Latest business & startups news and updates
Damon Key Leong Kupchak Hastert welcomes Paris K. Johnson as an associate, bolstering its capabilities in Business & Commercial Law, Land Use & Eminent Domain, and Litigation & Dispute Resolution. The hire highlights Damon Key's commitment to strengthening its resources for serving Hawaii's business community.
Boom Supersonic secured a substantial $300 million in funding, yet this investment steers clear of the Overture jet, disappointing those hoping for the promised three-hour flights to Hawaii. The move casts further uncertainty on when, or even if, supersonic travel to the islands will become a reality.
The Wayfinder Group, a new strategic advisory firm, has launched with offices in Hawaiʻi and Washington D.C., aiming to provide government relations, public affairs, and communications services. The firm is poised to assist businesses in navigating complex regulatory environments and achieving their strategic goals across local, state, and federal levels.
House of Mana Up, the retail arm of the Mana Up accelerator program, has reopened its store at the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki with an expanded space and new tasting experiences. The store continues to highlight local businesses, offering a platform for over 70 Hawaii-based companies to reach a wider audience of both visitors and residents.
After over a century of production, Coca-Cola is ending its bottling operations in Hawaii, marking a shift in the local business environment and potentially altering the experience for visitors. Entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals should anticipate changes in the beverage market and consider the broader implications for the tourism and hospitality industries.
Lance Hirai, Associate Principal and Architect at G70, a Honolulu-based design firm, has recently received prestigious industry certifications and national recognition, signaling a boost for Hawai'i's design and architecture sector. This achievement underscores G70's commitment to innovative design solutions and positions the firm for continued success in the local and national markets.
The Hawaiʻi Medical Association (HMA) is convening a discussion with leaders from Hawaiʻi's major healthcare players regarding a possible affiliation between HMSA and Hawaiʻi Pacific Health (HPH). This move signals a critical juncture for the state's healthcare landscape, potentially impacting competition, patient care, and the business environment within the sector.
Despite economic headwinds, Hawaii's local businesses experienced a robust holiday shopping season, with many reporting sales at or above pre-pandemic levels. This unexpected surge provides a boost for local entrepreneurs and a positive outlook for the state's economy.
Hawaiian Electric has filed a lawsuit against Par Hawaiʻi, alleging that substandard fuel supplied by the refinery caused extensive damage to power plant turbines on both the Big Island and Kauaʻi. This legal battle could have significant financial repercussions for the utility, potentially impacting energy costs for businesses and residents across the state.
Sun Noodle, founded in Honolulu over four decades ago, has transformed from a humble Kalihi operation into a global force in the ramen industry. This expansion, driven by innovation, family values, and a commitment to quality, offers valuable lessons for Hawaii's entrepreneurs.
As the holiday season approaches, Hawaii's businesses are aggressively seeking seasonal employees to meet the increased demand from tourists and local shoppers. This trend signifies a positive economic outlook for the islands, offering numerous job opportunities across various sectors and enhancing the local economy.
Mike Miyahira, leveraging his 15 years of experience at Bank of Hawaiʻi, founded Business Strategies to assist family-owned businesses in Hawai'i with critical challenges such as succession planning and ownership transitions. His consultancy offers crucial support to a vital segment of the state's economy, ensuring the longevity of family legacies in the business realm.
Hawaii businesses should prepare for significant tax changes in 2026, as new provisions revive and modify key deductions from previous legislation. Understanding these changes, which include the reintroduction of bonus depreciation and adjustments to qualified business income, is crucial for optimizing tax strategies.
The City and County of Honolulu is integrating artificial intelligence into its permitting process, promising to speed up approvals for construction projects and other ventures. This initiative aims to reduce wait times and improve efficiency for local businesses and entrepreneurs.
The City and County of Honolulu is leveraging artificial intelligence to expedite its permitting process, promising faster approvals for entrepreneurs and developers. This move aims to reduce wait times and improve efficiency, directly benefiting businesses operating in the city.
Kona-based Hala Tree Coffee, already operating a successful cafe in Kaaawa, is expanding its farm-to-cup coffee experience to Waikīkī. The new cafe, slated to open in The Lilia in 2026, promises a unique space for both tourists and locals to enjoy Kona coffee.
Following a devastating fire in Hilo that claimed lives and displaced residents, the focus shifts to recovery. Experts emphasize the crucial role of easing regulatory burdens to expedite rebuilding efforts and support local businesses.
The Hawaiʻi Department of the Attorney General recently launched the Hawaiʻi Crime Dashboard, a new online resource providing police-level crime statistics. This tool offers valuable insights for businesses, investors, and residents, aiding in informed decision-making and promoting a safer environment.
The Hawaiʻi Department of the Attorney General recently launched the Hawaiʻi Crime Dashboard, a new online resource providing public access to crime statistics across the state. This initiative empowers residents, businesses, and investors with data-driven insights, potentially influencing decisions related to safety, real estate, and economic development.
Despite national economic concerns, Hawaii's retailers are experiencing a surprisingly robust holiday shopping season. Increased sales are a welcome respite for local businesses, offering optimism for entrepreneurs and investors in the island's dynamic market.