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
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…
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.…
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…
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,…
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…
Developing Our Potential
When we started the Wahine in Hawaii Business program last year, we knew that successful women prefer to be known for their accomplishments, not their gender. At the same time, gender’s influence on career attainment is unmistakable. Of the 753…
Camp Counselor
Despite her relatively young age, Christine Camp is remarkably accomplished. She’s the founder and president of Avalon Development, one of the state’s largest real estate firms. At 38, she became the youngest chair of the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce. She’s…
Building a Better Workforce
Hawaii employers are dissatisfied with the verbal and math skills of high school graduates applying for jobs, according to a recent study. So state educators are targeting the problem and asking local businesses for support. The program, called Step Up!…
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…