Permitting: Some light at the end of the tunnel?
Ask any developer, homeowner, or business owner who has had any contact with the permitting process on Hawaii Island for their thoughts on that process and I guarantee you’ll get an earful. Like the experience of our neighbors on Oahu, where a study last year judged the permitting process as the lengthiest of any metropolitan area in the U.S. by a huge margin, Hawaii Island residents face a frustrating, long trek in bringing any building or renovation project to fruition. It’s the kind of process that works against economic development and erects the kinds of hurdles that persuade potential investors to give up and try their luck elsewhere.
DOE’s repair backlog is how much again?
In a budget briefing at the state Legislature about this time last year, Department of Education officials reported that their backlog of repair and maintenance jobs was $293 million, and they were patting themselves on the back because it was a significant drop from the $392 million reported in 2010.
Business roundup: 01-21-19
Sales success workshop Wednesday
Kona stylist Brett Tennyson has some incredible tales and talent
As you might imagine, I’m a sucker for a good story. Brett Tennyson, master hair stylist and colorist, is full of them.
Zero-based budgeting takes discipline
Last week, we spent some time on “variance reports,” which is how our state government agencies report differences in position count and spending from one year to the next. The agencies are also supposed to report on performance measures that they pick themselves, but sometimes still disregard this requirement.
Business roundup: 01-14-19
HELCO reports stolen customer payments
Spotlight on Business: Sugar cane and rum in Hawaii — Back to the future
There’s a unique new business venture that reaches back to the past and reworks it for the future that has taken shape in Kohala recently.
Tax Foundation: Meet this year’s goal? Um, dunno
Although our Legislature hasn’t opened yet, legislators are at work already. The money committees, for example, have started quizzing the various executive departments on their budget requests for the upcoming biennium (2019-2020).
Business briefs: 01-07-19
Financial assistance for employees affected by shutdown
No, killing special fund doesn’t kill people
Recently, the state auditor released Report No. 18-19, which reviewed special funds, trust funds, and trust accounts of our Department of Land and Natural Resources.