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News for Community
Friday, July 30, 2021West HI SBDChas a busy month of webinars coming up for local businesses:Aug 3: Employer Retention Tax Credits – hear from the IRS on new cost savings for employersAug 11: How to Start a Business in Hawaii – put your entrepreneurial dreams in actionAug 17: Legal Traps Business Owners Should (And Can) Avoid – a panel discussion with attorneys from the Torkildson et al. firmAll sessions ...read moreCategories: Community, Education.png)
Thursday, July 29, 2021Facilitated by Hawai‘i SBDC, West Hawai‘i CenterA panel discussion with attorneys from Torkildson, Katz, Hetherington, Harris & Knorek (Brian W. Tilker, Stephen L.F. Ho & Joseph A. Ernst)Tuesday, August 17, 2021 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Online, No ChargeREGISTER EVENT DESCRIPTION: Business owners are most concerned with running their business and selling their product, but they do that in a world ...read moreCategories: Education, Community
Thursday, July 29, 2021Native Hawaiian Perspectives: Who Speaks for Native Hawaiians? When Native Hawaiian Groups Don't Agree, How Are Disagreements Resolved? Another successful and thought provoking Native Hawaiian Perspectives webinar continued today with panelists Dr. Kelii Akina, Dr. Michael Chun, Ivan M. Lui-Kwan and James Mauliola Keaka Stone sharing their unique perspectives. The recorded Native Hawaiian ...read moreCategories: Education, Community
Thursday, July 29, 2021Evidence based research - Delta variantCOVID-19 Guidance of School RecommendationsAt Kona Community Hospital (KCH), we continue to see an increased number of COVID-19 positive patients seeking care in our Emergency Department. We strongly encourage anyone who has been postponing receiving the COVID vaccine to do so now. We have received a number of questions regarding the Delta variant. ...read moreCategories: Community, EducationThursday, July 29, 2021Astronomy Talk - Galaxies turn gas into giant collections of stars that light up the universe. This simple statement of what happens with galaxies like our own leads to deeper questions of how this happens: How does gas flow into galaxies? How do stars help return this gas to the universe? How does this process evolve as the universe gets older? And ultimately how do we, as people with ...read moreCategories: Community, EducationThursday, July 29, 2021An international team of astronomers has measured the most precise composition of the hot Jupiter Tau Boötis b’s atmosphere, providing us with a better understanding of giant planets. Using the SPIRou spectropolarimeter at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope in Hawaii, a team led by Stefan Pelletier, a PhD student at Université de Montréal's Institute for Research on Exoplanets (iREx), studied ...read moreCategories: Community, EducationThursday, July 29, 2021Goodfellow Bros.’ Big Island team was honored to receive the following letter from Battalion Chief William Bergin when they jumped in to assist the Hawaii Fire Department with a brushfire earlier this week: “I wanted to express our appreciation for the assistance from Goodfellow Bros. at recent brushfires, most notably the one at Kamuela View Estates two nights ago. Due to the steep terrain, we ...read moreCategories: CommunityWednesday, July 28, 2021Office of Economic Revitalization Program Learn About DBEDT Get to Know the State Department of Business, Economic Development, and TourismAugust 5 from 10 to 11 a.m. Learn how the Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) supports local businesses and builds a resilient post-COVID economy. The team at DBEDT’s Business Development & Support Division will share ...read moreCategories: Community, Education
Monday, July 26, 2021The County of Hawaii's Planning and Public Works Departments will be implementing a new Electronic Processing and Inspection Center - EPIC powered by EnerGov - to better serve YOU! Using the EPIC system, you will be able to submit plan applications to both departments online, track and manage your applications, and even pay your permit fees. The EPIC system will allow for multiple approving ...read moreCategories: Community, EconomyMonday, July 26, 2021For Immediate News Release: July 26, 2021 KAILUA PIER TEMPORARY CLOSURE BEGINS NEXT WEEK (KAILUA-KONA) Temporary closure of the Kailua Pier begins on Wednesday, July 28, daily from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. During the closure, entering the pier will be prohibited. People violating the closure can be cited, fined, or arrested. In April, the DNLR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation ...read moreCategories: Community, Education
Monday, July 26, 2021The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort’s Signature Dining Experience, Meridia, Earns Wine Spectator Restaurant Award in 2021 —Meridia Among 3 Winners on the Island of Hawaii and 2,917 Overall Winners; 40th Annual Awards Program Recognizes the World’s Best Wine Lists— Waimea, HI (July 13, 2021) — The iconic Westin Hapuna Beach Resort’s signature dining experience, Meridia, has been honored for its ...read moreCategories: Community
Monday, July 26, 2021Going to the dogs (and cats) HAWAII ISLAND HUMANE SOCIETY REOPENING TO THE PUBLIC IN AUGUSTBY LAURA RUMINSKI WEST HAWAII TODAY lruminski@westhawaiitoday.com The Hawaii Island Humane Society is looking forward to opening its two shelters to the public in August. The nonprofit’s Animal Community Center in mauka Kona is slated to open to the public on Sunday, Aug. 1 with the Keaau shelter ...read moreCategories: Community, Education
Monday, July 26, 2021HAWAI‘I DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WARNS CONSUMERS OF RECALLED SUNSCREEN PRODUCTS DUE TO THE PRESENCE OF BENZENE Posted on Jul 20, 2021 in Newsroom The Hawai‘i State Department of Health (DOH) is alerting residents and visitors that Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. (JJCI) is voluntarily recalling all lots of five NEUTROGENA® and AVEENO® aerosol sunscreen product lines. Company testing identified low ...read moreCategories: Education, Community
Monday, July 26, 2021HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) announced today its pivot to become a more effective destination management organization and the promotions of two key executives who will help guide the initiatives outlined in HTA’s 2020-2025 Strategic Plan. HTA has comprehensively reorganized its structure and operations to support the goal of Mālama Ku‘u Home (caring for my beloved home) through ...read moreCategories: Community
Monday, July 26, 2021PACIFIC BUSINESS NEWS STORY PBN Dialogue: Why grace matters, with Stephanie Donoho, Kohala Coast Resort Association (Video)Since joining the Kohala Coast Resort Association in 2014 as administrative director, Stephanie Donoho has been focused on community and government relations, work that has taken on a special urgency since the Covid-era curtailment of tourism and and the rising concerns ...read moreCategories: Community
Monday, July 26, 2021FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 1, 2021 Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Hears from Governor Ige, Installs New Board and Presents Pualu Awards KAILUA-KONA – The chief executive for the State of Hawaiʻi, Governor David Ige, joined the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce (KKCC) for its annual meeting on Friday, June 25, 2021. As the keynote speaker, he presented relevant information to West Hawaiʻi’s business ...read moreCategories: Community, ChamberFriday, July 23, 2021https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/video/2021/07/23/sotr-kona-chamber-commerce/Categories: Chamber, Community
Thursday, July 22, 2021COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations are on the rise in Hawaii and nationwide. This Axios-AM article includes a good map of the U.S. that indicates Hawaii’s trend is spiking upward at a high rate. At Kona Community Hospital (KCH), we are experiencing a significant increase in COVID-19 positive patients in our Emergency Department. We are averaging 3 – 6 positive patients in the ED daily. ...read moreCategories: Community, EducationThursday, July 22, 2021Categories: Education, Community
Tuesday, July 20, 2021Let’s Hang Loose Together! Get Vaccinated. Get Rewarded.Hana Hou – Round 2 is here! Got Your Shot?Enter Today to Win!https://higotvaccinated.com/If you are already entered you do not have to enter again for Round 2 Prizes. If you have received at least one COVID-19 vaccination shot of Moderna or Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson, you are eligible to enter from any island/county in ...read moreCategories: Community, Economy, Education
Friday, July 16, 2021Currently, the most frequent injuries in West Hawaii that require trauma activation at Kona Community Hospital Trauma Center are caused by falls and motorized vehicle crashes including cars, motorcycles, mopeds and ATVs. In 2019, the KCH trauma team was activated 233 times, treating a total of 410 patients. In 2020, 133 trauma activations involved 338 patients. Wendi Wagner, RN, Trauma Program ...read moreCategories: Community
Friday, July 16, 2021More than 92% of University of Hawaiʻi students and 95% of UH employees of the 10-campus system have been vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus or plan to be, according to surveys administered in late June. The surveys administered by the UH Vaccination Team found that about 7% of students, and 4% of employees still have no plans to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, with some expressing concern over the ...read moreCategories: Community, Education
Thursday, July 15, 2021Chamber Member and Art Director of The Source is a Hidden Hero. https://hiddenheroes.org/story/ilihia-gionson/I CARE FOR MY FatherWHO IS A Pre 9/11 VeteranWHO SERVED IN THE ArmyWHO SUFFERS FROM Anxiety, Chronic Condition(s), PTS/PTSDI LIVE IN HawaiiI AM A 2021 Elizabeth Dole Fellow" Know that there are so many other caregivers feeling the same way: waiting, wishing, hoping to connect." At what ...read moreCategories: Community
Thursday, July 15, 2021The Maunakea Visitor Information Station (VIS) on Hawaiʻi Island will resume operations starting Thursday, July 15, more than a year after shutting its doors in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff have installed safety barriers and will implement proper social distancing that adheres to local, state and federal guidelines. Modified daily hours of 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m will be in effect ...read moreCategories: Education, Community
Thursday, July 15, 2021Hawai‘i SBDC & U.S. Small Business Administration present 'Employer Retention Tax Credits' The CARES Act established a tax credit program for employers who retained employees on the job in 2020. The American Rescue Plan dramatically liberalized that program, both in terms of the dollars available for employers and the time in which they can be claimed. Come hear the details of how this very ...read moreCategories: Education, Community
Thursday, July 15, 2021Governor Ige notifies Legislature, Chief Justice, that eviction moratorium will be lifted August 6State urges residents to seek mediation, available assistanceFor video click hereFor photos click hereFor resources click hereLetter to Legislature, Judiciary attachedHONOLULU – Gov. David Ige today formally notified the Hawai‘i State Legislature and Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald that he will not ...read moreCategories: Community, Economy
Wednesday, July 14, 2021Queen's North Hawai'i Community Hospital offers the COVID-19 vaccination with no appointment necessary. Vaccinations are available every Wednesday, 7 am – 6 pm, at the QNHCH COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Annex (south side of hospital campus near emergency room). There is no cost to the recipient for the vaccination and insurance is not required. QNHCH is offering both the Pfizer and the single-dose ...read moreCategories: Community
Tuesday, July 13, 2021Waimea (Kamuela), Hawaii – We are pleased to share that Briane Souki and Evan Powers have joined W. M. Keck Observatory this summer as part of our continued collaboration with the Kamehameha Schools Kāpili ʻOihana Internship Program (KOIP). Evan is from Oʻahu and is a Punahou Schools alum; he is a rising senior at Lewis & Clark College and has been selected for Keck Observatory's External ...read moreCategories: Education, Community
Monday, July 12, 2021As the administrative director of the Kohala Coast Resort Association, Stephanie Donoho works to build bridges between the tourism industry and the larger community. Founded in 1984, KCRA represents 10 properties along the Kohala Coast on Hawaii Island. Donoho has decades of experience in the industry, and previously served as the tourism specialist for the County of Hawaii before joining KCRA in ...read moreCategories: Community, Economy
Monday, July 12, 2021Continuing their efforts to stay connected to the community, Hawai‘i Police Department invites area residents to attend two “Coffee with a Cop” talk story sessions this month in Kona. The events will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on the following dates: Friday, July 16, 2021, at the Kona Mountain Coffee Co., 73-4038 Hulikoa Drive. Friday, July 23, 2021, at Kona Coffee & Tea, ...read moreCategories: Education, Community
Monday, July 12, 2021Holualoa Artist Siena Baldi to Create New Imagery for Kona’s Premier Shopping Center Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i (July 9, 2021) – Kona Commons is excited to announce a new partnership with Holualoa artist Siena Baldi who was recently selected to work with the shopping center on its brand refresh. The center sent out a call to local artists in May soliciting artwork samples and received many impressive ...read moreCategories: Community
Monday, July 12, 2021Memorable events at Keauhou Shopping Center celebrate start of a new school year. The start of a new school year can bring about excitement, whether through reconnecting with friends or preparing for a year full of new things to learn. Whether students and teachers are reentering the classroom for the first time, continuing to learn virtually, or have remained in-person throughout the past year, ...read moreCategories: Community, Education.png)
Wednesday, July 07, 2021People’s Advocacy for Trails Hawaiʻi is now, proudly, People for Active Transportation Hawaiʻi. We will still be known as PATH. As an organization, we felt it was important that our name more clearly reflect our mission and work. The name change is part of a fundamental transition that has occurred at PATH, Hawaiʻi Island, and across the world in the last thirty years. All the data shows that the ...read moreCategories: Community, Education
Wednesday, July 07, 2021Hawai‘i Community College - Pālamanui is pleased to announce a series of online workshops that will be delivered via Zoom Round 2 starts in July for people interested in learning more about what the Kona campus offers and how to enroll for the fall 2021 semester. The “Discover Pālamanui” workshops is an information session about the Early College/Running Start programs. The workshops continue ...read moreCategories: Education, Community.png)
Tuesday, July 06, 2021Are you ready to spend a picture perfect Sunday afternoon at Kokua Kailua with local vendors, artists and musicians in Historic Kailua Village? Starting next month, on Sunday, July 18, Alii Drive is the place to be from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm for a festive, pedestrian-only outdoor marketplace that makes for a great family friendly experience. Leashed dogs are welcome too. The Kailua Village Business ...read moreCategories: Community, Economy
Tuesday, July 06, 2021Business Innovation Accolade Presented by Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce KONA, HAWAI`I (June2021) – Kona Commons was honored recently with a Pualu Award from the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce for the shopping center’s resilience, business innovation, and aloha exhibited during the economic crisis created by the pandemic. The Chamber annually recognizes businesses, organizations and ...read moreCategories: Community, Economy(1).png)
Thursday, July 01, 2021July 1, 2021 - The state is finalizing preparations for the July 8 launch of the State of Hawai‘i’s vaccination exception program for domestic, Hawai‘i-bound travelers vaccinated in the United States or U.S Territories. The program allows these travelers to bypass the state’s quarantine requirement with proof of vaccination. Travelers vaccinated in the U.S. or U.S. Territories may participate ...read moreCategories: Economy, Community
Thursday, July 01, 2021KAMUELA, HI – Queen’s North Hawai’i Community Hospital (QNHCH) named Alvin “Vin” Dalisay, a physical therapist in the QNHCH Rehabilitation Services department, as Employee of the Quarter. Vin was recognized for being an exceptional physical therapist as well as an outstanding employee and team player. “Vin not only provides quality care with excellent patient outcomes, Vin has an exceptional ...read moreCategories: Community.png)
Wednesday, June 30, 2021June 2021 Big Wave Surfer Kelly Slater Joins Kona Brewing for the Brand’s Longest-Running Campaign "Surf legend Kelly Slater joins Kona Brewing Company for a continuation of the brewer’s largest ad campaign, “Dear Mainland.” The athlete appears in three TV ads centering the pairing of Kona’s beer with surfing and a day at the beach. The short, sunny spots (watch here)— titled “Surf Lesson,” ...read moreCategories: Community
Tuesday, June 29, 2021HAWAII COMMUNITY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION ANNOUNCES NEW KALOKO BRANCH MANAGER AND NEW INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGER KAILUA-KONA, HI — Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) is excited to announce two additions to their management ʻohana. Craig Camello is the new Branch Manager at the Kaloko Branch, and Elsie Quintana was promoted to Information Systems Manager. Both Craig and Elsie bring a ...read moreCategories: Community
Friday, June 25, 2021Hawaiian Electric to auto-enroll past due accounts in 12-month payment plan to avoid disconnection First installment appears in July bills Release Date: 6/23/2021 HONOLULU, June 23, 2021 – Hawaiian Electric customer accounts that would normally face disconnection will instead be enrolled in a 12-month payment plan to keep the lights on. Affected customers will see higher “current charges” ...read moreCategories: Economy, Community
Friday, June 25, 2021GRANT FUNDS SEND $150,000 TO STRENGTHEN AHUPUAA RELATIONSHIPSSPECIAL TO WEST HAWAII TODAY Editor’s note: Each Wednesday, West Hawaii Today is publishing a story about individuals, groups or organizations that have helped make life better for others in our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Kohala Center has received a $150,000 grant from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) to reinforce ...read moreCategories: Community, Education
Friday, June 25, 2021RESORT CLEAN PROGRAM Caring for our guests and providing exceptional service has always been our top priority at Mauna Kea Resort. While the recent COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world and how business is conducted, we remain positive and look forward to welcoming all of our guests with a commitment to ensure their health and safety as they join us to relax and enjoy all we have to offer. We ...read moreCategories: Community, Education
Thursday, June 24, 2021FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 24, 2021 For video click here For photos click here HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige announced that effective July 8, the State of Hawai‘i will eliminate its pre-travel testing/quarantine requirement for domestic travelers to Hawai‘i who have been fully vaccinated in the United States. Travelers to Hawai‘i must upload their CDC issued vaccination record card to the ...read moreCategories: Economy, Community
Wednesday, June 23, 2021HAWAII COMMUNITY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION NAMES ITS 2021-2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND NEW SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBER KAILUA-KONA, HI — Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) is pleased to announce its Board of Directors for the 2021-2022 term. Board members serve on a voluntary basis and are responsible for guiding management in the direction of the credit union on behalf of the credit ...read moreCategories: Economy, Community
Wednesday, June 23, 2021HAWAII COMMUNITY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION CELEBRATES 84 YEARS AND HONORS ITS 2020 EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR KAILUA-KONA, HI — Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) marked its 84th Annual Membership Meeting in pandemic fashion—by celebrating its members and the accomplishments of its team during their virtual business meeting on May 8. At the meeting, HCFCU announced Joelle Kamaka as its 2020 ...read moreCategories: Community, Economy
Wednesday, June 23, 2021QNHCH WELCOMES NEW PROVIDER KAMUELA, HI – Dr. Michael Aldridge, MD, FACC, has joined the Cardiology Clinic team at Queen’s North Hawai’i Community Hospital. Dr. Aldridge earned undergraduate degrees in biochemistry and economics from University of California Los Angeles, and his medical degree from Albany Medical College, New York. He completed his residency in internal medicine and fellowships ...read moreCategories: Community
Wednesday, June 23, 2021Big News! Top Shelf Cabinet Solutions has moved to a new location to accommodate our growth and expanding product lines. We are now located at 74-5035 Queen Ka’ahumanu Hwy # 3205 in Kailua Kona. (Across from Honokohau Harbor, behind the 76 gas station) Our website: www.topshelfcabinetsolutions.com email: sales@tscshawaii.com and phone number: 808-690-7265 have not changed. Stop in to ...read moreCategories: Community
Monday, June 21, 2021On August 1st, 2021, Jack's Diving Locker will hit the 40 year mark of being in business. 40 years is a long time for any type of company, but in the dive world it's an eternity! In 40 years JDL has gone from a 1-van show to a 5-boat fleet. The retail space has also moved several times down Ali'i Drive. Many people have walked through our doors and on to our boats as strangers, and left as a ...read moreCategories: Community, Education
Thursday, June 17, 2021Recruitment continues to be a hot issue for Hawaii employers, and with it come many questions. One of them we’ve heard frequently over the years is “Am I obligated to pay the amount that I list in my job ad? What if I find a candidate with fewer skills but high potential?” To answer this question, we asked Director of HR Services at simplicityHR by ALTRES,Michele Kauinui for her expert answer. ...read moreCategories: Community, Economy
Thursday, June 17, 2021WEST HAWAII TODAY The Kealakehe Intermediate School Art Department and the Kiwanis Club of Kailua-Kona recently announced the winners of the 2021 Kealakehe Intermediate School Art Content. The theme of the second annual contest required the students, primarily in grades seven and eight, to artistically portray what Kiwanis means to them. Prior to beginning, the students were furnished with ...read moreCategories: Community
Tuesday, June 15, 2021KAILUA-KONA, HI—The dreams of eight Hawaii Island high school graduates are closer to being fulfilled with the generous support of Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU). Through the credit union’s annual scholarship program, the students will receive a $3,000 scholarship to attend two- or four-year institutions of higher learning in the coming school year. The high school graduates were ...read moreCategories: Education, Community
Monday, June 14, 2021‘Discover Palamanui’ workshops start June 22 Hawaii Community College — Palamanui will host a series of online workshops via Zoom in June and July for people interested in learning more about what the Kona campus offers and how to enroll for the fall 2021 semester. The “Discover Palamanui” workshops kick off at noon June 21 with an information session about the Early College/Running Start ...read moreCategories: Community, Education
Monday, June 14, 2021Pacific Business News' Pineapple Awards Honorees 2021https://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/news/2021/06/04/2021-pineapple-awards-honorees.html Stephanie Donoho Administrative director, Kohala Coast Resort AssociationDonoho helped organize a critical food distribution program to support an estimated 20,000 Hawaii Island residents. How have you delivered an authentic Hawaiian experience in the last ...read moreCategories: Community
Monday, June 14, 2021Colonial Pipeline Ransomware Offers Lessons to be Learnedhttps://blog.hawaiiantel.com/connections/blogform-colonial-pipeline-ransomware-offers-lessons-to-be-learned Whether we liked it or not, 2020 was a year that brought a great deal of change. Many workplaces were forced to go remote basically overnight, and it was predicted that cybercrime would rise to new levels as a result. One key example ...read moreCategories: Community, Education
Thursday, June 10, 2021In Hawaiian culture, caring for the aina (land) is not just a responsibility for all who live on it, but an act that connects to life itself. As your clients plan their travel to the Islands, encourage them to participate in opportunities to malama (care for) Hawaii while here that will gift them with a deeper connection to our natural world. Volunteer organizations and travel partners statewide ...read moreCategories: Education, Community(1).png)
Tuesday, June 08, 2021MEDIA ADVISORY June 8, 2021 WHAT: BILL SIGNING CEREMONY – World Oceans DayHB1016 RELATING TO THE TAKING OF MARINE LIFE.HB1017 RELATING TO CRUSTACEANS.HB1018 RELATING TO LAY NETS.HB1019 RELATING TO OCEAN STEWARDSHIP.HB1020 RELATING TO ADAPTIVE NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT.HB1022 RELATING TO THE TAKING OF NATURAL RESOURCES.HB1023 RELATING TO A NONRESIDENT RECREATIONAL MARINE ...read moreCategories: Community
Tuesday, June 08, 2021June 8, 2021 Hawaii, like many vacation destinations, is currently experiencing a rental car shortage. The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) advises visitors to plan ahead and book their car rental first before making the rest of their travel arrangements. For additional resources, HTA has just posted a list of alternate transportation options people may consider instead of renting a car, thanks to ...read moreCategories: Community, Economy
Tuesday, June 08, 2021The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) Submillimeter Observatory (CSO), one of five Maunakea telescopes that the University of Hawaiʻi says will be removed from the summit in the next decade, is a step closer to decommissioning. The Maunakea Management Board (MKMB) unanimously approved an Environmental Assessment (EA) draft as part of the Site Decommission Plan for CSO on Monday, May ...read moreCategories: Community
Monday, June 07, 2021Grant funds will strengthen ahupua‘a relationships in leeward Kohala WAIMEA, Hawai‘i Island, Hawai‘i (June 7, 2021)—The Kohala Center today announced that it received a grant award totaling $150,000 that will support the native Hawaiian community through the Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ (OHA) ‘Ohana and Community Based Program Grant for Hawaiʻi Island. The grant will help to reinforce and ...read moreCategories: Economy, Community(1).png)
Monday, June 07, 2021Governor Ige sets additional vaccination benchmarks for gatherings, restaurants Also signs new proclamation terminating some emergency provisions FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 7, 2021 HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige today set additional vaccination benchmarks for gatherings and restaurants. They are as follows: When the state achieves a 60% vaccination rate: Social gatherings: 25 allowed ...read moreCategories: Chamber, Community, EconomyFriday, June 04, 2021The program, called WE by Rising Tide, is accepting online applications for its inaugural cohort of 20 women entrepreneurs through June 18. To apply, please visit www.RisingTideHawaii.com The 10-week program includes workshops designed for women entrepreneurs to hone financial management, marketing and leadership skills. Participants will also receive a host of benefits including networking with ...read moreCategories: Economy, Community
Thursday, June 03, 2021June 3, 2021 is a very special day! Today we celebrate our birthday, on this day 1 year ago we opened Olakino Hawai’i. Although we were in a pandemic and the world was in a challenging time, we opened our farm because we knew that it was important to grow Microgreens for our community. We started with purpose and we will continue to grow high quality Microgreens for our community. We would like to ...read moreCategories: Community, Economy
Thursday, June 03, 2021KAILUA-KONA, HAWAII (6-1-21)—The Hawaii Island Humane Society (HIHS) Board of Directors has named its current Chief Operations Officer Lauren Nickerson as Chief Executive Officer. Nickerson replaces interim CEO Dr. Elizabeth “Beth” Jose who remains as the organization’s West Hawaii Veterinarian. Dr. Beth Jose has served on an interim basis as CEO since 2019 while simultaneously serving as the ...read moreCategories: Community
Wednesday, June 02, 2021New survey outlines challenges facing businesses looking to hire employees HONOLULU – The Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i recently conducted a statewide membership survey to determine the challenges facing businesses looking to hire new employees or bring back employees from temporary furlough. The survey found many businesses across industries have multiple openings and found recruitment challenges ...read moreCategories: Community, Economy
Tuesday, June 01, 2021HIGOTVACCINATED.COMDeals & Discounts / Vaccination Incentive Sweepstakes Calling All Businesses! Our hospital systems have protected the community during the pandemic – it’s our turn to support them. Kaiser Permanente, Hawaii Pacific Health, Queens, Castle Adventist and Maui Health are sponsoring a vaccination incentive website at www.HIGotVaccinated.com with deals and discounts for people ...read moreCategories: Community, Economy
Tuesday, June 01, 2021ABO Announces 2021-2022 Officers and 2021-2023 Directors Class May 27, 2021 The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO), the US based non-profit trade organization for the algae industry, today announced the election of their officers for their Board of Directors for the 2021-2022 term, as well as the Board of Directors members elected for the 2021-2023 term. The group includes both new and existing ...read moreCategories: Community
Tuesday, June 01, 2021HONOLULU – Hawai‘i is inviting travelers to experience the Hawaiian Islands on a deeper level with a greater emphasis on connecting with our culture, giving back to the destination and preserving it for the future, while following safe health practices. That is the message behind a series of poignant and educational videos being played to visitors before and after they arrive in Hawai‘i. It is ...read moreCategories: Economy, Community
Wednesday, May 26, 2021NO APPOINTMENTS NEEDED FOR COVID-19 VACCINATIONS WEEKDAYS 4-6 PM KAMUELA, HI – COVID-19 Pfizer vaccinations are available without an appointment on weekdays for those age 12 and older at Queen’s North Hawai’i Community Hospital. Those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The hospital’s COVID vaccination clinic is located on the south side of the hospital campus near the ...read moreCategories: Community
Monday, May 24, 2021The Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory Plantation is excited to announce they have reopened to public.Reservations are required for tours. Book your reservation Today The OHCF tour is offered Wednesday and Friday mornings at 9:30am. It is a walking tour of the orchard and of course, includes chocolate sampling! Bob conducts a fabulous tour… it’s full of information about every step in the ...read moreCategories: Community, Economy
Tuesday, May 18, 2021Hawaiʻi Island Business Report 2021The road to economic recovery is challenging, but businesses are optimistic as they take steps to reopen safely, and progress is made toward sustainable goals. May 4, 2020 Hawaii Business Staffhttps://www.hawaiibusiness.com/hawaii-island-business-report-2021/ Kona-Kohala Chamber - excerpts from the report: “This past year, we learned that communication was a ...read moreCategories: Community, Chamber, Economy
Monday, May 17, 2021Native plants are now flourishing at the Maunakea Visitor Information Station (VIS), nearly two years after plant restoration efforts to replace māmane trees and enhance the subalpine ecosystem began. The Center for Maunakea Stewardship (CMS, formerly known as the Office of Maunakea Management) has managed to establish māmane and other native plants including ʻāweoweo, pawale, puakala and ...read moreCategories: Community
Friday, May 14, 2021May 13, 2021-----Just 4 months after the final grants were awarded by HTDC’s Innovate Hawaii, the impact on manufacturing and the PPE supply chain across our State is indicating major increases in all sectors of PPE. The program, established by Hawaii State Legislators with assistance from HTDC, DBEDT and the Hawaii Small Business Development Center (SBDC), provided grants to small businesses ...read moreCategories: Community, Economy
Friday, May 14, 2021Kailua Village Business Improvement District Announces the Return of Hawaiian Sunset Saturday and It’s Free! Starting on May 22 at 5:30 pm The Kailua Village Business Improvement District is happy to announce the return of Hawaiian Sunset Saturday and invites residents and visitors to celebrate Kona’s spectacular sunsets with beautiful Hawaiian music and hula performed by award-winning Halau ...read moreCategories: Community
Monday, May 10, 2021Governor Ige signs 20th proclamation on COVID-19, authorizing quarantine exception for inter-county travelers vaccinated in Hawai‘i FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMay 7, 2021 HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige today signed the 20th proclamation on COVID-19, to allow inter-county travelers vaccinated in the State of Hawai‘i to bypass the pre-travel testing and/or quarantine requirement starting May 11. The ...read moreCategories: Economy, Community.png)
Monday, May 10, 2021New Emergency Broadband Benefit Program to help provide internet access to low-income householdsFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMay 5, 2021 HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige today announced a new federal program that aims to assist thousands of qualifying households across the state to pay for their internet service. Under the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program established by the Federal Communications Commission ...read moreCategories: Community, Economy
Monday, May 10, 2021New Chamber Member Kona Impact provides tools to launch and improve your business in Kona. www.konaimpact.comGrow your business or start something new Kona Impact helps you reach your target market more effectively with professional quality products and service. Reach beyond the competitionSave your time and let us do it rightWe have the tools and the talentStand out above the competitionSmall ...read moreCategories: Community
Monday, May 03, 2021The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding ...read moreCategories: Community, Economy
Monday, May 03, 2021Maunakea, Hawaii - W. M. Keck Observatory’s science community is celebrating the successful revitalization of the Low Resolution Imaging Spectrometer, or LRIS - one of the Observatory’s acclaimed instruments used in Nobel Prize-winning research. The new LRIS red detector achieved first light on April 27, 2021 after capturing an image of Messier 58, a spiral galaxy located about 68 million ...read moreCategories: Community, Economy
Friday, April 30, 2021The Chamber welcomes the newest representative for Hawaiian Airlines, Jasmine Tamanaha. Born and raised in Waimea on the Big Island, Jasmine has been with Hawaiian Airlines for over 15 years and is the Sales Executive for Neighbor Islands. She's excited to be the newest Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce member representative and ready to share her knowledge of Hawaii's airline. Call Jasmine about ...read moreCategories: Community, Economy
Monday, April 26, 2021Native Hawaiians Asked: Can Science and Culture Co-exist on Maunakea? The successful Hawaii Island Economic Development Board's Native Hawaiian Perspectives webinar series continued in April with a discussion on culture and science co-existing on Maunakea. Native Hawaiian panelists sharing perspectives were Peter Apo, Amber Imai-Hong, Wally Ishibashi, Kimo Lee and Mailani Neal. The YouTube link ...read moreCategories: Community
Monday, April 26, 2021We are pleased to let you know that California Institute of Technology’s (Caltech) draft Site Decommissioning Plan (SDP) to remove the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory (CSO) and restore the site was unanimously approved by the Maunakea Management Board (MKMB) on March 2, 2021. MKMB is a board of community volunteers that advises the University of Hawai‘i’s Office of Maunakea Management, which ...read moreCategories: Community
Thursday, April 22, 2021Island of Hawaii (April 22, 2021) - You’ve likely heard of Malama Hawaii, an initiative to inspire mindful travel to the Hawaiian Islands. One where industry partners and volunteer organizations across the state joined forces in encouraging visitors to help perpetuate and even regenerate the natural beauty and unique culture of our communities. Volunteers experience some of Hawaii’s most unique ...read moreCategories: Community
Tuesday, April 20, 2021First M1 Roundels Produced by Coherent for TMT Successfully Shipped to Storage Facility in California April 19th, 2021 • Engineering & Technology www.tmt.org/news/485 Pasadena, CA - TMT and Coherent reached a new milestone this month with the completion of the first two roundels for TMT’s Primary Mirror (M1). Coherent precisely contoured and polished the optical surfaces of the roundels under ...read moreCategories: Economy, Community
Tuesday, April 20, 2021DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR Inter-county travelers vaccinated in Hawaii may bypass pre-travel testing, quarantine starting May 11 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 20, 2021 Facebook Live News Conference Video:https://www.facebook.com/GovernorDavidIge/videos/468524524356119Photos - Flickr Link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/govhawaii/albums/72157718985601991 HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige, Lt. Gov. Josh Green, ...read moreCategories: Community, Economy
Monday, April 19, 2021http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/https://www.hawaii.edu/news/2021/04/15/simons-shares-vision-for-future/The incoming director of the University of Hawaiʻi Institute for Astronomy (IfA), Doug Simons has a set of priorities that he calls the “three pillars”—ramping up research, expanding technology development and retaining IfA’s world-class education. Simons’ appointment as the leader of one of the ...read moreCategories: Economy, Community
Monday, April 12, 2021Free Listing for Hawaii Island Businesses at ShopBigIsland.com! Sign up Now https://bit.ly/2PRSz1s The Hawaii Island Visitors Bureau has launched a brand new website directory aimed at promoting local businesses to Big Island residents and visitors. Shopbigisland.com offers a hub for shoppers to connect to local businesses by category or geographical area. Free promotional space is available ...read moreCategories: Economy, Community
Monday, April 12, 2021Veteran Hawaiʻi Island astronomer Doug Simons has been selected as the next director of the University of Hawaiʻi Institute for Astronomy (IfA), effective September 1, 2021. IfA is an internationally recognized research institute and one of the largest university astronomy programs in the world. Simons has worked on Maunakea since 1990 after he earned his PhD from IfA. Read More >>>Categories: CommunityFriday, July 10, 2020Dept of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) is very pleased to announce the live launch of the Buy Hawaii, Give Aloha portal site at https://buy.hawaii.gov/. DBEDT created this portal site to promote the online shopping sites of Hawaii manufacturers, restaurants and farm delivery services. In this first phase, we are promoting the importance of buying local. In later phases we ...read moreCategories: Community, Economy
Wednesday, July 08, 2020Kona Historical Society gets $15K to help with operations Funding was provided as part of the federal CARES Act of 2020 The Hawai‘i Council for the Humanities and National Endowment for the Humanities have taken action to generously aid local nonprofits, including the Kona Historical Society, during the current pandemic. Kona Historical Society is overjoyed to receive a $15,000 grant award to ...read moreCategories: Economy, Community
Wednesday, June 03, 2020DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 3, 2020 BOATING AND WATER SPORTS COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS RELAXED STATEWIDE (Honolulu) – Effective immediately, emergency restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic for commercial and recreational boating and ocean recreation are being relaxed statewide. Commercial and recreational boating can now include up to ten ...read moreCategories: Community.jpg)
Thursday, May 21, 2020Reef-friendly sunscreen initiative leads to reduction of oxybenzone in Kahaluʻu BayContinued efforts needed to save coral reefs KAHALU‘U BAY, Hawai‘i Island, Hawai‘i—May 21, 2020—The results are in: oxybenzone levels have dropped dramatically at Hawai‘i Island’s Kahalu‘u Bay. Thanks to tens of thousands of visitors who responded positively to The Kohala Center’s ongoing “Reef-Friendly Sun ...read moreCategories: Community
