David Lassner on Challenges, Finances, TMT and Calm at UH
The outgoing UH president shares his proudest achievements, the changes he’s seen, times he didn’t want to read the news and advice for his successor.
Chavonnie Ramos
Chavonnie Ramos was a staff writer for Hawaii Business Magazine. She enjoys writing stories about the community, education, entrepreneurship, and transportation. Chavonnie graduated from UH Mānoa with degrees in Journalism and English. Prior to joining the magazine, Chavonnie was a digital content producer at KITV4, and intern at Hawaii News Now. She was born and raised in Waipahu, and is also a proud Marauder.
Articles
Lau Hala Weavers Maintain a Hawaiian Tradition
Nā Lālā o ka Pūhala offers weekly classes on how to weave leaves from the native hala tree.
How Teachers from the Philippines Help Students in Hawai‘i
Eighty teachers arrived last year to fill recurring vacancies in rural public schools. Here’s what some of them say about their first year in Hawai‘i.
Making Rum from Sugar Cane in Hale‘iwa
Kō Hana Distillery grows 34 varieties of sugar cane, which goes “straight from farm to bottle.”
GoLeanSixSigma Trains Teams Across the Globe to Quickly Improve Processes
2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: CEO and founder Karlo Tanjuakio operates his successful online training business from its Wai‘anae headquarters.
East West Marketing Imports Filipino Food Products with the “Taste of Home”
2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Melody Calisay started selling dry foods from her car to support her doctoral studies. It’s now a $4 million business.
Fixing Hawai‘i’s Deadly Roads
Speeding, drunk driving and other causes kill about a hundred people a year. Here is what’s being done to keep Hawai‘i’s drivers, pedestrians and bikers safer.
20 for the Next 20: Jason Thune, Hawaiian Telcom
The VP of fiber strategy and deployment is passionate about bringing high-speed, fiber-optic internet to the entire state.
This Century-Old Company Keeps Rolling Out Its Iconic Crackers
But have you tried Diamond Bakery’s ube, liliko‘i and Kona coffee shortbread cookies?
20 for the Next 20: Kelly Miyamura, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation
As program officer, she leads the foundation’s education and employment initiatives, improving access to living-wage jobs.
20 for the Next 20: Spencer Dung, Westpac Wealth Partners
This “methodical” managing director and wealth management advisor is dedicated to helping people make better financial decisions.
20 for the Next 20: Ryan Ashlock, Adventist Health Castle
This health-care president is reenergizing a once stagnant medical center with new clinics, specialists, equipment, training and more.
20 for the Next 20: Jay Ana, Young Brothers
The president of Hawai‘i’s largest interisland shipping company has focused on communications, trust and efficiency to sustain a 125-year legacy.
Hawai‘i’s Filipinos Are Stepping Out from the Shadows
10 personal stories illuminate the triumphs and challenges of the second-largest ethnic group in the state.
These Eco-Friendly Surfboards Are Made from Invasive Trees
Bizia Surf sources unwanted albizia wood to make alaias and other hand-crafted boards.
New Housing Is Rising Along the Rail Line
Transit-oriented development brings homes, stores, jobs and transit service together. Here is what’s happening and what’s planned along Skyline’s path.
This Protea Farm on Maui Is Still Going Strong
At Malolo Farm in Kula, Ali Minney and her family have supplied florists with the winter-blooming flowers for decades.
Food Delivery’s Fast-Paced World
DoorDash and similar apps are more popular than ever. Here’s what Hawai‘i customers, restaurateurs and an indefatigable driver say about the benefits and costs.
Inside Skyline’s Operations and Control Center
At the Pearl City hub, workers monitor the driverless system and maintain the trains.
Turning Hawai‘i’s Flowers into Glass Art You Can Wear
Glass artist Arlie Pemberton creates her jewelry with 2,200 degrees of heat.
This Coral Restoration Nonprofit Combines New and Old Wisdom
Kuleana Coral Restoration works to map, research and restore coral around O‘ahu using a variety of techniques.
Hawai‘i’s Sustainability Heroes 2023
Climate change has raised the stakes for Hawai‘i and communities around the world. That’s why we are sharing six stories of people and companies that are taking significant climate action.
Hawai‘i’s Sustainability Heroes: Elemental Excelerator
The climate-tech accelerator helps fund food, energy and transportation solutions in Hawai‘i and around the world.
To Get to X with Their Ideas, Hawai‘i Entrepreneurs Turn to preX
The virtual “master class” run by XLR8HI is helping people launch and scale their businesses.
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 It’s Like to Ride the “Skyline”
The head of the Honolulu rail project says the bird’s-eye view from the first 10.75 miles is like a “Disneyland ride.” Try it yourself starting June 30.
The Best of Small Business in Hawaiʻi 2023
Profiles of 12 local companies that won our 2023 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Awards for their ingenuity, grit, service, perseverance or all of the above. Plus two inductees into the 2023 Hawai‘i Small Business Hall of Fame, each more than a century old.
Aloha Revolution Turns a Small Online Store into a Major Shirt Brand
2023 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Owner Ed hopes to spread his aloha with unique designs and special fundraiser shirts.
Like Airbnb But on Wheels
Locals use web-based services like Turo to rent their cars to strangers for extra income. One host couple say they now offer 75 cars owned by themselves and others.
Bringing New Life to Hawai‘i Island’s “Hele-On” Service
The county’s mass transit system, which includes its buses, ride-share taxi program, bike-share services and paratransit services, is going through a major revamp.
New Wheels for TheBus
Some buses have passed the million-mile mark. Now the fleet is getting an overhaul, including new EV and clean-diesel models.
Hawaii Entrepreneur Awards 2023
Profiles of many of the year’s most successful and intrepid entrepreneurs, investors and innovators.
20 for the Next 20: Brandon Kamigaki, Servco Pacific
The product management leader and “lifelong learner” introduced new technology to simplify car registration and purchases.
Hawaii Entrepreneur Awards 2023: Investor of the Year
Individual or entity that has invested substantially in the Hawai‘i startup ecosystem.
20 for the Next 20: Josh Hargrove, Prince Waikiki & Hawaii Prince Golf Club
The general manager of the luxury resort focuses on making it “an amazing place to work,” winning major hotel awards in the process.
Blue Planet’s 2023 Agenda: More Efficient Appliances, Lighting and Transportation
The nonprofit is focused on small steps that will make a big impact in reaching Hawai‘i’s 100% clean energy goals.
20 for the Next 20: Noelani Goodyear-Ka‘ōpua, UH Mānoa and Kamehameha Schools
This political science professor and KS trustee founded a charter school and is committed to supporting Hawai‘i’s teachers.
Your Next Hire Should Be a “Hidden Worker”
Nontraditional workers such as former veterans and caregivers often outperform traditional employees.
My Job Is Overseeing Design and Construction of Honolulu Rail
Matthew Scanlon took on a bear of a project, but he says it will transform O‘ahu and make travel so much easier.
A UH Incubator Aims to Take Ideas to Market
HITIDE helps faculty, staff and students commercialize their research and innovations. How about a $5,000 space satellite?
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