Small Business Matters: The times, they are a changing
Reading about what’s going on as we seem to be emerging from the misery of COVID, it’s easy to share somewhat in Charles Dickens’ tone in A Tale of Two Cities: “it was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” While we can’t take those contradictory superlatives as far as Dickens did, what we see and hear today certainly shares some of that contradiction. That goes for both public health and the economy, and it all depends on the view from where you’re standing.
Biden gives small firms exclusive access to paycheck program
President Joe Biden said his administration is seeking to help small businesses by giving them exclusive access to the Paycheck Protection Program for two weeks, and he called on lawmakers to pass his $1.9 trillion stimulus plan to provide additional assistance.
Hamakua-Kohala Health purchases Kohala Club Hotel
With the help of a bridge loan from Bank of Hawaii, Hamakua-Kohala Health recently purchased the former Kohala Club Hotel to become the new permanent home for the Kohala Health and Wellness Center.
Dole to merge with Irish produce firm
Dole Food Company will merge with Irish firm Total Produce to form the world’s largest fresh produce company, the two companies announced Wednesday.
Old Navy opens second store on Big Isle
Old Navy opened its second store on the Big Island and sixth store in the state on Feb. 13.
Hanako Sheldon, who opened Kona Jewelry Factory with late husband, is headed on to the next chapter
After more than three decades in business, Hanako Sheldon is closing her jewelry shop at the Kona Inn Shopping Village and beginning the process of heading home to Japan to begin her life’s next chapter.
Air tour noise bill shelved despite support from Case, others
A bill that aims to address tour helicopter noise and safety was deferred Thursday by the state Senate Transportation Committee.
Plane, train, bus passengers without masks now face fines up to $1,500
Travelers who refuse to wear a mask in airports, bus stations and rail stations, as well as while aboard planes, buses and trains, can face a fine of $250 for the first offense and up to $1,500 for repeat offenses under President Joe Biden’s executive order on COVID-19 safety.
G Que Southern Chicken and BBQ opens in Kona
Two talented chefs have come together in a venture to bring Southern-style chicken and barbecue to Kona … and so much more.
Trump’s trade deal with China is ‘under review’
The Biden administration has former President Donald Trump’s so-called phase-one trade deal with China “under review” along with the rest of the U.S. posture toward Beijing, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Friday.
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.
