Here is the grim reality of unemployment taxes
In this space, we have been doing a lot of guessing on possible legislative proposals. We will find out for sure what they are on or before January 25, the date of Governor Ige’s State of the State address.
Outpost Coffee to open in Kilauea
After taking over an old, abandoned coffee orchard in Kalihiwai which hasn’t been looked after for over seven years, Ben Fitt, a coffee enthusiast, business owner and farmer, got an agreement from the orchard’s landowners to launch a new coffee company called Outpost Coffee in mid-February of this year.
Hanapa‘a Fishing supply store opened Saturday
KAPA‘A — The simplest way to find the Hanapa‘a Fishing Co. Kaua‘i is to look for the big ulua in downtown Kapa‘a.
Mayor hopeful for more federal funds
LIHU‘E — At the Lihue Business Association’s video conference on Thursday, Mayor Derek Kawakami spoke on Kaua‘i’s economic recovery plans in his first term.
Filipino chamber installs 2021 leaders
PUHI — The Kaua‘i Filipino Chamber of Commerce took care of business within the confines of COVID-19 rules and guidelines during the installation of the organization’s 2021 officers and directors at the Kaua‘i Philippine Cultural Center on Wednesday.
Rainbeau Jo’s moving into a cafe soon
Rainbeau Jo’s, a coffee, smoothie and breakfast food truck in Lihu‘e, will soon have a cafe in the old Prosser Realty building on Rice Street.
Castle Hospitality Group announces new roles
HONOLULU — Castle Hospitality Group recently announced new roles for two of its leadership team members:
Lawai Market gives locals options on the Southshore
LAWA‘I — While some businesses struggled to stay open during the pandemic, a new grocery store in Lawa‘i opened with the motivation of being a place of convenience for residents of Kaua‘i, but was forced to delay their grand opening from February of 2020 to September of 2020.
More taxes on the rich – but guess what, you’re rich
On January 12, Governor Ige’s Chief of Staff and former Director of Taxation Linda Chu Takayama told the House Finance Committee a little more about the revenue enhancement measures (tax hikes) that the Administration is going to propose.
Timeshare industry supports Kaua‘i youth
LIHU‘E – The Hawaii Chapter of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) recently donated $2,500 to the Kauai Planning & Action Alliance for the Kauai Resilience Project (KRP). KRP supports Kauai’s youth by assisting them with overcoming adversity and becoming successful.
Aloha Ginger Beer offered in Lihu‘e
LIHU‘E — Aloha Ginger Beer, a non-alcoholic beverage company on Hardy Street in Lihu‘e across from the Lihu‘e Civic Center, started from humble beginnings and a passion to help local farmers and businesses throughout the pandemic.
Survey: over 4K furloughed employees will lose health insurance
LIHU‘E — According to a recent survey of Kaua‘i businesses, 49% of respondents stated that their business will not survive more than 90 days without the significant return of tourism.
Holey Grail donut shop opens on O‘ahu
Hana and Nile Dreiling’s vision to create a food product using locally-produced agriculture to promote sustainability started as a part-time venture and transformed into a full-time, family-run business.
‘Barreling’ toward an inevitable tax hike
On January 5, State Director of Finance Craig Hirai was (kind of) answering questions before the House Finance Committee on the Administration’s budget.
Pono Kai Resort’s names new GM
Marilyn Solatre is the new General Manager for Pono Kai Resort as of January 15, 2021.
Premier Restoration Hawaii expands to Kaua‘i
LIHU‘E – Locally owned and operated Premier Restoration Hawaii (PRH) today announced that Anthony Nelson of Makawao, Maui has been promoted to president.
Super Duper Ice Cream goes mobile on the Westside
One Westside ice-cream-business owner went back to her roots to grow her business all while helping meet her community’s needs during the pandemic by launching a mobile ice-cream van.
‘Chamber Week’ creates bridge between the businesses, Legislature
HONOLULU — The Chamber of Commerce of Hawai‘i hosts its annual Chamber Week starting Tuesday, Jan. 19.
Scrutiny needed for the big agencies
There has been a lot of flip-flopping and waffling going on in government. President Trump groused about, panned, and then finally signed a second stimulus package on Sunday, Dec. 27.
Opakapaka Grill and Bar struggles through another downturn
WAINIHA — The last restaurant at the end of the road of Wainiha on the North Shore of Kaua‘i is holding on by a thread this week with the lowest sales since opening three years ago, while still recovering from the April floods of 2018 and from the government shut down in March of 2020.