Hawaii Business Magazine

Hawaiian Electric shareholders overwhelmingly supported exec pay raises In 2023
Hawaiian Electric Industries investors saw their stock’s value plummet, their dividends disappear and the once-credit worthy company’s bond rating cut to junk status in 2023. But that didn’t stop the investors from supporting raises for the company’s top executives. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi counties differ in approach to regulating vacation rentals
A new bill makes it possible for county lawmakers to “regulate the time, place, manner, and duration in which uses of land and structures may take place.” Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi coffee wins greater protection from Legislature after epic struggle
If enacted, a new bill will require that by July 1, 2027, roasted, instant and ready-to-drink coffee contains at least 51% of coffee grown in a region of Hawaiʻi if the product package uses the name of the region — such as Kona, Kaʻū, Waialua, Molokaʻi, Maui and Kauaʻi — in a blend with foreign coffee. Star-Advertiser.

Clash over labeling of Hawaiʻi mac nut products results in split legislation
Hawaiʻi lawmakers sent a bill to Gov. Josh Green that, if enacted, would disclose to consumers, starting Jan. 1, 2026, whether macadamia nuts grown in Hawaiʻi are actually in some packaged foods that suggest the nuts are locally grown. Star-Advertiser.

Search for UH president’s replacement to begin soon
The search for the successor to University of Hawaiʻi President David Lassner officially will begin in late May following the Board of Regents’ approval of the job description and leadership profile. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News.

“No easy answers” for how to keep Hawaiʻi’s smallest public schools open and thriving
Principals at small schools say they need more money to adequately serve students, but some state leaders say school consolidation and closures could be the answer. Civil Beat.

Prosecutors presented only circumstantial evidence that left room for reasonable doubt, a juror said. Civil Beat.

Big increase in homeless families on Oʻahu puts more keiki at risk
The latest census of Oʻahu’s homeless population showed a 19% increase in homeless families since January 2023, including 635 children who can suffer lifelong consequences. Star-Advertiser.

This alternative method of demolishing structures could help Honolulu avoid a landfill crisis
Honolulu is considering how to promote deconstruction and re-use of the materials from buildings that are being torn down, an idea that has already caught on in other cities. Civil Beat.

The Miske Trial: How an accused crime boss fooled the state to get a motor vehicle dealer license
When he ran into hurdles because of his criminal background, court testimony shows, he simply lied or fabricated a non-existent entity. Civil Beat.

UH Mānoa ranked in top 2.5% globally of 20,000 universities
The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa was ranked 511 on the Global 2000 list by the Center for World University Rankings, which measured key areas such as education, employability, faculty and research. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

JDM Hawaii imports used kei vehicles from Japan, then repairs and sells them at affordable prices. “I thought it would be a perfect alternative” to more expensive and less fuel-efficient trucks like Toyota Tacomas and Ford F−150s… read more.

Bill would change how corporation counsel is selected
Two council members have proposed making the council the sole appointing authority for the position, a move that left some of their fellows excited and others skeptical during a Tuesday meeting of the council’s Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs. Tribune-Herald.

Michael Konowicz announces candidacy for Hawai‘i County representing Kohala Districts
Michael Konowicz of Waikōloa announced his candidacy for Hawai‘i County’s District 9 representing North and South Kohala residents. Big Island Now.

Another telescope controvery is brewing, this time on Maui
The U.S. Air Force wants to build seven more telescopes on the summit of Haleakala to help better track the growing number of objects whizzing about in space. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Maui County issues first rebuilding permit for wildfire survivors
The Maui County Recovery Permit Center, which opened three weeks ago to facilitate permitting for August wildfire survivors, has issued its first building permit to a Lahaina couple to rebuild their destroyed home. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Maui seeks contractor to review MEMA’s Aug. 8 response
County officials are seeking an outside agency to review the response of the Maui Emergency Management Agency during the Aug. 8 wildfires because they said the department currently has only two full-time employees. Star-Advertiser.

Committee authorized $193,274 fine to settle with EPA over county violations of Safe Water Drinking Act
Violations took place in seven different county owned properties with high capacity cesspools. Maui News.

Lawa‘i still cleaning up from flood debris
Between 25 and 30 volunteers, including about a dozen from the U.S. Coast Guard came from as far away as Kapa‘a and toiled to clear the two ditches in the Lawai Valley Estates that were originally put in as drainage aids when the land was used for growing pineapples. Garden Island.

Fern Holland begins second campaign for Kauaʻi County Council
Fern Ānuenue Holland has officially launched her 2024 campaign for a seat on the Kauaʻi County Council, outlining a candidacy that would prioritize affordable housing, agriculture production, drug rehabilitation, and tourism management during a discussion at her first fundraising event at Anahola Marketplace earlier this week. Kauai Now.