Despite an unlikely start, the PCC has thrived for more than five decades. Founded by amateur entertainers on what was then the out-of-the-way North Shore of Oahu, it currently hosts about 2,500 visitors a day and continues to evolve. Q:…
Ben Rafter, who previously ran Aqua, wants to turn OLS Hotels & Resorts into “the next great Hawaii hotel operator” In an era when Hawaii’s hotel industry is dominated by offshore owners and operators, Ben Rafter wants to build Hawaii’s…
28 profiles of entrepreneurs, startups and organizations that were nominated or won awards from the Hawaii Venture Capital Association. HVCA…
THE MOST EFFECTIVE LEADERS inspire their teams by building a positive image and trust within their organization. Positive perceptions of leadership can support improved productivity, morale, culture, and retention. But how can leaders who may not interact with front line…
Business leaders can make a big difference in the community by volunteering for nonprofit boards. Andrew Rosen suggests ways to use your skills, background and business acumen for the greater good. 1. Find your passion: Serving on a nonprofit board…
In March, Brad Miles became director of operations for the 74 Hawaii McDonald’s restaurants, as well as eight locations on Guam and two on Saipan. Originally from Australia, Miles has been with the fast-food company since 2003; while still Down…
There’s a new partnership in Hawaii between seasoned small business owners and early-stage entrepreneurs. Experienced CEOs who belong to the Entrepreneurs’ Organization are mentoring the founders of 11 young companies currently under the tutelage of Mana Up, an accelerator aimed…
Outrigger is changing with the arrival in April of Wagoner as CEO and an infusion of $310 million from the strategic sale of six Asia-Pacific hotels. Wagoner – who hails from New York City and has an extensive background in…
Former President Barack Obama said “Hawaii is going to be indispensable” as the Obama Foundation launches its leadership development program in Asia-Pacific and throughout the world. “Hawaii has always been a bridge between East and West. It is part of…
After years of robust success, Hawaii’s largest airline faces increased competition and other market pressures. But Ingram remains unfazed and says he is focusing instead on improving the company’s strengths: outstanding operations, a favorable cost structure and its unique Hawaiian…
An outrigger canoe often serves as a powerful and apt metaphor for how Hawaii can move forward on the many challenges we face. In a canoe, a team paddles in unison toward a sometimes distant spot on the horizon. You…
If there's one thing that businesses can count on, it's that change is inevitable.
If there’s one thing that businesses can count on, it’s that change is inevitable. “I think if you just look around, this is a rapidly changing world, and it can be either fascinating or terrifying, but either way it grabs…
The CEO of Servco Pacific grew the family business by selling off sideline companies, focusing on core competencies and excelling on both customer service and employee satisfaction, all while constantly reinventing the company. When he returned home for what he…
They share the challenges of running successful restaurants during a Hawaii Business SmallBiz Academy event “West Oahu has been a great community for us,” says Jason Higa, CEO of FCH Enterprises, the company that owns Zippy’s Restaurants and several other…
Underriner enjoyed a 35-year career at Providence Health & Services that culminated in him leading the network of eight acute care hospitals and 90 clinics in Oregon. He took over Kaiser Hawaii in May and is eyeing how to bolster Kaiser’s…
The head of Servco Pacific will be profiled in the December issue of the magazine and headlines a breakfast event Dec. 6 with the CEOs of Matson and Foodland Mark Fukunaga, chairman and CEO of Servco Pacific Inc. and CEO…
It’s 2018 and ninety-one percent of countries still have laws that discriminate against women, said Amanda Ellis, an adjunct senior fellow at the East-West Center. “We still do not have a level playing field,” she said, “and that’s…
It’s been a long path from social worker to leading one of Hawaii’s largest nonprofits, but it seems Karen Tan is just getting started. This fall, she and her team are developing a strategic plan to guide CFS over the…
We could not arrange a sit-down interview with Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard, but she did email answers to these four questions from contributing writer Gina Gelber. Q: What advice do you have for women who want to be leaders?…
He's the VP and Division Manager, Swinerton Builders Fifteen years after bringing Swinerton to Hawaii, Ehara offers a nuanced take on the construction industry: Bigger isn’t necessarily better; boom markets have their own challenges; and if you build it, they…
Thursday, January 1, 1970, 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm By Noelle Fujii Merging visions. It’s not as easy as it sounds because Hawaii’s leaders have their own businesses and nonprofits to focus on, said Cindy Adams, president and CEO…
Merging visions. It’s not as easy as it sounds because Hawaii’s leaders have their own businesses and nonprofits to focus on, said Cindy Adams, president and CEO of Aloha United Way. But when you bring hundreds of leaders…
Retired Navy Capt. Scott Kelly, who has spent more time in space than any other American, sat down briefly with Hawaii Business Editor Steve Petranik after Kelly’s keynote speech to the annual Leadership Conference. His comments have been lightly edited.…