SUPPLIER SHORTAGES CAUSE AUTO PRODUCTION DISRUPTION
Severe weather, port blockages and microchip shortages are wreaking havoc on U.S. auto production with Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. Ltd. now facing disruptions.
The SBA: A financing workhorse for small business
In my mind, one of the institutional heroes of our attempt to claw our way out of the pandemic economy has been the Small Business Administration. Although sometimes, deservedly, criticized for bottlenecks or administrative course changes during this crisis, we need to keep in mind the scope of the work this agency took on and the rate at which it moved to come up to speed. It’s an over-used analogy, but there isn’t a better one: in the last year, the SBA truly has been drinking out of a fire hose, a fire hose of funding.
A dream come true: Kona residents open spa in Kailua Village
Hawaii Sanctuary by Saima is now open, offering massages, facials, and face waxing and tinting in Kailua-Kona.
US mortgage rates rise above 3% for first time since July
Mortgage rates rose above 3% for the first time in seven months, raising concerns that higher borrowing costs will derail the pandemic housing rally.
US job growth surges past estimates; unemployment dips to 6.2%
U.S. employers added more jobs than forecast in February and the unemployment rate declined, suggesting the labor market is clawing its way forward again following several disappointing months.
Amazon’s telehealth arm quietly expands to 21 more states, including Hawaii
An Amazon telehealth outfit that started as a pilot service for Seattle-area employees and their families has quietly filed paperwork to operate in 21 more states, a signal of Amazon’s expanding ambitions for the $3.8 trillion medical sector.
Never too late: Pandemic propels older shoppers online
NEW YORK — In November, Paula Mont did something new: The 86-year-old, who hasn’t left her New Jersey senior living community in nearly a year, went shopping — online.
Soaring US incomes help drive biggest spending gain since June
U.S. personal incomes soared in January as Americans received another round of pandemic-relief checks, helping to re-charge the economy with the strongest spending advance in seven months.
Bill to lower employer tax burdens sent to governor
HONOLULU — A bill that would provide unemployment insurance relief for Hawaii employers is now on Democratic Gov. David Ige’s desk for approval.
Small Business Matters: The times, they are a changing
Reading about what’s going on as we seem to be emerging from the misery of COVID, it’s easy to share somewhat in Charles Dickens’ tone in A Tale of Two Cities: “it was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” While we can’t take those contradictory superlatives as far as Dickens did, what we see and hear today certainly shares some of that contradiction. That goes for both public health and the economy, and it all depends on the view from where you’re standing.
Biden gives small firms exclusive access to paycheck program
President Joe Biden said his administration is seeking to help small businesses by giving them exclusive access to the Paycheck Protection Program for two weeks, and he called on lawmakers to pass his $1.9 trillion stimulus plan to provide additional assistance.
Hamakua-Kohala Health purchases Kohala Club Hotel
With the help of a bridge loan from Bank of Hawaii, Hamakua-Kohala Health recently purchased the former Kohala Club Hotel to become the new permanent home for the Kohala Health and Wellness Center.
Dole to merge with Irish produce firm
Dole Food Company will merge with Irish firm Total Produce to form the world’s largest fresh produce company, the two companies announced Wednesday.
Old Navy opens second store on Big Isle
Old Navy opened its second store on the Big Island and sixth store in the state on Feb. 13.
Hanako Sheldon, who opened Kona Jewelry Factory with late husband, is headed on to the next chapter
After more than three decades in business, Hanako Sheldon is closing her jewelry shop at the Kona Inn Shopping Village and beginning the process of heading home to Japan to begin her life’s next chapter.
Air tour noise bill shelved despite support from Case, others
A bill that aims to address tour helicopter noise and safety was deferred Thursday by the state Senate Transportation Committee.
Plane, train, bus passengers without masks now face fines up to $1,500
Travelers who refuse to wear a mask in airports, bus stations and rail stations, as well as while aboard planes, buses and trains, can face a fine of $250 for the first offense and up to $1,500 for repeat offenses under President Joe Biden’s executive order on COVID-19 safety.
G Que Southern Chicken and BBQ opens in Kona
Two talented chefs have come together in a venture to bring Southern-style chicken and barbecue to Kona … and so much more.
Trump’s trade deal with China is ‘under review’
The Biden administration has former President Donald Trump’s so-called phase-one trade deal with China “under review” along with the rest of the U.S. posture toward Beijing, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Friday.
