• News for Economy

    Monday, June 02, 2025
    Connect. Build. Grow. Register today for the 2nd Annual Kona Coast Leadership Summit, a one-day experience designed for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and creative influencers who are ready to grow, connect, and lead with purpose.   ✔️ Berry Bird coffee and Four Seasons lunch  ✔️ Practical workshops and standout speakers ✔️ Time built-in to actually connect—not just sit and ...read more
    Categories: Education, Community, Economy
    Friday, May 30, 2025
    Hampton Inn Kailua-Kona Bay to Open Summer 2025 Following Major Renovation   The Kailua-Kona tourist district will soon welcome the Hampton Inn Kailua-Kona Bay, opening in Summer 2025. Formerly Uncle Billy’s Kona Bay Hotel, the beloved oceanfront property is undergoing a $30 million renovation led by Sandy Shapery and 12th & A Hotel Partners, with financing arranged by Summit ...read more
    Categories: Community, Economy
    Tuesday, May 27, 2025
    Hawai‘i Community Federal Credit Union and Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines Donate $25,000 to Kona Hospital Foundation Kailua-Kona, HI – Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU), in collaboration with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines), is proud to support the West Hawaii community’s healthcare system through a $25,000 donation to the Kona Hospital Foundation. This ...read more
    Categories: Economy, Community
    Friday, May 23, 2025
    To help Hawaiʻi Island families secure a simple and durable place to live, CU HAWAII donated $12,500 to Habitat For Humanity Hawaiʻi Island (HFH) leveraging a matching grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB). The funds to Habitat For Humanity Hawaiʻi Island will be dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving ...read more
    Categories: Economy, Community
    Wednesday, May 21, 2025
    Kailua-Kona, HI – Hawai‘i Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) is proud to announce the appointment of Tyson Klask as its new Vice President of Operations, effective April 21, 2025. Tyson joined the HCFCU ‘ohana in 2017 and most recently served as Hilo Branch Manager, where he led the successful opening and growth of HCFCU’s first East Hawai‘i branch. A dedicated leader with a passion for ...read more
    Categories: Community, Economy
    Friday, May 09, 2025
    Nomination Entry Form: Click Here
    Categories: Economy, Community
    Monday, May 05, 2025
    Welcome to New Chamber Member Sea Dragon Energy, Inc. https://www.seadragon.energy/seawater-to-jet-fuel Sea Dragon Energy, Inc. was created to meet the energy demands of the future with innovations today. Our solutions aim at resolving bottlenecks in the energy system to create truly mobile and on-demand production, storage and consumption of energy. This will allow for a sustainable growth of ...read more
    Categories: Community, Education, Economy
    Monday, May 05, 2025
    Welcome to New Chamber MemberNimbleBrain, Inc. AI Simplified Smarter AI. Faster Decisions. Affordable for Every Business. NimbleBrain’s DeepAgentTM technology simplifies AI so you can launch in minutes — no coding, no overhead.From Idea to Use In Minutes NimbleBrain turns your ideas into AI-driven solutions in a matter of minutes. Our platform understands your intent through natural ...read more
    Categories: Economy, Community, Education
    Wednesday, April 30, 2025
    2026 IRONMAN World Championship Returns to Hawaiian Roots with Kona as Exclusive Location of Reimagined Single Day Race  -- Extensive community feedback shows unequivocally that women and men want to race the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawai`i, together as one `Ohana -- IRONMAN, in collaboration with local and state officials in Hawai`i, announced today that beginning in 2026 the IRONMAN® ...read more
    Categories: Economy, Community
    Friday, April 25, 2025
    Connect. Build. Grow. Register today for the 2nd Annual Kona Coast Leadership Summit, a one-day experience designed for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and creative influencers who are ready to grow, connect, and lead with purpose.   Berry Bird coffee and Four Seasons lunch  Practical workshops and standout speakers Time built-in to actually connect—not just sit and listen Friday, June 13 Four ...read more
    Categories: Economy, Community, Education
    Friday, April 11, 2025
    Welcome to new chamber member eMortgage Hawaii At eMortgage Hawaii, their mission is to set a high standard in the mortgage industry. They are committed to quality customer service - putting the people they serve first. Their goal is to carefully guide you through the home loan process, so that you can confidently select the best mortgage for you and your family from the many mortgage options ...read more
    Categories: Community, Economy
    Tuesday, March 18, 2025
    Welcome to New Chamber MemberFinance FactorsAnne Reid(316) 734-2386 anner@financefactors.com  About Finance Factors At Finance Factors, we’re invested in getting you to where you want to be. For over 70 years, we’ve been offering financial services in Hawaii, working diligently to help generations of families  realize their financial goals. Our story started in 1952, when several island ...read more
    Categories: Community, Economy
    Tuesday, March 18, 2025
    Welcome to Wise Craft Studio and Horace Dinu office@wisecraftstudio.com (808) 756 4575 ArchitecturePool DesignLandscape designInterior DesignProduct DesignRenderingDraftingScale modelingABOUT I express my passion for life by doing: architecture, woodworking, design, sports, music, drawing, learning about consciousness, and other stuff. In my perception, passion and creativity are very close to ...read more
    Categories: Community, Economy
    Friday, March 07, 2025
    Kailua-Kona, HI – Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) is excited to announce Sonia Jazmin as its new Human Resources Manager. With extensive experience in human resources, Sonia brings a strong background in recruitment & retention, employee training & development, and benefits administration to her new role. Sonia joins HCFCU from Ali‘i Health Center, where she built the HR ...read more
    Categories: Community, Economy
    Tuesday, February 04, 2025
    Waikoloa Village expansion includes Holiday Inn, extended-stay hotel By Elizabeth ‘Ufi – Reporter, Pacific Business News Jan 30, 2025 Meridian Pacific, Ltd. is expected to begin construction soon on a $113 million project to build two new hotels in Waikoloa Village as part of its estimated $700 million master-planned mix-used development project that will add more retail and restaurants, ...read more
    Categories: Community, Economy
    Friday, January 31, 2025
    $200-Million Revitalization of Mauna Kea Beach HotelBy Elizabeth ‘Ufi – Reporter, Pacific Business NewsJan 31, 2025 Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection on Hawaii Island will close its Beach Wing in February as part of the last phase of a $200 million renovation at the hotel that started last year.The hotel announced that overall renovations, which began on April 15, will be completed in ...read more
    Categories: Community, Education, Economy
    Tuesday, January 28, 2025
    The 2025 Power Leaders By Christina O'Connor – Senior Digital Editor, Pacific Business NewsJan 27, 2025  Fourteen leaders from across industries and throughout Hawaii were recently named as the 2025 Power Leaders by Pacific Business News — and were honored at an event at The Kahala Hotel & Resort. Now in its third year, the Power Leaders awards recognize local leaders for their accomplishments ...read more
    Categories: Community, Economy
    Thursday, January 23, 2025
    https://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/news/2025/01/22/alaska-air-group-rolls-out-spring-summer-schedule.html? Alaska Air Group has released details of its combined schedule for Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines, with adjustments beginning to take effect in March. In an email to Pacific Business News, Alex Da Silva, Hawaiian director of external communications, listed the current Hawaiian routes that will ...read more
    Categories: Community, Economy
    Thursday, January 23, 2025
    Toby Taniguchi is the yonsei of his family’s company on the Big Island of Hawai’i. That is, he is the fourth generation to lead the business, Puna Plantation Hawaii Ltd., based in Hilo. The company comprises businesses including six KTA Super Stores, KTA Express, five KTA Pharmacy locations and K. Takata Store, which Puna Plantation acquired in September. Puna Plantation’s origins stretch back ...read more
    Categories: Community, Economy
    Monday, December 30, 2024
    Welcome to New Chamber MemberMyles DeCoito AirMedCare Network | Hawaii Life Flight Membership Sales Manager Phone: 808-209-0769 Email: myles.decoito@gmr.net MSM Track Code: 15280Aloha, I’m Myles DeCoito, Membership Sales Manager. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Living in Hawaii means many of us live, work, and play in areas that are remote and isolated. You ...read more
    Categories: Community, Economy, Education
    Monday, December 30, 2024
    Welcome to new member Kama'aina Hale Apartments Kama'aina Hale is located in the Kailua Kona village district less than a quarter mile from the Pacific Ocean. For over 40 years, this 128 unit complex has provided safe and peaceful affordable housing for local families. Its convenient location in along with its diverse community makes for an ideal place to call home and experience our unique ...read more
    Categories: Community, Economy, Education
    Wednesday, December 18, 2024
    Kilauea Visitor Center will close for renovations in FebruaryWednesday, December 18, 2024, 12:05 a.m. West Hawaii Today The Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will undergo substantial renovations starting in February. (Courtesy photo/ HVNP) Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will close Sunday, Feb. 17, 2025 at 5 p.m. for extensive renovations that ...read more
    Categories: Community, Economy
    Wednesday, December 18, 2024
    Hilo, HI – Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) is excited to announce the appointment of Luke Eclipse-Ujano to its Board of Directors. Luke fills the seat vacated by David De Luz, Jr., who will continue serving HCFCU as a member of the Supervisory Committee. A proud graduate of Hilo High School and Hawaiʻi Community College, Luke brings a blend of technical expertise, educational ...read more
    Categories: Community, Economy, Education
    Wednesday, December 18, 2024
    Kailua-Kona, HI – Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) is pleased to announce Steven Kaneko as the new Branch Manager of its Kealakekua Branch. Born and raised in Kona, Steven brings over 30 years of banking experience, deep community ties, and a strong commitment to serving Hawaiʻi Island residents. Steven joins HCFCU after a successful 23-year career with Bank of Hawaii, where he ...read more
    Categories: Community, Economy, Education
    Friday, December 13, 2024
    The Kohala Center receives funding from NIFA to support Native Hawaiian farmers Grant funds will support new and beginning farmers and ranchers to generate food abundance   WAIMEA, Hawaiʻi Island, Hawaiʻi (December 13, 2024)—The Kohala Center today announced that it received a grant award totaling $749,298 that will support the Native Hawaiian community through the United States ...read more
    Categories: Education, Community, Economy
    Thursday, December 12, 2024
    Sunrun welcomes Michael Walsh to the Kailua-Kona Sunrun team "I leverage my expertise in renewable energy solutions to help homeowners transition to solar power. My role involves educating potential customers on the benefits of solar energy, conducting site assessments, and designing tailored solar systems that meet each customer's unique needs. I am passionate about driving sustainability and ...read more
    Categories: Economy, Community, Education
    Thursday, December 12, 2024
     Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Partnerships Focus on Natural Resources, Culture, Festivals and Signature EventsNearly $3 million to support 105 community projects, programs and events statewide in the first six months of 2025 HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) has announced its upcoming community partnerships focused on natural resources, cultural initiatives, festivals and signature ...read more
    Categories: Economy, Community, Education
    Monday, December 02, 2024
    Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines: Two beloved brands. Taking you further.  As two airlines with rich histories of connecting communities, we are working together to create a powerful platform for growth and opportunities across both the Hawaiian and Alaska brands. We are excited to bring you increased benefits, the premium experience that you know and love, and even greater value as you ...read more
    Categories: Economy, Community
    Thursday, November 21, 2024
    The Hawaii Technology Development Corporation has named Damon Matteo as its new executive director and CEO, the organization announced this week. Founded in 1983, HTDC is a state agency attached to the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. It is focused on promoting and developing the state’s technology industry, and its programs include support for technology startups, ...read more
    Categories: Economy, Community, Education
    Thursday, November 21, 2024
    For Immediate Release Hawaiian Telcom is pleased to announce the launch of 3 Gig Symmetrical internet service now available to households in all fiber-enabled areas throughout the state. In our increasingly connected world, the need for faster internet speeds never stops. With 3 Gig Symmetrical Fioptics internet service, users can download (receive data) and upload (send data) at speeds of up to ...read more
    Categories: Economy, Community
    Monday, November 18, 2024
    Welcome to New Member Hamajang Studio We founded Hamajang Studio on the belief that great design is site-specific, concept-driven, and rooted in research.  Our team embraces the complexities of the design and construction process.  Our mission is to streamline this journey for you by making the process personal, collaborative, and fun.  Contact us to embark on a simplified, engaging, and ...read more
    Categories: Community, Economy
    Monday, November 18, 2024
    Welcome to New Chamber Member Kona Houses for SaleAbout The moment you meet Kona Houses for Sale’s Jenni Lee, you immediately notice her tenacious energy that will unite you with the spirit, beauty, and romance of the Big Island. With over $21 million in sales in 2018, Jenni feels she is just getting started. “2017 was an important building year, and 2018 was just the first step in that ...read more
    Categories: Community, Economy
    Wednesday, November 13, 2024
    Kona, Hawaii – The 2024 Kona Coffee Cultural Festival celebrated the best of Kona’s world-renowned coffee this past week, culminating in the highly anticipated Kona Coffee Cupping Competition. After a rigorous evaluation of the finest coffee, four Kona coffee farms emerged victorious, including a tie, earning the award of title of Kona Coffee Cupping Champion. This year’s competition brought ...read more
    Categories: Economy, Community, Education
    Tuesday, November 12, 2024
    Welcome to New Chamber Member Verity CPAsGET YOUR BOOKS IN ORDER WITH VERITY CPAs Verity CPAs offers the right solutions for your business Alicia Spenceraspencer@verity.cpa(808) 546-5026   Kamuela Office65-1298B Kawaihae Rd, Suite 1Kamuela, HI 96743(808) 887-2100About Us Founded in 2012, Verity CPAs is a full-service Certified Public Accounting Firm located on the islands of Oahu and Hawaii. ...read more
    Categories: Economy, Community
    Tuesday, October 15, 2024
    Cyanotech is delighted to share their Top Trends Report from Vitafoods Asia with a summary of informational flyers for their farm-direct Hawaiian microalgae ingredients and an awe-inspiring flight video over their Kailua-Kona Hawaii Farm. Top Trends from Vitafoods 2024 Vitafoods Asia is the premier event for functional ingredients and dietary supplement products. The show recently convened in ...read more
    Categories: Community, Economy
    Monday, October 14, 2024
    Chamber Members fill the Reader’s Choice Awards list of Best of Hawaii West 2024. Congratulations to all the winners. 
    Categories: Economy, Community
    Friday, October 04, 2024
    SBA Awards $9M in Grants to 49 Organizations Across America to HelpUnderserved Communities Access Development Funding and Innovative Research  HONOLULU, HAWAII – Today, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s more than 34 million small businesses, announced that the SBA has issued 49 grants ...read more
    Categories: Community, Economy, Education
    Thursday, September 05, 2024
    New Member Orchid Isle Ford Mainland Deals, Big Island Feels Two Big Island locations to serve you! 76-6319 Kuakini Hwy @ the corner of Lako! in  Kona, HI - 808-329-4851 1030 Kanoelehua Ave @ the corner of Makaala! in Hilo, HI - 808-480-8358Thoughtful Amenities Whether you are waiting for your vehicle to get serviced, picking up a part for your vehicle, or stopping by to check out a new ...read more
    Categories: Community, Economy
    Wednesday, September 04, 2024
    New Chamber Member Instant Roofer Get an Instant Roof Estimate from the Best Roofer for Your Home  Instant Roof Estimates with A.I. Instant Roofer is the best place to generate instant roof estimates. We’re revolutionizing the roofing industry by providing users with a fast and free way to measure a roof, get an instant roof estimate, and connect with the best roofer in your area for an instant ...read more
    Categories: Community, Economy
    Wednesday, September 04, 2024
    New Member - The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival 53rd Kona Coffee Cultural FestivalNov. 1-10, 2024 Hawaiʻi’s Oldest Food FestivalSince its inception in 1970, the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival organization has sought to preserve, perpetuate and promote Kona’s unique nearly 200-year coffee heritage. The Festival and the local community embrace visitors and residents by sharing the unique history and ...read more
    Categories: Community, Economy, Education
    Friday, August 23, 2024
    KOHALA, HAWAIʻI — Hilo-based Puna Plantation Hawaii, Ltd. (Puna Plantation), owner of the KTA Super Stores, KTA Express and KTA Pharmacy banners, will officially acquire the K. Takata Store (Takata), a 10,625-square-foot, family-owned grocery store in Kapaʻau on Sept. 23, 2024. Takata Store owners and brothers Rayton and Jerry Takata are set to retire; they initiated the sale to Puna Plantation to ...read more
    Categories: Community, Economy
    Tuesday, August 20, 2024
    Kailua-Kona, HI – Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) is pleased to announce the promotion of Cecilia Calpito to Controller with over a decade of experience and a strong commitment to HCFCU’s values. Cecilia joined the HCFCU team in 2008, serving in operations before joining the Accounting Department. She saw this opportunity as a foot in the door to gain experience in the financial ...read more
    Categories: Economy, Community
    Tuesday, August 06, 2024
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 6, 2024 HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green, M.D., today announced a multimillion-dollar, private-sector partnership that will hasten the installation of critically needed infrastructure and put roofs over the heads of Maui wildfire survivors. "The wildfires happened on Maui, but affected all of us across the state very deeply. It was clear from the very beginning that ...read more
    Categories: Economy, Community
    Monday, July 22, 2024
    Welcome to New Member Hawaii Solar Panel CleaningHawai‘i's Top Rated Solar Panel Cleaning Company. Hawaii Solar Panel Cleaning provides commercial solar panel cleaning services on the islands of Hawaii, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Lanai. Additionally, as a locally owned business with our roots in Hilo, Hawaii, we proudly offer residential solar panel cleaning services on The Big Island from Hilo to ...read more
    Categories: Economy, Community, Education
    Wednesday, June 26, 2024
    Kailua Kona Cruise Ship Schedule   2025 Schedule January 2025 01 08 15 21 22 29 February 2025 05 06 07 12 19 21 26 March 2025 05 12 19 26 April 2025 02 09 14 15 16 17 23 24 26 27 28 29 30 May 2025 01 07 09 10 14 21 28 June 2025 01 04 08 11 18 25 July 2025 02 08 09 13 16 23 29 30 August 2025 04 06 13 20 27 September ...read more
    Categories: Community, Economy
    Tuesday, August 02, 2022
    The Hawaii Island Humane Society Receives $1.5 Million Grant From The Bob & Renee Parsons FoundationFunds will Support Construction Efforts to Complete the Anne Barasch Ryan Animal Hospital Hawaii (August 1, 2022) – The Hawaii Island Humane Society (HIHS) – a private, nonprofit animal welfare organization – was awarded a $1.5 million grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to support final ...read more
    Categories: Community, Economy
    Friday, July 10, 2020
    Dept 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 more
    Categories: Community, Economy
    Wednesday, July 01, 2020
    Hawaiʻi County General Plan 2040 UpdateSummary of Public Comment and Revised Timeline   The Planning Department appreciates the communities and stakeholders that were part of the robust public outreach in 2019 on the Hawaiʻi County General Plan 2040 Update. A variety of community engagement activities produced valuable input that is actively shaping the next draft. Later this year Planning ...read more
    Categories: Economy