Business
Retailers, Restaurants Prepare to Reopen
Tina Yamaki, President of Retail Merchants of Hawaiʻi, said her members are working on finalizing guidelines for retail operations this week.
SBA Now Offering Aid to Ag Businesses
Law had prohibited the SBA from providing loans to farmers and ranchers for more than 30 years before COVID-19.
Hawaiian to Create More Personal Space, Require Face Masks on all Flights
Also effective May 8, Hawaiian’s guests will need to wear a face mask or covering that effectively covers the mouth and nose, from checking-in at the airport to deplaning at their destination.
Hawai‘i Florists to Re-Open in Time for Mother’s Day
One narrow corner of Hawai‘i economy will open on May 1, a full 30 days ahead of the current end to Gov. David Ige’s mandatory lockdown period.
New Funding for Small Businesses Available
The funding is expected to become available to financial institutions early next week.
Local Farms Offer Produce Pickup in Hilo
Hawai‘i Eco and O.K Farms began Community Supported Agriculture box pickup and delivery at the beginning of April.
Young Brothers Requests Route Rollback to Big Island, Maui
Young Brothers has requested route adjustments to Hawai‘i and Maui Counties starting May 5, 2020.
State Discusses ‘Soft Reopening’ as Unemployment Funds Dwindle
The point of the loans is to keep employees on the payroll, though it’s unclear how many of the 170,000 potentially impacted have already been laid off and how many businesses won’t be able to afford to keep, even with extra funding.
CVS Health Donates $20K to Hawai‘i Salvation Army
The grant is part of more than $1 million CVS Health and its foundations have given to address food insecurity and other community needs in response to the challenges presented by the pandemic.
Hawaiian Airlines to Deliver 2 Million Masks From China
The aircraft is scheduled to arrive in Honolulu just before 5 p.m. HST on Monday.
Tens of Millions in Unemployment Benefits Flowing From State to Workers
DLIR Director Scott Murakami said at a press conference Wednesday that he couldn’t produce an exact figure on the number of people in the state currently reliant on unemployment checks.
Business Survey Will Provide ‘Invaluable Data’ to Economic Recovery Efforts
The survey measures changes in employment and employee wages, revenue, application rates for US Small Business Administration loans and business outlook.
Hara Says Plan to Limit Visitor Lodging Options Under Discussion
He didn’t offer much in the way of details beyond saying that if the state can make sure visitors have nowhere to stay, it won’t matter if they’re allowed to fly to Hawai‘i or not.
Date to Reopen Hawai‘i Economy a Distant, Moving Target
A host of upgrades to testing capacity and efficiency, as well as data provided by technology the state does not yet possess, will be necessary to create an algorithm. An algorithm must be developed before a date to reopen the economy can be set.
Oshima to Lead Hawai‘i Economic Recovery Plan
The governor tapped longtime business leader Alan Oshima to head an initiative dubbed the Hawaiʻi Economic and Community Recovery & Resiliency Plan.
PMG Opens $2 Million Marketing Grant Fund for Hawaii Businesses
Businesses can qualify for media support that ranges from 25% to 100%.
Virtual Town Hall Will Guide Small Businesses, Nonprofits Through Aid Process
A dozen agencies and individuals will explain a wide variety of support programs for small businesses and nonprofits.
DBEDT Offers Direct Links to Business Relief Applications
Applications will become available for some qualifying businesses as early as Friday.
Small Business Loans Available Friday
Due to expected high demand, borrowers are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Security Company Hiring on Big Island
Positions are needed in Kona for supermarkets, malls and general patrol. Complimentary transportation will be offered for employees living in Hilo working at job sites in Kona.
