Business
Kobayashi honored as Hawai‘i County Intern of the Year
The 2025 marketing intern at Hawai‘i Community Federal Credit Union and student at University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa received the award during the 2026 Hawai‘i Internship Summit.
Hawai‘i unemployment rate at 2.3% in February
Number of jobs increased by 2,100 from yea-to-year; rate ticks up slightly from January.
60K new homes needed by 2050 to meet Hawaiʻi housing demand, finds AARP study
The study was prepared by ECOnorthwest through AARP’s Livable Communities Technical Advisors Program. It reports that rising housing costs and limited supply are making it harder for residents to remain in their communities as they age.
Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority opens funding for cultural, community programs
The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is inviting organizations to apply for funding to support cultural preservation, enhance community experiences, and promote major events throughout the islands.
New online events calendar helps travelers discover what’s happening throughout state
Hawaii.com feature organizes events by island, helping visitors discover festivals, cultural experiences and local happenings and bringing real-time events and experiences directly into the trip-planning process.
Free small business financing, support workshop scheduled in Kailua-Kona
It is a valuable opportunity to learn about funding pathways and connect directly with experts who can support the next steps of small businesses; only several spaces remain, so don’t wait, register today.
New Center for Family Business and Entrepreneurs launched by Bank of Hawaiʻi
Center helps Hawaiʻi business owners plan for succession, unlock opportunity and navigate complexities of business, family and personal wealth.
Business Monday: Recovery Center to help small businesses affected by downtown Hilo fire
The U.S. Small Business Administration is setting up a recovery center where representatives will help businesses that burned in the 2025 Hilo fire apply for low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans.
Hawaiʻi Gas accepting applications for temporary summer positions throughout islands
Positions are designed for recent high school grads and college students; the utility is recruiting for a range of posts at all locations statewide.
Donʻt get hooked: University of Hawaiʻi Maui College presents real-life phishing stories
“Phishing remains the most effective attack method in 2026 because it targets the one element that can’t be easily patched: people,” said University of Hawaiʻi Chief Information Officer Jodi Ito.
Hawaiʻi Coffee Association works on strategic plan, welcomes new executive director
Abigail Munoz with Monarch Coffee was unanimously elected by the board, “and she was absolutely the right person for this role,” said Hawaiʻi Coffee Association President Ryson Nakamasu.
Big Island Now news briefs for April 18: National Native Plant Month, Jams World 2026 Chat Collection, Grace to retire
A quick look at news happening throughout the island, state and nation.
Relief available to Hawai‘i businesses, private nonprofits, and residents affected by Kona low storms
These loans are in response to the Presidential disaster declaration issued on April 7, which covers Physical Damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster loans.
Consumer Alert: Public warned about investment scams on Meta platforms
These scams include pump-and-dump scams, confidence scams and fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes that take advantage of victims to extract as much money from them as possible.
Mango Medical hosts free Health Career Exploration Seminar 2026 in Waimea
“You cannot be what you cannot see,” said nurse practitioner Joshua Lessard-Chaudoin. “Our goal is to give students meaningful exposure to healthcare careers, connect them with mentors and help guide their future pathways in medicine and wellness.”
Hawaiʻi prevails: Federal case seeking to block state’s fossil fuel claims dismissed
A decisive ruling by U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaiʻi agreed with Hawai‘i’s argument that the United States lacks standing to sue for hypothetical allegations that imposing liability on fossil fuel companies will have some harmful future effects on the federal government.
GoFarm Hawaiʻi webinar to focus on planning for the future, including farm succession, land transition
Participants will be introduced to key concepts in farm succession planning, including family and non-family transition options, tools for transferring land and farm businesses as well as resources available to Hawaiʻi farmers and landowners.
Business Monday: Kona restaurants form group to provide jobs, help nonprofits, revive downtown
As a restaurant and hospitality group, the goal is to offer better quality jobs, give back to the community, and revive the downtown area of Kona-Kailua on Hawai‘i Island.
Hawaiʻi businesses reminded to file their second quarter annual business reports
The annual report filing period is related to the business entity’s registration date and can be filed at any time during the quarter in which the filing is due; second quarter reports must be filed by midnight June 30.
Magics Beach Grill authorized to reopen after correcting multiple critical violations
The oceanfront restaurant, located at 77-6452 Aliʻi Drive in Kailua-Kona and operated by Mattson Davis, was shuttered April 9 after being issued a red “closed” placard following an inspection conducted by a food safety specialist with the state Department of Health.
