Tech-Startup Lessons
When Ben Leong graduated from the University of Hawaii with a degree in digital animation, he was determined to live and work in Hawaii – even if that meant creating his own company. He and UH classmate Michael Varley founded…
All Stories
My Favorite Things
Allen Uyeda, president and CEO of First Insurance Company of Hawaii, is not your typical aloha-shirt-wearing, Honolulu businessman. Some of his adventures — like scuba-diving the shark-infested Great Barrier Reef would make Indiana Jones cringe. Gadget He says his Treo…
Whats it Worth?
Less than $160 Million What They Are Hawaii Superferry’s two 350-foot high-speed interisland ferries, the Alakai and Huakai. Why They Are Special The $80-million, aluminum-hull Alakai carried up to 866 passengers and 282 vehicles between Honolulu and Kahului, Maui, until…
Date Night is a Marital Necessity
Helping people balance their work, home lives and down time. President Obama calls it “Michelle Time” – the special time he sets aside every day to catch up and talk story with his wife, first lady Michelle Obama. Not long ago,…
Cloud Storage
Small businesses can rent virtual computer servers to save money Islanda Tech says it can help companies save 30 percent to 40 percent on their computer costs by switching them from in-house servers to “virtual” servers — with the added…
A Pro Bono Leader
The Hawaii State Bar Association recently recognized Elizabeth Paek, a Honolulu family law attorney, for her pro bono work. Paek has spent the past decade working in personal injury law, bankruptcy/collections, criminal law and family law, the last of which…
Up in a Down Economy
3 reasons why these Top 250 companies beat the odds No. 1 Reason for Big Gains: Strategic Growth Many Top 250 companies are Hawaii institutions that have defined local business culture for decades and employ the most experienced and talented…
Old Sails Become Light, Durable Bags
In one of the sailing capitals of the world, it makes sense that tough old sails are being remade into something new and bold: bright and feather-light handbags and beach bags that dry fast and can carry a heavy load.…
Eyes, Ears and Voice of Big Isle Businesses
Barbara Hastings has been an advocate for Big Island businesses for over a decade. She is also one of the most well-informed women in Hilo, serving as the eyes, ears and voice of the local business community. As president of…
Hibiscus Lady Creates Scents
The Problem The hibiscus has incredible colors, textures and blossoms, but usually lacks a scent. Enter the Hibiscus Lady, Jill Coryell, who has created gigantic, colorful AND sweet-smelling hibiscus that are sold here and on the Mainland. “What sets me…
My Favorite Things
Barbara Tanabe, president and CEO of Hoakea Communications, is a pioneer. She crushed both color and gender barriers in the 1970s when she became one of the first Asian-American women TV reporters and anchors. Destinations Tanabe is a big fan…
Whats it Worth?
Estimated $30,000 to $50,000 What is It A 1949 “Foam Sandwich,” designed by Bob Simmons,considered the father of the modern surfboard. The 11-foot board used the then-new technology of Styrofoam, sandwiched between plywood planks and trimmed with balsa-wood sides, then…