the state’s economic recovery.
