New solar-powered factory for low-cost water tanks, molded products arrives on Big Island
The Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority’s Hawaii Ocean Science and Technology park is home to the island’s newest manufacturing facility — an outdoor factory that molds large plastic products using 100% solar energy.
With cellars overflowing, American Airlines plans to sell wine to consumers
Can’t get enough of that first-class experience? American Airlines is trying to deliver it straight into homes, at least the alcoholic beverage part.
US housing starts rose to fastest pace since 2006 in December
U.S. home construction starts rose for a fourth-straight month in December to the best pace since late 2006 as builders responded to the robust demand for single-family housing.
Hawaiian Electric to speed up rooftop solar projects
WAILUKU, Maui — Hawaiian Electric has announced a new program intended to speed up rooftop solar installations and reduce costs for customers more quickly.
Kauai businesses struggle under coronavirus travel policies
HONOLULU — Kauai ended a tourism shutdown earlier this month by allowing interisland travelers to return to the island, but the impact of the coronavirus on the economy is having devastating consequences.
Small Business Matters: It’s that time again: PPP revisited
Last year’s extraordinary economic meltdown led to an extraordinary business lending program by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) had the SBA processing more loan dollars in a matter of months than it had in its entire previous history. The program was also extraordinary in that the loans had the potential to be entirely “forgivable” if borrowers followed prescribed SBA ratios in expenses, meaning that the “loans” functioned more like “grants.”
Mahi‘ai Scale-up launches: Partnership helps local farmers, food distributors grow businesses
Kamehameha Schools has launched Mahi‘ai Scale-up, an agricultural business plan competition that helps established local farms and food system organizations grow their businesses. The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement and The Kohala Center are partnering with Kamehameha Schools to provide participants with business training and wraparound services.
Hawaii businesses bracing for unemployment tax increases
HONOLULU — Businesses in Hawaii are anticipating a possible tripling of unemployment taxes that could slow the recovery of the economy that has been crippled by the coronavirus pandemic.
In brief: January 11, 2021
Applications sought for KVBID board
Hospital prices just got a lot more transparent. What does this mean for you?
Hospitals face the new year with new requirements to post price information they have long sought to obscure: the actual prices negotiated with insurers and the discounts they offer their cash-paying customers.
Couple opens coffee shop in Naalehu amid pandemic
Retailers expand options for returns
Retailers and shipping companies have struggled to get shoppers’ holiday gifts delivered on time. Now, they’re gearing up for what’s expected to be a brutal season for unwanted goods headed back in their direction.
Holiday wishes: Gift fair draws a crowd, benefits Make A Wish Hawaii
Saturday’s special holiday gift fair benefiting Make A Wish Hawaii drew a crowd to Kona Commons in Kailua-Kona, just in time to pick up some locally crafted items for family and friends for Christmas Day.
EEOC says employers can require the COVID-19 vaccine
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has decided that employers can require workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and offered guidance on exceptions.
Businesses, lacking legal immunity, fear COVID-19 lawsuits
PORTLAND, Maine — Plans for a lawsuit against a Maine venue that hosted what became a “superspreader” wedding reception underscore the liability risks to small businesses amid the coronavirus pandemic and an uphill push by Republicans in Congress to give such outfits legal immunity.
Some businesses in small Maui town get tourism boost
WAILUKU — Some local shops and restaurants in a small town on Maui’s north shore say they have experienced a boost in tourism since the state launched a pre-travel coronavirus testing program in October.
Largest Hawaii resort partially reopens after virus closure
HONOLULU — The partial reopening of Hawaii’s largest hotel property is expected give work back to 250 to 300 employees after it shut down in April because of the coronavirus pandemic.
