Hawaii Business Magazine Newsletters

Why Hawaii businesses are passing their rising costs to consumers.

Views expressed in this Hawaii State News summary are those of the reporters and correspondents.

Accessed on 18 April 2022, 2037 UTC.

Content supplied by email subscription to “Hawaii Business Magazine Newsletters.”

Source:

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGpFWPkncrtFjLsjPWrLJwNFHhW

Please click link or scroll down to read your selections.

Locally Owned, Locally Committed Since 1955

4.18.2022

TOP STORIES

Why businesses are passing their rising costs on to consumers
Grocery prices rose almost 12% in March compared with the same month a year ago, while gasoline prices increased almost 40%. Among those hit hardest are companies that rely on packaging, which is a big deal for Hawai‘i food product manufacturers and makers of packaged goods. Civil Beat.

Extra food stamp benefits are extended through May
Nearly 200,000 residents rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), says the Department of Human Services — a 36% increase from prior to the pandemic. Benefits were originally set to expire in March. Hawaii News Now.

Bill would expedite farmland transfers
While two state agencies continue to vie over management of about 100,000 acres of state agriculture land, lawmakers are pushing a bill to expedite the transfer of those lands to support local farming and ranching. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers are still practicing “gut-and-replace” on bills
In November, a Hawai‘i Supreme Court ruling said certain aspects of the practice were unconstitutional. But observers cite radical amendments to bills such as SB 775 and HB 510, which have been so dramatically changed that they are almost unrecognizable. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority faces tight deadline to award its largest contract
The contract is to supply destination management services and promote Hawai‘i to the U.S. market. The Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau has always had HTA’s top contract and is expected to bid for the next one. Star-Advertiser.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs might get more of what it’s owed from the state
A House bill that would raise the amount OHA receives annually to $21.5 million, up from $15.1 million, was unanimously approved last week. Star-Advertiser.

“Big penalty” sought for abandoning vehicles
A series of House bills would impose harsher penalties for owners of derelict vehicles and could generate millions of dollars for the state each year. Tribune-Herald.

Covid cases are likely three times more than reported
Infectious disease expert Dr. Tim Brown estimated that cases could be underreported “by about a factor of three.” Tribune-Herald.
Monitoring for Covid-19 in the state’s wastewater is expected to start this summer. Star-Advertiser.

Lia Young Hunt, president and chief educational officer of Goldwings. | Photo: Aaron Yoshino

HAWAII BUSINESS MAGAZINE
Goldwings Supply Service: 2022 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award Winner – Native Hawaiian Owned
Goldwings Supply Service was opened in 1987 by Frank Young as a “NAPA store with aircraft parts.” But aviation parts now make up no more than 10% of the company’s overall revenue even though demand for those parts remains… read more.

OʻAHU

Anderson’s City Council resignation raises questions in lieutenant governor race
In 2020, Ikaika Anderson abruptly gave up the Honolulu City Council seat he held for 11 years. Questions about his commitment to serve a full term as lieutenant governor are likely to hang over his campaign, say political analysts. Star-Advertiser.

Public weighs in on Ala Wai flood-control proposals
Proposals include dredging the canal, adding raised walls along its banks, and adding earthen berms to divert floodwaters into Ala Wai Park, the golf course and neighboring school grounds, partially restoring the area’s former wetlands. Star-Advertiser.

ʻŌlelo’s new leader says he is working to restore trust and transparency
Roger McKeaugue joined the nonprofit in April 2021, one month after former Vice President Hanalei Apioalani pleaded guilty to federal charges of embezzling money, including CARES Act funds. Hawai‘i Public Radio.

Developer of Hawaii Ocean Plaza gives update on troubled project
The city of Honolulu has cited the high-rise development along Kapiolani Boulevard for allowing homeless people on the property, overgrown weeds and a broken fence. This comes as the developer missed key deadlines for permits. KITV4.

SPONSORED BY ALLIANCE PERSONNEL

The Staffing Agency Going Above and Beyond for Candidates and Hiring Companies

Alliance Personnel’s services are tailored to serve the needs of both job seekers and employers looking to fill open positions. In nearly twenty years of business, they have matched thousands of candidates with open positions, establishing successful relationships… read more.

HAWAIʻI ISLAND

Some building permits still stuck in EPIC system
Hawai‘i County continues to fix bugs in its online building permit system, but some testifiers to the county Cost of Government Commission aren’t convinced it’s happening fast enough. West Hawaii Today.

Council to review benefits of “dark sky” initiatives
The county could save money and attract tourists by reducing light pollution, according to a Big Island activist scheduled to present this week to the County Council. Tribune-Herald.

Governor releases $1.5 million for Puakō sewer plans
A long-anticipated project to improve water quality and protect coral reefs by replacing cesspools with a sewer system is finally moving forward. West Hawaii Today.

Honoka‘a cockfight draws hundreds; alleged organizer arrested, 21 chickens killed
The last time a Big Island cockfighting arrest resulted in criminal charges was on March 30, 2019, also in Honoka‘a. Tribune-Herald.

In 2020, volunteers from Papakōlea homestead,Y Fukunaga Products, Altres and Pili Group sorted food for distribution. | Photo: Aaron Yoshino

HAWAII BUSINESS MAGAZINE
Aloha Harvest Distributes Good Food to the Needy Before It Gets Tossed
Aloha Harvest distributes good-quality excess food from restaurants, hotels, stores and farms to agencies that feed the hungry, like homeless shelters and food pantries. The nonprofit’s mission is to reduce food waste and hunger... read more.

MAUI COUNTY

Months after social host law took effect, no citations have been issued
The county law holds adult hosts accountable for underage drinking at house parties. But more than six months since the measure was implemented, no one has been cited. Maui News.

Cleaning Mā‘alaea Bay requires money, land and oysters
The County Council will vote on whether to approve $9.5 million for a state-of-the art wastewater treatment plant. The EPA lists Mā‘alaea beach and small boat harbor as “impaired waterbodies,” and most of the area’s coral reef is completely wiped out. Civil Beat. Maui News.

Maui airport sees faster processing, fewer disorderly incidents
Since the Safe Travels Hawai‘i program was lifted three weeks ago, problems at Kahului Airport with processing times and disorderly travelers have subsided. Maui Now.

KAUAʻI

Kaua‘i legislators return donations tied to bribery figure
Following a February bribery scandal, some Kaua‘i lawmakers are distancing themselves from money tied to the central figure in the case, wastewater executive Milton Choy. Garden Island.

APRIL 2022 ISSUE