Business
Corroded insulator identified as possible cause of utility pole fire in Wailua
Two fire-damaged wooden poles were replaced with composite poles, which are more durable and fire-resistant, but cost about $15,000 each.
State launches Hele Imua Internship for agriculture industry
Interns will earn $20 per hour for part-time work of up to 19.5 hours per week, during which they gain hands-on experience in seeding, planting, weeding, harvesting and delivery.
Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative bolsters after-hours, weekend customer support services
The cooperative as of Oct. 1 has partnered with Cooperative Response Center — a nationwide 24/7 contact center providing support to rural electric utilities — to accept after-hours and weekend customer service and emergency calls.
Alaska, Hawaiian Airlines create foundation to support cultural initiatives
The Alaska Airlines | Hawaiian Airlines Foundation will provide grants to programs focused on celebrating and preserving the unique way of life in Alaska and Hawai‘i.
Insurance provider DTRIC will make move to become run-off insurance carrier in Hawai‘i
The car, home and renters insurance firm, while no longer issuing new or renewal policies, will, however, continue to administer all active policies for its thousands of customers throughout the state, manage claims and meet its contractual and statutory obligations throughout the next several years.
Chan Zuckerberg donates $1 million to support education, housing, culture on Kauaʻi
Twenty-five nonprofit organizations on Kaua’i have received a combined $1 million in unrestricted funding from the Chan Zuckerberg Kaua’i Community Fund, led by Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg.
Travelers to Hawaiʻi urged to stick to plans amid federal shutdown
Despite a federal government shutdown, travel to the Hawaiian Islands remains largely unaffected, with essential services such as air traffic control and TSA operations continuing.
Qualified occupations covered under ‘no tax on tips’ provision
In 2023, there were roughly 4 million workers in tipped occupations, however, qualifications on who will benefit from President Donald Trump’s “no tax on tips” pledge has been narrowed.
How does the federal government shutdown affect Hawaiʻi?
“We are now in a federal shutdown,” Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green said during his weekly update. “We know our people will suffer and struggle more.”
Small businesses on Kauaʻi can take part in Federal Reserve’s 2025 credit survey
The annual survey, which is open through Nov. 14, gathers insights into how small businesses seek financing and the challenges they face.
Kauiʻi Island Utility Cooperative to bolster customer support services after hours
Beginning Oct. 1, Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative’s members will benefit from additional customer support when reporting outages after-hours.
UHERO Forecast: Hawaiʻi headed toward mild recession with U.S. economic outlook deteriorating
In Hawaiʻi, visitor numbers are down, job growth has stalled, and housing activity remains weak, with inflation also expected to rise over the next year.
Kekaha Landfill to close to commercial haulers on Sept. 26
The closure for commercial users is required to accommodate computer upgrades at the Kekaha Landfill’s scale house.
More Kaiser Permanente union workers in Hawaiʻi authorize strike, making walkout possible
More than 2,000 Kaiser Permanente employees in Hawai‘i have authorized a strike, joining a nationwide wave of healthcare workers prepared to walk out as union contract negotiations stall before the Sept. 30 deadline.
Western Pacific fisheries council urges NOAA to strengthen Marine Mammal Protection Act import provisions
The council urged NOAA to apply more rigorous standards when determining whether foreign fisheries meet U.S. requirements for protecting marine mammals and reducing bycatch.
Registration open for teams in 2025-2026 Hawaiʻi LifeSmarts competition
LifeSmarts is a free, national educational program that teaches students critical life skills in five key areas by holding online quizzes and in-person competitions.
Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i named among America’s best golf resorts by Golf Digest
The 605-room resort overlooking Shipwreck Beach on the Garden Isle’s South Shore is home to the renowned 18-hole, 210-acre Poʻipū Bay Golf Course and is the only Kaua‘i-based resort to receive the honor.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife seeks feedback on long-term conservation plan for Kauaʻi
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is calling on Kauaʻi residents to voice their opinions on a comprehensive 50-year conservation strategy designed by Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative to protect endangered species
Diana Birkett Rakow named first female CEO of Hawaiian Airlines
Diana Birkett Rakow will be based in Honolulu and will be responsible for the long-term performance and advancement of the Hawaiian
Airlines brand and Alaska Air Group’s business in Hawai‘i.
Proposals for Kauaʻi Innovation Grants for FY 2025-2026 are available for public review
The Innovation Grants program is designed to support projects that contribute to both short-term and long-term economic growth and diversification for Kaua‘i.
