Business
Two Hawai‘i Island businesses partner to create the low-methane burger
The Ola Brew taprooms in Hilo and Kona will offer the Smash Burger — Earth Day edition — while supplies last.
Ambulance service providers vying for contract as procurement process restarts following controversy
“We look forward and we’re very confident in our ability to provide all thatʻs required and requested and more,” said Speedy Bailey, the regional director for American Medical Response (AMR) in Hawaiʻi, in an interview on April 19.
County of Kaua‘i issues reminder of upcoming job fair
Over 50 businesses representing a variety of industries on Kaua‘i will offer an assortment of employment opportunities at the job fair.
Applications to Homeowner Assistance Fund program on Kaua‘i closes May 1
The HAF programs were funded through the American Rescue Plan signed into law by the Biden Administration with the goal of preventing foreclosure in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both counties of Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i participate in this program.
County of Kauaʻi officials assessing damages following recent storm
Two displaced boats were found damaged at Running Waters, a nearby beach in Lihuʻe. One of the boats reportedly had a person on it, who was able to swim safely to shore.
Hale Puna restoring oldest house on Kaua‘i as prior success Kōke‘e Lodge ramps up events
The Gulick-Rowell House in Waimea was built using coral limestone cut from offshore reefs. A nonprofit hopes to transform the nearly 200-year-old building into a community space.
State libraries to have ‘newer, faster’ checkout
“We’re now able to check out stacks of books, CDs, DVDs and other materials at one time rather than individually,” said Stacey A. Aldrich, State Librarian in a Wednesday statement. “This will make getting in and out of the library much faster.”
Foodland launches Project Keiki to support food banks; Kaua‘i donations stay on-island
On the Garden Isle, Project Keiki funds will support Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i’s Keiki Café and Backpack Program.
Collab Café to celebrate community with ‘One Year Birthday Bash’ next weekend
The trio of local food makers behind Collab Café have found success with a neighborly business model that prizes its Kaua‘i community.
Inspired by East Coast, teenage chef ‘makes the best pizza’ on West Side of Kaua‘i
Xavier Machado and his father Chad opened JP’s Pizza in Kaumakani in early 2023. They now serve a large base of loyal customers.
Hawai‘i Tourism Authority releases February Hotel Performance Report
For February 2024, the survey included 168 properties representing 48,046 rooms, or 86.0 percent of all lodging properties with 20 rooms or more in the Hawaiian Islands, including those offering full service, limited service, and condominium hotels.
State agencies and community groups to explore solutions for building a climate-ready Hawai‘i
A series of events will be hosted throughout the week in an effort to underscore the importance of taking action and supporting efforts to build a climate ready Hawai’i.
Rock music’s Michele Rundgren is selling Tiki ‘Iniki – the only tiki bar on Kaua‘i
Michele and her husband, rock star Todd Rundgren, opened Tiki ‘Iniki on the North Shore of the Garden Isle in 2013.
Community petition to revoke permits is denied as Coco Palms rebuild continues
The planning commission’s decision comes amid developer Reef Capital Partner’s announcement that they have reached key milestones in the demolition process, and that construction crews are actively working to complete the once-renowned Coco Palms Resort in 2026.
Senate committees advance marijuana legalization bill
A third reading in the full Senate for SB 3335 is likely to be scheduled in the coming days, as the bill has a March 7 deadline to cross over to the House for further consideration.
Kaua‘i County Council defers resolution against legalizing recreational marijuana
Kaua‘i County Council Chair Mel Rapozo introduced a resolution on Wednesday urging the state legislature to oppose Senate Bill 3335, a measure that would make recreational cannabis legal in the state effective Jan. 1, 2026. After a lengthy debate, the county council voted in a 3-3 tie, deferring the resolution for reconsideration on March 13.
The Jammin’ Banana: Kaua‘i family builds café around daughter’s baking prowess
Doug Szurgot was an electrician. Then his daughter found success selling banana bread. He thought, “We only live once” – and The Jammin’ Banana Bakery & Café was born.
Don’t let your fur fly: Relax with a bevy of 4-legged friends at the only cat café on Kaua‘i
All cats at TropiCats – located at Harbor Mall in Nāwiliwili – are up for adoption. Some have found their “forever homes” on the mainland United States.
Stockholders vote to adopt merger between Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines
Alaska reached the deal in December to purchase Hawaiian Airlines for approximately $1.9 billion.
The United States’ westernmost bookstore celebrates 20 years of business on Kaua‘i’s west side
Ed and Yuriko Justus – plus “Cat Boss” Natalie – are celebrating their milestone with monthly giveaways and an event planned later this year.
