Latest business & startups news and updates
Tit-for-tat port fees levied by the United States and China are disrupting cargo flows and potentially increasing consumer costs, according to industry executives. This trade dispute could have significant implications for Hawaii's import-dependent economy and local businesses.
Young Brothers' dominance in interisland shipping is under scrutiny as rising costs and a lack of competition impact Hawaii's businesses and consumers. Recent developments, including proposed rate hikes and challenges to the company's operational efficiency, highlight the complexities of this essential service.
Hyundai Hope on Wheels, the philanthropic arm of Hyundai, has awarded Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women & Children with a significant grant to advance pediatric cancer research and patient care. The donation underscores the ongoing commitment to improving healthcare outcomes for Hawaii's keiki and highlights the role of corporate philanthropy in the community.
A recent recall of Meadow Gold chocolate milk distributed to Hawaiʻi schools has prompted investigations into potential quality control issues and reports of illnesses. This situation presents both immediate challenges and long-term considerations for food businesses and the wider Hawaiʻi economy.
Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children is preparing for a potential strike by the Hawaii Teamsters & Allied Workers, Local 996, set to begin Friday morning. The labor dispute could significantly impact hospital operations and raise concerns for patients and local healthcare services.
Hundreds of workers at Kapiolani Medical Center are planning to strike, potentially disrupting healthcare services in Honolulu. This action stems from ongoing disputes regarding staffing, working conditions, and compensation, raising concerns for both patients and the local economy.
Downtown Honolulu is set to receive a boost with the establishment of a new Business Improvement District (BID), aiming to revitalize the area and combat the economic challenges it faces. This initiative, spurred by Bill 51, seeks to enhance public safety, cleanliness, and economic activity in the heart of Honolulu.
Chef Keaka Lee's Kapa Hale has defied the odds, flourishing since its 2020 opening. By embracing local ingredients, infusing global influences, and adapting to challenges, Kapa Hale has become a culinary gem in Honolulu.
The Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children is preparing for a potential strike as the Hawaii Teamsters & Allied Workers, Local 996, have issued a strike notice. The strike is scheduled to begin Friday morning, potentially disrupting hospital operations and impacting the local healthcare landscape.
Maui County's Terminix is under new management, ushering in a new era focused on environmentally conscious pest control. This shift emphasizes Integrated Pest Management (IPM), collaboration with local agencies, and community education, potentially impacting various sectors throughout the region.
The Maui Pineapple Store has teamed up with Aloha Collection to release exclusive pineapple-themed bags, capitalizing on the popularity of both brands and local demand for unique merchandise. This collaboration offers a prime example of successful partnerships within Hawaii's business landscape.
The Hawaiʻi Department of Education (DOE) is requesting an additional $30 million for a central food facility, integral to its plan to increase local food purchases for schools. This request raises concerns about the state's progress toward its farm-to-school mandate and the impact on local agricultural businesses.
As the Kaiser Permanente nurses' strike in Hawaiʻi entered its second day, the focus remains on the impact on patient care and the broader implications for the state's healthcare system and related businesses. The strike, involving thousands of healthcare professionals, highlights critical issues of wages, staffing, and workplace conditions.
The Indigenous Tomorrows Fund is providing $720,000 to organizations in Hawaii aiming to alleviate food insecurity within tribal communities. This initiative, spearheaded by Native Americans in Philanthropy, Newman's Own Foundation, and Novo Nordisk, underscores the growing focus on supporting culturally relevant food systems and addressing the unique challenges faced by Indigenous populations.
The new Hilton Hampton Inn Maui will host the inaugural Kū Wāhine Mākeke, a marketplace designed to uplift wāhine-owned businesses on Maui. This event offers a vital platform for local female entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services and further economic empowerment within the community.
While AI offers enticing benefits for Hawaii businesses in terms of cost and time savings, the landscape is fraught with complex legal and ethical risks that could have 'catastrophic' consequences. Businesses must navigate this evolving technology carefully to ensure compliance and avoid future pitfalls.
Hundreds of Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers on Maui have gone on strike, citing significant pay discrepancies compared to their counterparts in other states. The strike has forced the temporary closure of the Kīhei clinic and raises concerns about the availability of healthcare services for Maui residents.
A recent federal appeals court decision has reopened the legal battle surrounding Alaska Airlines' acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, giving travelers a rare chance to challenge the merger. This unexpected ruling could significantly impact the future of air travel to and from Hawaii, with implications for both consumers and businesses.
Thousands of Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers, represented by the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP), initiated a five-day strike across California and Hawaii, impacting over 500 facilities. The strike, which began on October 14, 2025, centers on demands for better wages, improved staffing levels, and a stronger voice in workplace decisions.
Despite efforts to curb its growth, the renewable energy sector is experiencing a boom, offering opportunities for Hawaii's entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals. The trend underscores the resilience of the industry and its continued appeal in the state committed to sustainability.