Latest business & startups news and updates
Despite concerns over tariffs and inflation, Hawaii's local retailers are reporting increased sales during the holiday season. This positive trend offers a glimmer of hope for Hawaii's entrepreneurs and businesses navigating a challenging economic environment.
Recent legislation passed by both the Honolulu and Hawai'i County Councils, supported by the Grassroot Institute, is set to impact local businesses. Honolulu's Bill 42 will deregulate taxicab fares, and Hawai'i County's Bill 52 will legalize backyard chickens, opening up new avenues for entrepreneurs and investors in the islands.
The Honolulu's Homeless Outreach and Navigation for Unsheltered Persons (HONU) program has been a cornerstone of the city's approach to homelessness. This article delves into the program's effectiveness, its impact on the local business environment, and strategies to improve its outcomes.
The Hilo community mourns the loss of William Bastian De Rooy, a respected U.S. Army veteran and owner of the Nautilus Dive Center. His life and contributions to the local business scene will be remembered at a memorial service on December 8th.
East Hawaii is undergoing a major technological shift with the implementation of the Epic electronic health records (EHR) system across its hospitals and clinics. This upgrade promises to streamline patient care, improve efficiency, and enhance access to critical health information for both providers and patients.
With Hawaii's economy facing challenges and impacting the well-being of its children, a new call for collaboration between business and labor leaders has emerged. Addressing economic headwinds requires a unified approach that prioritizes workforce development and strengthens the state's economic foundation.
Recent data indicates a slowdown in private sector hiring across the United States, casting a shadow over Hawaii's job market. This national trend, coupled with increasing business expenses and minimum wage hikes, presents significant challenges for the state's entrepreneurs and business owners.
Hana Hou by Hale Zen, a lifestyle boutique, is hosting a "Sip and Shop" event this December. The two-night gathering invites guests to enjoy holiday shopping while supporting the Maui Food Bank and the Maui Humane Society.
A renewed eruption at Kilauea volcano has released a massive ash plume, prompting health warnings from authorities due to the presence of Pele's hair and potential respiratory hazards. This volcanic activity poses significant risks to Big Island residents, tourists, and the businesses that rely on them.
Following devastating fires in Hilo that resulted in fatalities and widespread displacement, the community is looking at the recovery strategies employed in Lahaina after the 2023 wildfires. Key considerations include community involvement, cultural preservation, and thoughtful development to support long-term economic and social stability.
The Fukunaga Scholarship Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2026 scholarship, providing crucial financial support for Hawaii students pursuing business-related degrees. This long-standing program aims to cultivate the next generation of business leaders across the islands.
Reflective Design Studio founder LaTasha Baldwin is set to release her debut book, "It's Never Too Late to Design Your Life," on February 1, 2026. The book promises to guide readers toward intentional living and self-discovery, offering actionable steps for anyone looking to make positive changes.
Pearlridge Center in Aiea, Oahu, celebrates its long history as a vital shopping and community center, with the mall evolving over decades to meet the needs of Hawaii's residents and visitors. Pearlridge continues to be a key location for local entrepreneurship and a place to make cherished memories, and reflects Hawaii's dynamic economic landscape.
In a heartwarming display of local collaboration, Honolulu Cookie Company and Hawaiian Airlines teamed up to surprise passengers with complimentary peppermint macadamia cookies on World Cookie Day. This partnership highlights the importance of supporting local businesses and enhancing the travel experience within Hawaii.
Hawaii's proactive measures to support residents during the recent federal government shutdown have resulted in lower-than-anticipated state expenditures. The state's swift action, spearheaded by the Hawaiʻi Emergency Food Assistance Program (HEFAP), provided crucial financial and food assistance to families affected by the shutdown, while ultimately proving to be fiscally efficient.
Over 2,000 Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers in Hawaii rallied on December 5, 2025, advocating for increased compensation and improved staffing levels as contract negotiations with the healthcare giant continue. The rallies, held across multiple islands, highlight growing concerns over worker compensation and patient care quality.
Unionized Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers rallied at the Mapunapuna campus this week, advocating for a fair contract amidst ongoing negotiations with management. The dispute, primarily focused on wage increases and staffing levels, highlights the challenges facing Hawaii's healthcare industry and raises concerns for both employees and patients.
Kapono's venue is set to relaunch in Hawaii Kai, bringing together the Henry Kapono Foundation, Kapono’s at The Lounge, Island Sound Studios, and The Velvet Monkey. This new hub aims to create a dynamic space for music, entertainment, and community engagement in Honolulu.
Eco-Growth Strategies, Inc., a Hawaii-based bottled water company, is strategically positioning itself for expansion into Asian markets, capitalizing on the state's brand appeal and a potential Nasdaq listing. This pivot marks a significant shift for the company, which previously explored opportunities in the CBD market.
The Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) recently released its 2025 Quarterly Statistical and Economic Report, offering a positive outlook for the state's economy. The report revises growth projections, anticipating 1.6% growth in 2025 and 1.5% in 2026, indicating a degree of resilience despite persistent economic headwinds.