Locally Owned, Locally Committed Since 1955

Today's Hawaii News
3.28.2023
 
Advertisement
 
TOP STORIES
 
U.S. Mint releases Edith Kanaka‘ole quarter into circulation
Kanaka‘ole, who died in 1979, was an award-winning composer, chanter, master instructor for hula, and venerated cultural icon who taught at Hawai‘i Community College (1971-1974) and UH Hilo (1974-1979). Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Maui Now.  Kauai Now.  KHON2.

Tax credit, early childhood education bills remain alive
One of the bills plans to expand tax credits for teachers’ expenses, household renters and those caring for dependents. KHON2.

Hawai‘i lawmakers grappling with sea level rise say it’s ‘not the right time’ for managed retreat
Several bills were introduced this legislative session that would have taken big steps toward implementing managed retreat strategies. But by now, all have lost momentum.The task of moving people away from the coast faces a hurdle: economic complexities. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers inch closer to eliminating Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority
State lawmakers advanced measures in both chambers last week that would disband the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority and place some of its functions under a new office at the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Hawaii Public Radio

Hawai‘i gun control bill moves forward
A bill aimed at restricting who can obtain firearm permits and where they can carry them passed its second reading in the state House of Representatives, moving it one step closer to becoming law. Garden Island.

Push to lower the legal alcohol limit for Hawai‘i drivers runs out of gas again
Advocates argue a lower BAC level is an effective deterrent and makes roads safer overall. Civil Beat.

Coast Guard to send additional cutter to Hawai‘i
The service announced that it has selected the CGC Harriet Lane as its new “Indo-Pacific Support Cutter” and that the vessel will move from Portsmouth, Va., to Honolulu early in fiscal year 2024. Star-Advertiser.

Feds seek prison for wife of convicted former union boss
The wife of the former business manager of a Hawai‘i labor union convicted of rigging a vote to raise dues and using members’ money to live a luxurious lifestyle should spend 70 to 87 months in federal prison, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Star-Advertiser.

As manufacturers pay for e-waste, local recyclers see huge demand
Hawai‘i’s new system for collecting old computer equipment and televisions is moving into high gear, three months after electronic companies began footing the bill. Hawaii News Now.

 
Illustration: Kelsie Dayna
 
HAWAII BUSINESS MAGAZINE
Hawai‘i’s Best Places to Work 2023
These 76 companies and nonprofits score an average of 90% on employee engagement. The national average is just 32%... 
read more.
 
OʻAHU
 
Bill aims to regulate commercial activity at O‘ahu public parks
An effort to get away from allowing commercial activities at city and county parks around O‘ahu on a park-by-park basis has met resistance from the public as well as local officials. Star-Advertiser.

Tiny homes proposed for DHHL lands in West O‘ahu
However, the chairs of the Senate and House Hawaiian affairs committees are proposing two different approaches to providing housing options to certain DHHL beneficiaries. Civil Beat.

Honolulu rail moves step closer to opening as HART expands trial run
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation released new drone video showcasing the Honolulu Rail Transit Project’s latest trial run.  Hawaii News Now.

Questions remain over future of Concealed Gun Carry policies in Honolulu
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi is expected to sign a bill aiming to protect sensitive places, such as schools, from gun violence. KITV4.

Gun scare at Straub highlights disturbing trend
A patient armed with a ghost gun was arrested at Straub Medical Center after sources say staff discovered the firearm along with a high capacity magazine hidden in the man’s backpack. Hawaii News Now.

Environmentalists criticize health department for delayed toxic chemical reporting in Kunia Village
There's growing national concern over PFAS forever chemicals because of its potential links to several health issues including cancer. Hawaii News Now.

 
Advertisement
 
Photo: Getty Images
 
HAWAII BUSINESS MAGAZINE
How to Elevate Customer Service with Japan’s Kikubari
Kikubari means “to share one’s spirit,” and the model can be adapted to Hawai‘i’s hospitality industry, or any company. Hawai‘i employees can be trained to provide that same level of service – the kind that satisfies customers and helps all kinds of businesses... read more.
 
HAWAIʻI ISLAND
 
Hawaiʻi County Mass Transit launches new website
Officials hope it improves the way in which riders connect with the Hele-On bus service. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Court dismisses challenge against the state on lease revision
A warehouse operator signed an agreement for a 30-year lease extension in Feb. 2022, but the DLNR later that year made revisions to the agreement. Some of those revisions included requiring the company to provide the state with up to 40% of its sublease rent on top of the annual rent on the property, and to remove all improvements to the site at the conclusion of the lease.
Tribune-Herald.

Community receives $10 million for new Papa‘aloa Community Center Gym
In 2021, the County of Hawai‘i notified the Papa‘aloa community that their beloved gym would not reopen after Covid-19 and would be demolished due to extensive termite damage. 
Tribune-Herald.

The former Country Club Condominium Hotel is up for new development
The 152-unit Banyan Drive building has gone through a series of management changes over the last several years while the state tries to figure out what to do with the property.
Tribune-Herald.

 
Illustration: Getty Images
 
HAWAII BUSINESS MAGAZINE
5 Tips on Finding Moments of Joy in Your Day

For stressed-out leaders, an executive coach offers simple steps to rekindle happiness and gratitude..read more.
 
MAUI COUNTY
 
Maui councilmembers vote against exemptions for Waiehu affordable housing project
Members voted 3-2 in favor of the project, but that wasn't enough for the county's approval. Council members that disagreed said the project "lacks some sufficient infrastructure." Hawaii Public Radio.

Rep. Tokuda to host first community town hall on Maui, April 6
Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) announced her first community town hall on Maui, Thursday, April 6, 2023, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at UH Maui College.
Maui Now.

Kīhei Community Association president hopes to overcome funding road blocks
Kīhei Community Association president Michael Moran points out that his group has had its measure of successes in pushing forward projects that benefitted South Maui from Māʻalaea to Mākena. 
Maui Now.

Expansion plan at Grand Wailea hits permitting complication
A Maui Planning Commission hearing officer has recommended denying the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort’s applications for a planned development and special management area permits, which are needed for the luxury resort to complete its plan to add about 137 more units.
Star-Advertiser.

Mokulele adding planes to aid scheduling for Lanai and Molokai
Southern Airways, the parent company of Mokulele Airlines, announced Monday that it will deploy $10 million in additional aircraft to Molokai and Lanai.
Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

 
KAUAʻI
 
Farmers market vendors encouraged to take part in nutrition program
The Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i is encouraging vendors in farmers markets to participate in the Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program, SFMNP. Garden Island.

Japanese school connects with Kaua‘i
Three high school students from Moriyama, Japan, all winners of an English language proficiency contest sponsored by Moriyama, arrived on Kaua‘i on Sunday and met their respective host families.
Garden Island.

Click here to listen to the this episode of The Hawaii Business Podcast featuring Emily Reber Porter or MacNaughton!
 
MARCH ISSUE
 
Click here to get your copy of Hawaii Business' March 2023 issue!
Dive into some of our latest features!
20 for the Next 20: Hawai'i's People to Watch 2023
How to Elevate Customer Service with Japan’s Kikubari
Crypto in Hawai‘i Is Still a “Lab” Experiment
Hawaii Entrepreneur Awards 2023

 
Hawaii Business Magazine

Hawaii Business Magazine, Facebook  Hawaii Business Magazine, Instagram  Hawaii Business Magazine, LinkedIn  Hawaii Business Magazine, Twitter
 
View this email in a browser

Copyright © 2023 Hawaii Business Magazine, All Rights Reserved.
Hawaii Business Magazine ▪ 1088 Bishop St. Ste. LL2
Honolulu, HI 96813


Subscribe
Manage Preferences

General Inquiries: (808) 537-9500
Advertising/Sponsorships: (808) 534-7124