Archives: January 2010

Tech-Buying Lessons

When Jmi Bassett opened her dental office in August, she wanted to distinguish her practice with high-tech tools like the Gendex CB-500, a $200,000 machine that takes digital 3-D x-rays. What’s more, she wanted a computer in each room so she could access that information anywhere. But this kind of technology raises both financial and technical challenges. HB: Did you…

Ask SmallBiz: How do Public Relations and Advertising fit together?

Q. How do public relations and advertising fit together? A. A wise king once said, “There is nothing new under the sun.” That is certainly true when it comes to product launches, public relations and advertising. One time-tested formula goes like this: 1) Create and build buzz. 2) Announce your product. 3) Advertise. This blueprint has been used by Fortune…

Yogurt Wars

When Yogurtland on University Avenue opened in June 2008, co-owner Charlin Johnston didn’t know what to expect. She contemplated waiting until the weekend but took a chance and opened on a Wednesday. In the first eight hours, 500 customers came through the doors – with absolutely no marketing or publicity. Yogurtland was the first of the new wave fro-yo shops to hit…

Parting Shot: Your Next Mechanic

3:00 P.M., Wednesday Honolulu Community College Photography by David Croxford HCC’s automotive technology program usually has an enrollment of 70 to 80 students training to be Hawaii’s future auto mechanics. This class of 16, taught by Noel Alarcon, will graduate in June after five semesters working on up to 60 different car models donated by dealers and individuals. Categories: Education,…

Talk Story with Dr. Michele Carbone

Carbone united Hawaii’s hospitals with the University of Hawaii in the plan to build the cancer center next to the UH Medical School as part of a biotech park in Kakaako. He made it happen by inviting key players to his home and cooking a great meal. Construction on the center is scheduled to begin in spring 2010. Q: How…

Spin Zone: Should the Envision Laie Project be Built?

YES R. Eric Beaver,President & CEO ofHawaii Reserves Inc. I grew up in Laie, a great place for children, a haven for families. My wonderful childhood, spent largely on the water and in the mountains, was made possible by great-grandparents who came to Laie in 1924 to eternally unite their family in the Laie Temple of the Church of Jesus…

‘Smart Growth’

Land-use planning, more than any other public policy, shapes the way you live. It’s responsible for your 60-to-90-minute commute from Kapolei or Hawaii Kai. It’s why you live in a three-bedroom, two-bath home with a two-car garage. It’s what influences you to work downtown, shop in Kakaako and spend your weekends playing on the North Shore or carousing in Waikiki….

Steering Growth – Extended Version

Hawaii Business invited six influential business people and political leaders to talk about development and preservation. The moderator was Jerry Burris, editor-at-large of Hawaii Business. The panelists were: D.G. “Andy” Anderson, developer, former state senator W. Allen Doane, former chairman and CEO, Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. Micah Kane, Kamehameha Schools trustee, former director of the state Department of Hawaiian Home…

State Special Funds Mystery

Local visitors to the venerable Hawaii State Art Museum near the Capitol enjoy a bonanza of visual beauty created by many of the state’s best artists. What they may not realize is that they helped pay for all that art. The special fund that paid for the art at Hawaii State Art Museum is one of hundreds of funds under…

Early Education

For geography professor Tom Giambelluca, having his daughter in high-quality childcare just steps from his University of Hawaii-Manoa office means he can pay full attention to his job, knowing she’s safe and happy. And, in a pinch, he can be with her in a moment. “When I brought my wife back from the doctor and they said, ‘Your baby is…

Roll the Dice and Learn How to Get Rich

Want to be a rich woman and increase your financial IQ? Hawaii’s nine Cashflow Clubs teach financial literacy using the Cashflow Game, which shows how to make your money work for you and how to distinguish between good and bad investments. The board game was created in 1997 by Kim Kiyosaki, author of “Rich Woman,” and Robert Kiyosaki, the bestselling…

More room to enjoy pancakes

One of Oahu’s most popular breakfast and lunch restaurants has moved to a bigger location down the street in Kailua. With 60 seats, Boots & Kimo’s Homestyle Kitchen now has more room for all the locals and tourists who used to stand in line waiting for a spot. At right is a picture of those customers waiting at the old…

What’s It Worth?

What’s It Worth? $$$$4,500 WHAT IS IT? A Frank MacIntosh-designed, Pikaki-label aloha shirt, used as a uniform by the crew of Matson’s SS Mariposa. Why so special? Produced in the late 1940s or early 1950s, this shirt replicates images made by MacIntosh for Matson’s menus. Why so valuable? Dale Hope, author of “The Aloha Shirt: Spirit of the Islands,” says…

Start New Year With Family-Savings Plan

With the holidays over, the budget in tatters and allowances long since spent, it’s a great time to get the family together to talk about money management. A key part of this family project is teaching children how to budget because that skill reduces stress later, for both parents and offspring. The lesson can begin by starting an allowance for…

Lunch in the Garden

Sometimes not eating lunch at your desk means getting in a car — preferably with a few office-mates — and taking off for a change of scenery. And there is no better place for lunch-time scenery in Honolulu than Foster Botanical Garden, tucked on the edge of downtown, right off Vineyard Street and bordering the Kapalama Canal. The garden is…

My Favorite Things: Neil Rose

Neil Rose went from standout athlete at UH Lab School to football captain and quarterback at Harvard. He’s now chief investment officer for Cadinha and Co., with two children under the age of 2 – all before his 30th birthday. Automobile Rose drives a Mercedes but admits to stealing his wife’s minivan on occasion for its more roomy, comfortable ride….

Squeezing Maui’s Nonprofits

Financial troubles are mounting for Maui nonprofits. The latest: As declining county revenue forces budget cuts at the Department of Housing and Human Concerns, the department has revamped its Community Partnership Grants for fiscal 2011. That means many applicants — particularly cultural and environmental organizations — will likely get less money. “The department plans to change the process that’s used…

Advice from the top: Francis Oda

Francis Oda, chairman of Group 70 International, has been heading his architectural firm for more than 30 years. He’s been recognized with more than 37 design awards, nationally and internationally. In this interview, he offers advice to those starting out or trying to get ahead. What was the biggest lesson you learned at your first job? Work for someone you…

Joy Ride in “4-D”

The Shops at Mauna Lani on the Kohala Coast is now home to the state’s only “4-D theater.” Movies shown on the 19-foot widescreen by twin HD projectors are synchronized with full-range motion seats, a surround-sound system and effects such as blowing air and water sprays. Movies include “Sponge Bob Squarepants: The 4-D Ride,” “National Geographic: Sea Monsters 4D –…

Flowers for your boss on Valentine’s Day?

What’s Your Beef? The Corner Office Curmudgeon offers advice about life on the job My boss is an extremely nice person. With Valentine’s Day coming up, would it be appropriate to bring her flowers or is that too personal? How about a box of chocolates or cookies? Forget Valentine’s Day. Anything you do is likely to be misinterpreted. There’s a…

‘Green’ Lights Can Save Plenty of Cash

Incandescents CFLs LEDs Average lifespan in hours 1,000 10,000 to 20,000 but frequent on-offs cut lifespan 50,000 Initial cost From $2 to $10 each 3X as much as incandescents 10X as much as incandescents Light per watt of electricity 40 to 100 watts, at 7 to 24 lumens per watt 1/4 the energy for same light 1/50 the energy for…