Latest business & startups news and updates
A recent machete-involved robbery near Aala Park highlights an isolated safety issue that could affect customer perception and patronage for businesses in the immediate vicinity. Small business…
Gerber Products Co. has initiated a nationwide recall of its keiki biscuits due to potential contamination with plastic or paper pieces, impacting inventory management for Hawaii retailers and food…
The groundbreaking of the AINA Kitchen Network signals a major shift in Hawaii's school food service infrastructure, creating potential new demand for local food producers but also consolidating a…
Ongoing trade tariffs are increasing the cost of essential imported goods for Maui's farmers and ranchers, exacerbating existing challenges like drought and pest control. Businesses must monitor…
The grand opening of Mana Up Hawaii's retail store at the Royal Hawaiian Center provides a significant new platform for local businesses to reach a high-volume tourist market. Producers and…
Hawaii's population is declining at the second-fastest rate in the U.S., primarily due to young local families departing. This trend directly impacts business operations through reduced labor…
A new regional kitchen facility for Oahu schools set to open by June 2027 could alter local food sourcing and create new operational demands. Businesses involved in food supply or catering should…
A post-pandemic surge in shoppers visiting Hawaii's farmers markets indicates a potential consumer shift towards local, potentially lower-cost goods, impacting demand for other retail and food…
Average weekly grocery bills in Hawaii have surged 9.6% year-over-year, reaching $157, positioning the state as the most expensive in the U.S. for food staples. This trend directly impacts employee…
Recent allegations of severe operational and safety failures at Starbucks coffee shops, including claims of maggots and fire hazards, could indicate future disruptions or brand damage affecting…
Leading economists and consumer goods CEOs anticipate significant shifts in consumer behavior and spending drivers throughout 2026. Businesses targeting consumers must monitor these trends to avoid…
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has initiated a wave of suspensions affecting companies certified under its 8(a) Business Development program, potentially impacting over $5 billion in federal…
The successful expansion of prominent Hawaii-based brands like Zippy's into mainland markets indicates a maturing local food service sector, potentially leading to increased competition for talent…
Imua ʻOnipaʻa has opened applications for its March 2026 Career Development Cohort, offering a structured pathway for Hawaiʻi residents to gain new skills and advance their careers. This initiative…
Ferraro Choi has promoted Emma Freeman to principal, expanding its leadership team. This move signals internal stability and potential for future growth, which could influence client confidence and…
Record fentanyl seizures in 2025 suggest a deepening drug crisis that could impact business operations through increased labor costs and public safety concerns. While immediate action is not…
Key service providers are aligning with Lahaina businesses to support recovery efforts, signaling an acceleration in rebuild projects and creating a near-term window for contractors, suppliers, and…
The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa's online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program has received high national rankings, indicating a potential draw for highly qualified nursing professionals.…
Sustained low U.S. population growth and a significant drop in immigration will exacerbate existing labor shortages across Hawaii's key sectors, potentially impacting operating costs and consumer…
Ohana Nui Cookie Company is strategically expanding its retail presence and emphasizing its packaging for brand differentiation, impacting how small food businesses approach market competition.…