Business

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Hilo Orchid Farm blends tradition with innovation at its wholesale nursery that grows about 600 different species of the flowering plants.

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.

Every potential buyer has expressed interest in keeping the Manago Hotel Restaurant open.

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 will roll out an outreach and awareness-building campaign featuring a different nonprofit each month for a year, with a different focus highlighted.

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.

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.

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%.

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.

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.”

The event — a partnership between Hawai‘i U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono and and Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i — provides members of the Hawai‘i business community the opportunity to meet directly with congressional leaders while also showcasing their products.

The pancake mix was created by the Hawai‘i ‘Ulu Cooperative, a group of 180 ‘ulu farmers throughout the state.

This partnership is part of Mauna Lani’s continued mission to bring an elevated culinary experience to guests and Big Island residents visiting the resort.

Women entrepreneurs and business owners are encouraged to apply for the Pay It Forward microgrant program, which will be accepted by the Zonta Club of Hilo until midnight July 20.