Business
Big Island energy plant working on agreement with Hawaiian Electric to sell its power
A joint letter submitted to the state’s Public Utilities Commission filed on June 3 informed the commissioners that Hawaiian Electric received an offer to sell energy and capacity by Hu Honua as a Qualified Facility under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act.
Business Monday: Historic Manago Hotel drops sale price after year on the market
Every potential buyer has expressed interest in keeping the Manago Hotel Restaurant open.
‘Beyond just commerce’: 2025 Hawaiʻi Business Mākeke features community in practice
Vendor lineup highlights 60 businesses ‘rooted in purpose’ plus community organizations, cultural practitioners and grassroots initiatives that often collaborate with them behind the scenes.
PMG yearlong initiative to support Hawai‘i Island nonprofits kicks off in August
PMG will roll out an outreach and awareness-building campaign featuring a different nonprofit each month for a year, with a different focus highlighted.
Business Monday: Oʻahu-based brewery to open second taproom, restaurant in Volcano
Lanikai Brewing Co. is set to open its newest taproom near Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on July 11, offering exclusive small-batch brews and a locally curated menu that supports island farmers and sustainability.
Business Monday: New Kona tattoo artist from Hong Kong blends artistry with healing
Jayers Ko, a tattoo artist from Hong Kong now residing in Kona, specializes in areola-nipple tattoos to help breast cancer survivors and other surgery patients in the journey of personal healing and transformation.
Public Utilities Commission approves temporary rate increase for Young Brothers
State board OK’d limited temporary rate hike of 18.1%, effective from July 1 through Dec. 31, based on an assessment of the minimum amount necessary to allow the company to continue providing essential interisland shipping services while commissioners complete a review of the firm’s pending general rate increase request of 25%.
Stargazer Industries Hawaiʻi at forefront of getting wood-chipped mulch from island to island easier
Big Island-based firm and partners cleared by state agricultural inspectors to transport first bulk order of Eucalyptus grandis, commonly known as flood gum or rose gum, wood-chipped mulch from Big Island to Maui after successful fumigation showed no life found, including invasive species, inside.
Business Monday: Hilo’s guitar shop turns 10 and wants to ‘keep the music going’
Spencer and Laura Ahuna started Big Island Guitars and Music Supply in the Hilo Shopping Center with seed money they won on “Wheel of Fortune.”
Aloha spirit on full display in Washington, D.C., during 9th annual Hawai‘i on the Hill
The event — a partnership between Hawai‘i U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono and and Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i — provides members of the Hawai‘i business community the opportunity to meet directly with congressional leaders while also showcasing their products.
Business Monday: Locally made ‘ulu pancake mix hits grocery stores statewide
The pancake mix was created by the Hawai‘i ‘Ulu Cooperative, a group of 180 ‘ulu farmers throughout the state.
Japanese dishes from LA restaurant featured at Mauna Lani’s Surf Shack along Kohala Coast
This partnership is part of Mauna Lani’s continued mission to bring an elevated culinary experience to guests and Big Island residents visiting the resort.
Microgrant program supports and empowers women-owned small businesses
Women entrepreneurs and business owners are encouraged to apply for the Pay It Forward microgrant program, which will be accepted by the Zonta Club of Hilo until midnight July 20.
Business Monday: Single mom fulfilling dream to open her own restaurant
Dianna Kahler grew up working in her parents restaurants, beginning at 9 years old as a cashier, and now is on the verge of opening her own eatery.
Business Monday: Coffee farm referred to as ‘Garden of Eden’ turned into retreat center in South Kona
The Paliuli Farm Sanctuary is part of Hestia Magic retreat centers, which began in 2014 with a location in California, and last year added a second location at Kealakekua Bay.
Business Monday: Big Island Coffee Roasters showcase Kaʻū varieties to the world
Big Island Coffee Roasters continue to put Ka’ū coffee and its farmers on the map after earning the highest scoring review ever of a Kaʻū coffee.
Renewable energy plant on Big Island files lawsuit against Hawaiian Electric
Hu Honua, which owns a renewable, dispatchable firm energy biomass power plant in Pepe‘ekeo since 2008, is seeking a jury trial in the district court.
Business Monday: This Hilo entrepreneur kills weeds with safe steam, not herbicides
With the growing concerns about the use of herbicides and other toxic treatments to kill weeds, Steve Hambly of Hilo is hoping to encourage property owners to use the safer method of steam.
Last day Salvation Army’s Kona thrift store open to customers is today
ʻOhana Thrift Store’s closure comes as The Salvation Army Kona Corps’ focus shifts to maximizing support and resources to its other local social services programs and The Salvation Army’s Kona Preschool.
Business Monday: Local lei makers gear up for graduation season
With high school and college graduation ceremonies scheduled in the coming week, lei makers on Hawai‘i Island have been taking pre-orders for at least a month, with some no longer taking those requests.