Commentary: Does It Matter Who Owns Hawai‘i’s Hotels?
We uncover the pros and cons of private equity ownership. You can make up your own mind about the results.
Economy
It’s Easier to Buy a Car Now, But Probably Not the One You Want
For vehicles that aren’t in stock, Hawai‘i buyers are waiting three months or more for their orders to arrive, often customized to their tastes.
What’s Next for Central Pacific Bank
Technology, the pandemic, global instability, climate change and other factors are driving change and uncertainty worldwide. We want to know how important Hawai‘i organizations are responding to this change and uncertainty.
Meadow Gold's Strategy: Double Down on Local
The company’s new owner plans to expand its dairy products and juices while adding a line of soy milk and other plant-based beverages – all with local ingredients.
Hawai‘i Voices: Your Money, Your Kids, Your President
BOSS Survey of business leaders and 808 Poll of the general public ask people about their personal finances, their children’s education during the pandemic, and Biden vs. Trump.
Local Companies Remain Weak on Revenue, Profit and Employment
BOSS Survey of 447 business owners and executives finds lackluster performance on all three measures for most local companies
Local Businesses Optimistic About Next 12 Months
BOSS Survey of 447 business owners and executives finds the most optimism about the local economy since 2004.
Half of Local Businesses: “Bruised but on Track”
Meanwhile, many other companies are “flourishing,” according to two local surveys that provide insight into the local economy and people’s outlook on the future.
The Transformation of Hawai‘i
An oral history tells the behind-the-scenes stories of broken color barriers, big land and financing deals, and other colorful incidents that helped create modern Hawai‘i
Micah Kāne of Hawai'i Community Foundation Discusses Collective Action Through CHANGE
Hawaii Business Magazine's Director of Events, Anthony Bagnoli, spoke with Micah Kāne, President and CEO of the Hawai'i Community Foundation, and presenting sponsor of the CHANGE Event Series.
Construction Industry Still a Bright Spot for Hawaiʻi Economy During Pandemic
Diverse projects are keeping Hawai‘i’s construction industry busy and offering much-needed support for the state’s fractured economy.
Editor's Note: My Cynicism Has Been Silenced
What was your reaction when you heard another report had been released on how to create a better future for Hawai‘i and its people? Was it the same as my initial reaction: a sigh and an eye roll? But as…
The Pandemic is Not Gender Neutral
Working women suffer disproportionately from the recession in their finances, careers and health Nikki Nakamura and her husband still sit at each end of the dining room table, just as they did before the COVID-19 pandemic. But so much else…
Survey Reveals Virus’s Impact on Hawai‘i’s People
Almost half of Hawai‘i households have lost income during the COVID-19 pandemic and about 1 in 4 have fallen behind on some of their bills. Those are among the dire findings from a survey released Thursday by the Bank of…
Our Kūpuna, Our Kuleana:
Senior Care Crisis in Hawaiʻi
The growing number of seniors is a personal challenge for hundreds of thousands of local families and a collective challenge for all of Hawai‘i. IF you donʻt see this silver tsunami coming, you’re not paying attention,” says Jim Shon, president…
Minimum Wage Dilemma
In the restaurant sector, trying to balance the financial interests of employees, customers and owners is difficult. A higher minimum wage will drastically change that equation. A proposal to raise Hawaii’s minimum wage from $10.10 to $15 an hour has…
Spotlight on Small Business:
Preparing Your Business for 2019
If you want history to repeat itself, then do nothing and maybe it will. But if you want 2019 to be better for your business than 2018, identify what worked well in the past year and what did not: Consider…
Hawaii’s China Wave Smaller than Expected
Local and international forces have kept Chinese investment below what was predicted a few years ago, local experts say. But China’s elite love buying luxury condos in the Islands and real estate agents say those sales keep increasing. After Stephanie…
Aloha Town
The City and County of Honolulu does a big job – or rather, 10,687 jobs. That’s the number of people the C&C employs, with the responsibility of providing safety and enhancing the lives of Oahu’s 992,605 residents. Every U.S. city…
Immigrants Get The Job Done In Hawaii
Here’s who they are and what they contribute to the local economy. Immigrants have an outsized place in Hawaii’s history. In the 19th and early 20th centuries they came from Japan, China, Puerto Rico and the Portuguese Azores and sustained…
Don’t Always Fear Raising Your Prices
When was the last time you evaluated your prices? Does this process make you uncomfortable? Let me share a story about a friend and the surprise he experienced when he increased his prices. My friend and his wife had been…
Entrepreneurs and Investors to Converge in Honolulu
East Meets West Conference: Interview with Blue Startups Managing Partner Chenoa Farnsworth The annual East Meets West Conference brings together tech industry entrepreneurs and investors from markets in Asia, the U.S. Mainland and Hawaii. The event will take place on…
Surf Competition Pumps Millions into Oahu Economy
Vans Triple Crown of Surfing draws global attention while boosting local businesses John John Florence won his second surfing world title Dec. 18 at the Billabong Pipe Masters on Oahu’s North Shore. “I’m so happy to have been surfing here…
Reversing Hawaii's Brain Drain
Five steps local leaders are taking right now to persuade bright young kamaaina to stay home or come back Tony Marzi is the kind of kamaaina that Hawaii’s business and community leaders hope will come home. The 32-year-old grew up…