Business News
Floriculture industry on Hawaii Island depends heavily on local business
Hawaii's floriculture industry, ranking among the top 10 in the nation, has been grappling with significant challenges including the 2018 Kīlauea eruption and the COVID-19 pandemic. These hurdles have led to a decrease in revenue. According to a recent press release by Howzit Kohala, florists on the Island of Hawaii have emphasized their heavy reliance on the hospitality sector and called for local support to ensure future viability of the industry. They also underscored the cultural significance of lei in Hawaii.
US Sen. Mazie Hirono, colleagues want answers from Amazon about the company’s delivery drivers
Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and over two dozen of her colleagues have requested Amazon CEO Andy Jassy to provide information about the Delivery Service Partner (DSP) program, as well as several issues, including Amazon's efforts to evade liability in relation to DSP mistreatment. The senators are also keen to understand why Amazon refuses to negotiate with DSP union representatives.
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Hawaii Department of Health issues a voluntary recall notice for selected batches of Nutramigen Hypoallergenic baby formula powder
By Big Island Times | Jan 9, 2024
Following the voluntary recall of Reckitt/Mead Johnson's Nutramigen Hypoallergenic baby formula due to potential contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii, the Hawaii Department of Health has issued an alert to Hawaiians. Cronobacter sakazakii is a naturally occurring bacterium that can thrive in dry goods.
Paradise Supermart Fast Food & Catering allowed to reopen
By Big Island Times | Nov 29, 2023
The Kahului business was issued a red placard eight days ago for a variety of critical violations. It was allowed to reopen this week after a follow up inspection. The establishment in question is Paradise Supermart Fast Food and Catering.
Hawaii State Department of Education Solicits feedback and product info to get more locally-sourced foods into schools
By Big Island Times | Nov 18, 2023
``` The Department of Education recently put out a request for information from potential vendors in order to develop a request for proposals to bring more local produce, proteins, and packaged foods into school cafeterias. This initiative aims to promote healthy eating habits among students while also supporting local agricultural industry. This movement towards local sourcing in schools isn't entirely new. This appears to be a continuation of efforts this year to get poi made from fresh local kalo, and local sweet potato into...
PVS CEO Nainoa Thompson: 'The level of hurt that's happening in our home is something I can't comprehend, all I know is that we have to come home because of it'
By Big Island Times | Sep 27, 2023
Polynesian Voyaging Society CEO Nainoa Thompson announced that the Hōkūleʻa crew will be returning to Hawai'i earlier than planned before continuing on their circumnavigation of the Pacific. The decision comes in response to the devastating wildfires that have been raging on Maui.
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Beautiful You MD Aesthetics to host open house throughout the full month of September
By Samantha Anderson | Sep 5, 2023
Beautiful You MD Aesthetics is hosting an open house throughout the month of September.
Coffee conference 'was positive and upbeat,' despite challenges facing industry
By Big Island Times Report | Jun 26, 2023
A Kona-grown parchment-dried Red Bourbon variety produced by Kopiko Farm was the top-scoring coffee at the Hawaii Coffee Association’s 14th Annual Statewide Coffee Cupping Competition.
Sen. Hirono supports new Small Business Administration Deputy Administrator
By Big Island Times Report | Jun 17, 2023
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono's (D-HI) staunch and often vocal support has finally helped confirm Dilawar Syed as the Deputy Administrator of the U.S.
Hawai‘i ranks high among visitors for safety, giving back in DBEDT Visitor Satisfaction and Activity Survey for first quarter 2023
By Press Release | Jun 1, 2023
An overwhelming majority of visitors ranked Hawai‘i as a safe and secure destination and ideal for volunteering and giving back, according to the results of a survey conducted by the State of Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) during the first quarter of 2023.
Legal Aid managing attorney on free legal info in Waimea: ‘Our goal is to make this information more accessible’
By Big Island Times Report | Apr 13, 2023
The Legal Aid Society of Hawaii will offer free legal information presentations on select topics on May 5 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Jerry Nelson Conference Room, located in the W. M. Keck Observatory.
Hawaii shows 91.5% increase in December tourism from start of COVID-19 era
By Big Island Times Report | Feb 3, 2023
A total of 871,870 people visited the Hawaiian Islands in December 2022, marking a 91.5% improvement from the same month in 2019, just before COVID-19 started to rage across the land.
DBEDT's Sadayasu on tourism bounceback: 'Hawaii tourism continued to steadily recover in November' 2022
By Big Island Times Report | Jan 7, 2023
Hawaii’s tourism industry is healthy again as 735,340 visitors spent time in the Hawaiian Islands in November 2022, a 90.9% recovery from November 2019.
Hawaii DBEDT's McCartney: October visitor figures indicate 'our tourism industry continues towards a positive recovery'
By Big Island Times Report | Dec 4, 2022
Hawaii’s visitor statistics continue to approach pre-pandemic numbers despite rising inflation and a struggling stock market.
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival Cupping Competition: ‘I am so proud of the Kona coffee growers' tenacity and dedication’
By Big Island Times Report | Nov 26, 2022
Kona Farm Direct won first place in the Classic Division to highlight the 51st Annual Kona Coffee Festival Cupping Competition.
Hawaii awarded $4.7 million to hold Google 'accountable for misleading consumers'
By Big Island Times Report | Nov 21, 2022
The Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection announced the state will receive $4,705,227 as part of a settlement with Google over its location tracking practices.
AstroDay set for Nov. 5 at Kona Commons Shopping Center
By George Willis | Oct 24, 2022
The Mauna Kea Astronomy Outreach Committee (MKAOC) is hosting Kona’s annual AstroDay celebration on Nov. 5 at Kona Commons Shopping Center in Kailua-Kona.
Keauhou Shopping Center welcomes fall with two family-friendly events: 'Even the adults will get a goodie bag, while supplies last'
By George Willis | Oct 24, 2022
Keauhou Shopping Center is hosting two in-person events on Oct. 29 to celebrate the arrival of Fall.
Kona Commons reaches full capacity with 'everything from A to Z'
By George Willis | Oct 21, 2022
Kona Commons announced recently that the 320,000-square-foot shopping complex is fully leased.
DBEDT's 2023 Hi STEP Program webinars announced
By Press Release | Oct 18, 2022
HiSTEP is an export development program supported by a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), that helps Hawaiʻi companies expand sales outside of the United States.