Featured Stories
Breaking
Tourism & Hospitality
Lahaina Reopens with Curfew: Businesses and Tourists Face New Operating Hours
As Lahaina begins its phased reopening, new restrictions are being implemented, including a strict 6 p.m. curfew for visitors. This impacts tourism and hospitality businesses, who must adapt to the new operational constraints.
Waikiki Beach Buzzes on Christmas Day, Signaling a Potential Strong Tourism Finish
Waikiki Beach was unusually crowded on Christmas Day, with both visitors and locals enjoying the summer-like weather. This vibrant atmosphere may indicate that Hawaii's tourism sector is poised to end the year on a high note, despite some recent fluctuations.
Maui's Vacation Rental Rollercoaster: Balancing Tourism, Housing, and the Future
Maui is wrestling with its identity, attempting to balance its vital tourism industry with the pressing need for affordable housing. The proposed changes to vacation rental policies, which could impact thousands of units, are creating waves of uncertainty for both travelers and the local economy.
Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines Achieve Major Integration Milestone: A Single Operating Certificate
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have reached a significant milestone in their integration process, receiving a single operating certificate (SOC) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This critical step streamlines operations and marks the successful integration of key operational elements for both airlines.
Business & Startups
Toyota Hawaiʻi Cultivates Customer Loyalty with OluKai Slippers Gift
Toyota Hawaiʻi is showing its appreciation for customers with a surprise gift of OluKai ʻOhana slippers. This initiative reflects the company's commitment to customer satisfaction and highlights a successful partnership between two well-regarded Hawaiʻi-based brands.
Hawaiʻi Charter Schools Face Expansion Challenges: Could Partnerships with DOE Offer a Solution?
Hawaiʻi's charter schools, the only growing segment of the state's education system, are facing significant hurdles in expanding to meet the rising demand from families. A lack of funding for facilities and limited campus space are key bottlenecks, prompting a search for innovative solutions, including potential partnerships with the Department of Education (DOE).
Hawaii's Minimum Wage to Reach $16 in 2026: Impacts on Businesses and Economy
Hawaii's minimum wage will increase to $16 per hour on January 1, 2026, marking the third phase of a planned increase to $18 by 2028. This escalation, coupled with new penalties for violations, presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses across the Islands, influencing operational costs, staffing strategies, and the overall economic landscape of Hawaii.
Aloha Ranch Provides Critical Support to Lahaina Fire Survivors with Rotary Funding
Aloha Ranch, supported by the Rotary District 5000 Foundation Maui Fires Relief Fund, has significantly aided over 300 families affected by the devastating Lahaina fires over the past year. This critical assistance underscores the continuing need for community support and the vital role of local organizations in disaster recovery.
Real-Estate & Development
Maui's Vacation Rental Shakeup: Thousands of Units Face Phase-Out
Maui is poised to significantly reduce its vacation rental inventory, with a vote today expected to phase out thousands of units. This decision will likely reshape the landscape for both visitors and those invested in the island's tourism sector, creating opportunities and challenges within Hawaii's business environment.
Alexander & Baldwin to Go Private in $2.3 Billion Deal, Reshaping Hawaii's Real Estate Landscape
Alexander & Baldwin (A&B), a long-standing cornerstone of Hawaii's commercial real estate sector and the largest owner of grocery-anchored shopping centers in the state, is set to be taken private in a $2.3 billion merger. This significant transaction, involving a partnership with MW Group, Blackstone Real Estate, and DivcoWest, signals a major shift in the state's real estate market, with potential impacts on local entrepreneurs and investors.
Alexander & Baldwin to Go Private in Record-Breaking $2.3 Billion Deal, Reshaping Hawaii's Real Estate Landscape
Alexander & Baldwin, a 155-year-old Hawaii real estate giant and the state's largest owner of grocery-anchored shopping centers, has agreed to a $2.3 billion deal to go private. This landmark transaction represents the largest commercial real estate portfolio deal in Hawaiian history, signaling a significant shift in the local business environment.
A&B's $2.3 Billion Go-Private Deal: A Watershed Moment for Hawaii's Real Estate and Investment Landscape
In a landmark move, Alexander & Baldwin (A&B), the titan of Hawaii's grocery-anchored shopping centers with a 155-year history, has agreed to a $2.3 billion privatization. This deal represents the largest commercial real estate portfolio transaction in the state's history, signaling a potentially transformative shift in the local business and investment environment.
Finance & Investment
Kamehameha Schools Trustee Selection: A Pivotal Moment for Hawaii's Future
The selection of a new trustee for Kamehameha Schools, Hawaii's largest private landowner, presents significant implications for the state's business landscape. The public has until December 31, 2025, to comment on the finalists, a crucial opportunity to influence the direction of this powerful institution.
Alexander & Baldwin to be Taken Private in $2.3 Billion Transaction: What This Means for Hawai'i's Business Landscape
In a landmark deal, Alexander & Baldwin, a cornerstone of Hawai'i's commercial real estate sector, is set to be acquired by a joint venture, marking a significant shift in the state's business environment. This $2.3 billion, all-cash transaction signals new opportunities for Hawai'i’s investors, while also potentially altering the landscape for local entrepreneurs.
Maui County to Offer $301.8M in GO Bonds, Boosting Investment and Recovery Efforts
Maui County plans to issue $301.8 million in General Obligation bonds, the first since 2022, signaling confidence in the island's financial health and offering opportunities for investment in local projects.
Hawaii's Top Stockbrokers & Financial Planners
A recent ranking of Hawaii's leading stockbrokers and financial planners highlights key players in the state's financial sector, with Morgan Stanley and Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. at the forefront.
Policy & Regulation
Hawaii County Officials Get 15% Pay Bump: Implications for Business and the Local Economy
The Hawaii County Salary Commission has approved a 15% pay raise for the county's top officials, a move that will likely impact the local economy and potentially influence business decisions. This decision, made at the commission's final meeting of the year in Hilo, reflects evolving economic conditions and the county's efforts to attract and retain qualified leadership.
Hawaii Senate Committee Sets Stage for 2026 Budget Review with Informational Briefings
The Senate Committee on Ways and Means has scheduled a series of informational briefings, beginning the process of reviewing the Executive Branch state budget for the upcoming fiscal years. These briefings aim to ensure responsible allocation of public funds, focusing on priorities designed to meet the needs of Hawaii's residents before the legislative session commences.
Hawaiʻi Secures $6 Million Settlement with PayPal, Strengthening Consumer Protection
The Hawaiʻi Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) has reached a significant $6 million settlement with PayPal, Inc., and PayPal Holdings, Inc. This settlement addresses consumer protection concerns within the state and underscores Hawaiʻi's commitment to safeguarding its residents against deceptive business practices in the digital financial sector.
New Communications Director Signals Fresh Direction for Hawaiʻi Senate Majority
The Hawaiʻi Senate Majority has appointed Sheryl Turbeville as its new Director of Communications, a move that could signal strategic shifts in how the legislative body engages with the public and communicates about policy. This appointment is of interest to Hawaii's business community as effective communication plays a key role in shaping public opinion and influencing policy outcomes.
Infrastructure & Transportation
Capital Projects in Focus: Scrutiny Intensifies on Aloha Stadium and Honolulu Rail Finances
A recent letter to the editor in the Star-Advertiser highlights financial concerns surrounding major infrastructure projects in Hawaii, including the Aloha Stadium and the Honolulu Rail. The article points out that unlike the break-even operation of the Hawaii Convention Center, these large-scale ventures are unlikely to achieve financial self-sufficiency, raising questions for local businesses and investors.
Hitachi Rail Sues HART: Delays and Disputes Threaten Honolulu's Skyline Project
Hitachi Rail Honolulu Joint Venture (HRH) has filed a lawsuit against the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART), seeking approximately $320 million in damages due to alleged mismanagement and delays in the Honolulu rail project. This legal action, filed in Oahu's First Circuit Court, highlights the ongoing challenges facing the $10 billion Skyline project and raises concerns for local businesses and investors.
Hawaiian Electric Invests $2 Billion in Grid Resilience and Wildfire Mitigation: Opportunities and Challenges for Hawaii's Businesses
Hawaiian Electric is investing nearly $2 billion over the next three years in projects aimed at reducing wildfire risk, enhancing grid resilience, and developing new firm power generation. This significant financial commitment presents both opportunities and challenges for Hawaii's entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals across various sectors.
Kona Airport Runway Issues: A Setback for Hawaii's Tourism and Business
The Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) runway has once again closed due to cracking, despite a substantial $65 million federal investment for rehabilitation. This recurring issue highlights the ongoing challenges facing Hawaii's airport infrastructure and the potential impact on the state's vital tourism and business sectors.
Sustainability & Resources
Honua Ola Eyes New Power Purchase Agreement, Signaling Renewable Energy Push on Big Island
Honua Ola Bioenergy is negotiating a third power purchase agreement with Hawaiian Electric, potentially reigniting its long-delayed biomass plant on the Big Island. This development could bring significant implications for Hawaii's renewable energy goals and present opportunities for local businesses.
Maui's Energy Future: HECO's Massive Battery Project Ushers in Renewable Era
Hawaiian Electric Industries (HECO) is set to commence construction on the Waena Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on Maui, a cornerstone project in the island's transition to renewable energy. This 40 MW/160 MWh system aims to facilitate the retirement of aging fossil fuel-based generating units at Kahului Power Plant, paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
Hawaiʻi Farmers Look Back to the Future: Reviving Ancient Practices to Combat Climate Change
Faced with the escalating threats of climate change, Hawaiʻi's farmers are increasingly turning to their ancestral roots, embracing traditional agricultural practices alongside innovative regenerative techniques. This fusion aims to preserve the islands' precious soil, protect vital waterways, and safeguard fragile coral reefs, ensuring a sustainable future for agriculture.
HECO to Build Giant Battery on Maui: A Boost for Renewables and Island Business
Hawaiian Electric (HECO) is set to commence construction of a large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) on Maui, a move poised to accelerate the island's transition to renewable energy sources. This project, known as the Waena BESS, will facilitate the retirement of older, less efficient generating units, opening doors for investors and entrepreneurs in Hawaii's sustainable energy sector.