Maui Business

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – usually. For children and adults, customers and business owners alike, the holiday season brings a lot of cheer. With that cheer comes the spending of a lot of money and that is exactly what retailers hope for. However, with an economy that is struggling to come […]

Despite the efforts of many businesses to stay out of the red, many businesses are unable to tread water. With the economy being in a state of recession, some Maui businesses are finding it hard to capitalize on tourism, or conduct their regular business as usual. Clearly, declaring bankruptcy is not something that any business […]

Normally, size matters, but in this case it is really irrelevant. Landowners, despite the purpose of the business on their land, all pay the same taxes and this has some non-profit businesses crying foul and some on the city council, too. Take for example this situation. The Kamehameha Schools and the Hawaii Aiki Kwai both […]

Governor Linda Lingle announced today that the State of Hawaii Department of Transportation Harbors Division successfully sold $201.39 million of Harbors

As noted by the Department of Taxation, despite an improvement and an increase in state tax collections throughout the month of October, tax collections were still approximately six percent lower than they were a year ago at this time. This is an ominous sign that does not bode well for the state of Hawaii. It […]

In these tough economic times, every bit of help counts. In a gracious move, Governor-Elect Neil Abercrombie announced that he would be giving twenty-three million dollars of the rainy day fund that the state has maintained for emergencies to social-service programs that are in despairing need. In fact, three dozen of these social-service programs will […]

Although retirement is often glorified in Hollywood, the reality of retirement can be frightening: no set income, no health insurance provided through your company, and a significant drop in income. One of the biggest reasons that people refuse to retire is the lack of health insurance. If one decides to retire before the age that […]

Although some economists have indicated that we are out of the recession, some companies, banks, and consumers would argue differently. While there have been increases in sales and while some companies have experienced profits noted on their quarterly statements, not all companies and banks are doing so well. However, despite some companies still bringing what […]

In rough economic times, any reports of gain are met with warm regards; the current state of the economy has left many businesses on Maui, and the mainland as a whole, struggling to stay afloat, with most bringing in dismal quarterly reports that indicate that the business is heading towards or currently embroiled in a […]

Standard and Poor’s, known for its providing of credit ratings and maintaining the S&P 500, announced that it will raise their rating for long-term bonds to AA+ – a rating that insures the utmost of safety. This is an upgrade that has been a long-time coming for the financially savvy Maui County, a county that […]

Hawaiian Telcom Communications, Inc. has confirmed its emergence from its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. Chapter 11 bankruptcy is a process by which a business can reorganize in order to service its debt or pay its creditors. With Chapter 11, the business remains in control of its business operations, systematically working to correct the issues that […]

Tourism can be one of the most crucial components of an area’s economic health. Because Hawaii relies so heavily on this industry, it is no wonder that the announcement last year that Hawaii would host the annual APEC leaders’ meeting drew much praise from businesses in Hawaii, especially when it was made known that approximately […]

For small businesses that are rooted in a community, relying on the members of that community for support, it is crucial that they spend time giving back to the community that they rely on. However, this type of support is particularly crucial in times of tough economic struggles. People everywhere are struggling to make ends […]

Hawaiian Telcom Communications, Inc. today announced that it has successfully completed its reorganization and has emerged from its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.  The new ownership and capital structure of the Company have been approved by the Federal Communications Commission and the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission. Through its reorganization, Hawaiian Telcom has reduced its debt by […]

For an unprecedented 16th time, the island of Maui captured “Best Island in the World” honors in the 23rd annual CONDE NAST TRAVELER Readers’ Choice Awards Poll.  With a score of 90.7, it also garnered “Best Pacific Island” for the 20th consecutive year. According to the magazine, “Maui is the only island to score above […]

By Wendy Osher Maui’s economic picture is marked by an impressive tourism industry rebound, according to First Hawaiian Bank economic advisor and Hawaii Pacific University professor Dr. Leroy Laney, who was the featured speaker at the 36th Annual First Hawaiian Bank Economic Outlook Forum, held at the Maui Beach Hotel in Kahului on Thursday. [flashvideo […]

Maui Land & Pineapple Company, Inc. reported a $4.6 million loss in the 2nd Quarter of 2010.  That’s an improvement from the $54.2 million loss reported during the same quarter last year.  Revenues were $8.3 million, $400,000 less than the $8.7 million revenues reported at the same time last year. A company press release says […]

Hawaiian Airlines announced the planned launch of a new Honolulu to Seoul South Korea flight to begin in January (2011).  The announcement coupled with the airlines plans to begin daily service between Honolulu and Haneda International Airport in Tokyo later this year, is a significant step towards overseas expansion to Asia.  The Korea Flight will […]

Posted by Wendy Osher [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uf3rR9UvR0[/youtube] VIP Foodservice’s Cash n’ Carry store in Kahului re-opened as Cash n’ Carry Warehouse earlier this month, re-introducing the memorable Akahi red hotdogs that had been out of production for years.  The results of a six-month store renovation and transformation will were unveiled at a grand re-opening celebration on Friday, […]

By Wendy Osher The University of Hawai`i Maui College dedicated a new 15 kilowatt photovoltaic system today that is designed to reduce the college’s energy costs.  The non-petroleum based electricity system was installed by 80 students in two sustainable technology classes. [flashvideo file=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TQd6FJz1wU /] The PV array is already helping to reduce the college’s demand […]