Latest business & startups news and updates
Kaiser Permanente saw the conclusion of a five-day strike by over 30,000 healthcare workers across California and Hawaii. While normal operations resume at Kaiser facilities, labor disputes at Kapiolani Medical Center highlight ongoing challenges within Hawaii's healthcare landscape.
Approximately 31,000 Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers, including registered nurses and other professionals, have concluded a five-day strike in California and Hawaii. Negotiations are set to resume, focusing on key issues such as staffing levels and patient care protocols, which may significantly influence the healthcare landscape in the islands.
The Maui Recovery Funders Collaborative (MRFC) has announced a new funding opportunity aimed at bolstering mental health services for individuals and communities affected by the 2023 Maui wildfires. This initiative is designed to support nonprofit organizations in their efforts to increase access to critical mental health resources.
Local businesses and residents in Aiea are on edge following an armed robbery on the evening of October 18th that left one victim injured. The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) has launched an investigation, but suspects remain at large, heightening concerns for public safety.
UH Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin reflects on a busy schedule filled with community engagement and diverse events, emphasizing her commitment to student development and the importance of connecting the university with the broader Hawaii Island community. This includes initiatives focused on agriculture, space sciences, and local business.
The recent Native Hawaiian Convention in Washington State underscores the increasing influence of Native Hawaiians, particularly those residing outside of the islands. This shift presents new opportunities for economic empowerment and the alignment of sovereignty efforts.
As public support for cannabis legalization continues to grow, Hawaii's business community remains keen to gauge the potential economic benefits and implications of an adult-use market. Evidence from other states suggests that tax revenues and new business opportunities could be significant, fueling discussions about future policy in the Aloha State.
The five-day strike by healthcare workers at Kaiser Permanente facilities in Hawaii and California is coming to a close. The strike, involving over 31,000 members of the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP), aimed to address concerns regarding fair wages, safe staffing levels, and caregiver involvement in workplace decisions.
King's Tide Lahaina, a unique tattoo studio and art space founded by Justin Blake, is set to open its doors on October 24th, offering custom tattoos, laser removal, an art gallery, and an event venue. This new venture aims to provide a welcoming space for Maui's creative community and contribute to the revitalization of Lahaina.
The State of Hawaii, in collaboration with the Hawaii Agricultural Foundation and Ulupono Initiative, has launched the Hele Imua Internship Program specifically for the agricultural industry. This initiative aims to address workforce development within the sector, providing valuable experience and potentially leading to permanent employment opportunities.
Hawaii's minimum wage is set to jump to $16 per hour in 2026, marking a significant increase that will impact businesses across the islands. This hike, part of a multi-year plan, presents both challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals in the state.
Hundreds of unionized workers at Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women & Children initiated a strike on Friday morning, disrupting hospital operations due to disagreements over wages, benefits, and working conditions. The strike, organized by the Teamsters Union, adds further strain to Hawaii's healthcare landscape, potentially impacting patient care and local businesses.
Hawaii is set to implement a significant minimum wage increase, jumping to $16 per hour in January 2026. This $2 increase, approved by state lawmakers, will impact businesses across various sectors, prompting adjustments to labor costs and operational strategies.
Hundreds of union workers at Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women and Children initiated a strike on Friday morning, citing unfair labor practices and inadequate compensation. This marks the second strike at the hospital in just two years, potentially disrupting patient care and amplifying financial pressures within Hawaii's healthcare sector.
Healthcare workers in Hawaii are taking to the picket lines as employees at Kapiolani Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente engage in strikes over pay, benefits, and working conditions. These labor disputes could significantly impact the healthcare landscape and present challenges for businesses across the state.
Hawaiian Telcom is aggressively expanding its fiber-optic network across Hawaii Island, with a particular focus on bringing high-speed internet to the rural community of Volcano. This initiative, supported by strategic partnerships with local businesses, aims to bridge the digital divide and stimulate economic growth in previously underserved areas.
The Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center is making a significant impact on Hawaii's food business landscape by providing resources and support to local entrepreneurs. The center, in partnership with Leeward Community College, offers state-of-the-art facilities and programs that are helping to launch and scale food-based businesses across the islands.
Honolulu-based clean energy startup Shifted Energy, known for its distributed energy resource management system (DERMS) technology, has been acquired by Resource Innovations. This acquisition aims to bolster the development of advanced grid technologies and accelerate the transition to sustainable energy solutions in Hawaii and beyond.
A Hawaii nonprofit is facilitating partnerships between educators and industry leaders on Oahu to equip students with skills for local careers and combat the 'brain drain' of young talent leaving the islands. These initiatives aim to better align classroom learning with the demands of the modern workforce.
Maui Land & Pineapple Company, Inc. has appointed Darren Strand as the Director of Agricultural Operations for its new agave venture in Upcountry Maui. This strategic move highlights the company's commitment to diversification within Maui's agricultural landscape, building on Strand's extensive experience and expertise.