Business
HTA Publishes Tourism Action Plan For Big Island
The community-based plan focuses on key actions that the community, visitor industry and other sectors deem necessary over a three-year period.
Southwest Introduces Pre-Clearance Screening Program to Oahu, Maui
The program allows visitors and returning residents to bypass a mandatory 10-day quarantine on arrival provided they have met key requirements of the program and have correctly uploaded the relevant items into a traveler profile on the State of Hawaii website.
‘Carmageddon’ Crashes Into Big Island, as Rental Industry Swallowed by Mass Demand
Anyone on the hunt for a rental car in Hawai´i is in for a disappointing month. At least.
Visitor Arrivals Down 70% in February
According to preliminary statistics released by the Hawai´i Tourism Authority (HTA), the average daily census showed that there were 90,776 visitors in Hawai´i on any given day in February 2021, compared to 250,052 visitors per day in February 2020.
Committee Will Announce Banyan Drive Proposal Selections in April
A committee is evaluating proposals that were submitted in response to a Request for Proposals (RFP) published in August 2020.
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.
