Relief for small businesses
HONOLULU — The state, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce of Hawai‘i, Tuesday announced the launch of the Hawai‘i Business Pivot Grant program.
Puka Dog named state’s best hot dog
PO‘IPU — Puka Dog co-owner Jenna French has a vision for her company that continues to receive national recognition from television and acclaimed national magazines.
Airline executives discuss trans-Pacific travel
HONOLULU — Five leaders of competing airlines participated last week in a Zoom webinar, “Impacts and Forecasts of the Airline Industry,” to discuss various logistics when Hawai‘i before the planned reopening of trans-Pacific travel Thursday.
Saenz Ohana Breakfast draws ire trying to be safe
PRINCEVILLE — The decision to allow visitors to only order online and pick up while serving residents with a Hawai’i identification in person has created a lightning rod of controversy on social media for one Kaua’i food truck.
Lifelong friends, now partners in in Beat Athletica
LIHU‘E — A heartbeat started to thump in the depths of the isolation and limited social gatherings brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kukui‘ula works to adapting to changing times
KOLOA — Richard Albrecht’s staff at Kukui‘ula has overcome the challenges of his company having to furlough over 120 employees throughout the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
New alliance focuses on heavy-duty fuel cell vehicles
HONOLULU — The newly formed Western States Hydrogen Association brings together stakeholders in the hydrogen and fuel cell industry with the goal of bringing zero-emission fuel cell trucks, buses, vessels, aircraft and off-road equipment to Hawai‘i.
SBDC and RSBA hosting a free virtual event
LIHU‘E — The Hawai‘i Small Business Development Center, a program of the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo and Rice Street Business Association, are hosting a free virtual webinar on Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., on how to get your business ready for the holidays with e-commerce.
Pulling teeth at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs
Imagine that you wake up one day to an awful toothache, and you march into your dentist’s office.
Harry Potter Butterbeer in Po‘ipu
PO‘IPU — Kobe Claussen has a Harry Potter book and is hoping that is good enough for the Harry Potter weekend at Papalani Gelato in Po‘ipu Shopping Village.
Hawaiian Air hopes to bounce back
LIHU‘E — Hawaiian Airlines’ spokesman Alex Da Silva has estimated the company has suffered a $3 million-per-day cash burn since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
780 furloughed HMSHost employees let go
LIHU‘E — Ironically, over 780 HMSHost airport workers were laid off permanently after being furloughed in March in Hawai‘i, on the same day trans-Pacific travel reopened, including 60 workers at Lihu‘e Airport, on Oct. 15.
Big Blue Buddha turns Local
KAPA‘A — Jo Lesoine of Big Blue Kaua‘i Local is worried about scores of people showing up Saturday and Sunday because of the COVID-19 social distancing and large gatherings rules.
Airlines, hotels gear up for opening
LIHU‘E — Hawaiian Airlines and two major hotels on Kaua‘i gear up for the reopening of trans-Pacific travel on Oct. 15, while one hotel expects an uptick, another has seen a decrease in bookings.
Pacific Current looks to reduce dependency on tourism
HANAPEPE — The Ka‘ie‘ie Waho Company, a subsidiary of Pacific Current, acquired Kaua‘i’s Port Allen Solar Facility in part to decrease the state’s dependence on the tourism industry.
Layton Construction wins award for Adolescent Treatment and Healing Center
Layton Construction Company was recognized for its work on the Adolescent Treatment and Healing Center in Kapaia by Hawai’i Business magazine in its October edition.
Academic leadership addresses budget shortfall
Recently, the University of Hawaii announced that it was going to take steps to combat the anticipated budget shortfall caused by our economic shutdown and the consequent drop in tax revenues.
Pacific Current purchases Port Allen solar facility
LIHU‘E — Pacific Current announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Ka‘ie‘ie Waho Company LLC, has acquired the Port Allen Solar facility on Kaua‘i from Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.’s McBryde Sugar Company LLC.
Koloa Mill Ice Cream and Coffee celebrates anniversary
KOLOA — “Any time, any coffee,” said Marn Zeeb of Koloa Mill Ice Cream and Coffee. “Fifty percent discount on any coffee through the month of October because it’s our 10th anniversary.”
Ha Coffee Bar faces eviction
LIHU‘E — Just shy of its seventh anniversary, Ha Coffee Bar in Lihu‘e, known for its coffee and community connection, on Monday received a certified mail from the building owner’s lawyer stating they needed to immediately pay deferred rent or face eviction.