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<p>For any questions on this topic, please call Oscar Libed of&nbsp;<a title ...

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<title>Hawaii Business Magazine</title>
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<title>Lights On Helps Independent Hotels Manage the Business Side of Hospitality</title>
<link>https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/lights-on-hawaii-small-business-editors-choice-award-winner-2024/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kathryn Drury Wagner]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 17:00:15 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Small Biz Editor's Choice Awards]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[SmallBiz Awards - Landing Page]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/?p=132742</guid>
<description><![CDATA[2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: CEO Will Song and President Patrick Ahler use revenue management and digital marketing to keep rooms filled.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.lightson.co/hawaii/home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lights On</a> just celebrated its 10th anniversary, but as with many small businesses, its early days were less bright.
CEO Will Song and his business partner, Patrick Ahler, who serves as Lights On’s president, started out in the hospitality industry at Aqua Hotels & Resorts. They realized their skills – revenue management and digital marketing – were in high demand with independent hotels and resorts and decided to start their own business.
“We were so excited to help shape the market,” recalls Song of the launch. There was just one problem: no clients. “We flew to Kaua‘i and knocked on doors. We literally got rejected by every single hotel. But rejection is good. When you get knocked down, part of your growth is getting back up.”
Jonathan McManus of Hotel Wailea became Lights On’s first client, says Song. “He entrusted us to help transform his hotel; he’s a visionary and he’s still with us today. He renovated an amazing property, turning a three-star property into a five-star hotel.”
From there the business took off, and today, Lights On has about 50 clients.
Lights On is unique, Song says, because it combines revenue management with marketing. For hotels, that means helping to control inventory and pricing. “So, if demand is strong, rates should increase for certain days, or when it’s softer, we generate promotions or decrease price. We understand and anticipate the events, like the Honolulu Marathon, and incorporate that into the strategy.”
“The key thing is that not all promotions will work for every single hotel,” he says. A recent success was a Step Into Spring promotion for Kaimana Beach Hotel, which advertised 10% off rates, with two welcome beverages at Hau Tree or Sunset Provisions. “We like to tap into the vibe of the hotel. It performed very well for a property like this,” says Song.
Leisure-destination hospitality will continue to be the core of Lights On’s business, says Song, but the company also works with companies in other industries, such as ABC Stores and UHA Health Insurance.
Song’s team is up to 15 full-time employees, and in 2023 the company moved into new offices on Kapi‘olani Blvd., just across from Ala Moana Center, to accommodate the growth.
“But we want to grow smart,” says Song. “Working at other companies, we’ve seen the dangers of growing too fast and then the quality of service will degrade. Patrick and I are committed to maintaining quality service to our existing clients, who have been by our side year in and out. We don’t take that for granted.”
 
  
<div class="article-categories-tags">
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Categories: <a class="article-taxonomy" data-taxonomy-type="category" data-mp-link-type="article taxonomies" href="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/category/small-biz-editors-choice/" rel="category tag">Small Biz Editor’s Choice Awards</a>, <a class="article-taxonomy" data-taxonomy-type="category" data-mp-link-type="article taxonomies" href="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/category/small-business/" rel="category tag">Small Business</a> </div></div>
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<title>U.S. Military Works with Local Partners to Protect Hawai‘i’s Natural Environment</title>
<link>https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/readiness-environmental-protection-integration-projects-hawaii-2024/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kathryn Drury Wagner]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 17:00:03 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Natural Environment]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/?p=133129</guid>
<description><![CDATA[In 2024, nearly $10 million in defense spending is going to habitat preservation, reforestation, watershed protection, and flood and wildfire mitigation. ]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>This year’s REPI Challenge projects will bring millions in environmental project funding to Hawai‘i.
REPI is the <a href="https://www.repi.mil/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Department of Defense’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program</a>. It’s designed to establish collaborative partnerships with state and local governments, as well as private conservation organizations, to protect and restore natural resources and the environment, and to establish compatible land uses near military installations and ranges.
The seven new REPI Challenge projects announced for Hawai‘i in fiscal year 2024 focus on habitat preservation, reforestation, watershed protection, flood and wildfire mitigation, and food and water security.
“The military has some of the most amazing open spaces, natural lands and habitats with species on them, but their training can have an impact on them,” says Mark Fox, the Pacific liaison for REPI. “So, one example of how to help mitigate this is to help manage the species outside the boundary of the installation.”
REPI benefits those serving in the military, too, as well as their families. “The military installation is a part of the community,” says Fox. “It needs basic municipal services, but also the environmental ‘services’ like clean air, fresh water and food – ideally, food grown locally.”
The military contributes funding though its personnel do not work directly on the projects. “But the military service and especially the installation’s staff work very closely with the outside partners to develop the projects,” says Fox. Together, he says, they collaborate on solutions that both promote military readiness and benefit the environment.
 
<h5>Origins of REPI</h5>
The nationwide REPI Program started in 2003 and has been supporting projects in Hawai‘i since 2005. When REPI began, the idea was to create buffers. Let’s say there was a piece of land adjacent to a military installation, and future development on that land could restrict the installation’s training or activities. REPI would keep that space open by helping a government or nonprofit purchase that land, either outright or as a conservation easement in which the landowner gives up the right to development.
“It’s important to note the DOD does not want to own the property,” says Fox. “They want the land owned by a state natural resource agency, or a local one, or a private nonprofit, or a land trust. This is not about the DOD owning more land.”
A “buffer” can also involve land that is not next to a military installation. “Let’s say there was an endangered bird species affected,” says Fox. “The program might contribute to buy a piece of land to secure a habitat and conservation area that is farther away from the base.”
The National Defense Authorization Act, the overarching legislation that originally created REPI, has gradually expanded the program over the years so it can support the management of open spaces, not just purchases. “It can fund open space, parks, agricultural land, range land,” says Fox. “Recently, the REPI Program was expanded again to include issues of climate resilience.”
About 10 years ago, REPI added the REPI Challenge, paving the way for the Pentagon’s nonmilitary partners to spearhead project developments, Fox says. But whether an initiative is suggested by the military or a partner, the projects and results are similar. For 2024, “regular” REPI has garnered $14.5 million for Hawai‘i projects; another $10.2 million has been made available through REPI Challenge funding.
With the military turning its attention to the Indo-Pacific region, and toward China especially, there is increased interest in investing in Hawai‘i’s military presence and readiness, says Fox.
 
<h5>Complex Projects</h5>
“The complexities of executing these partnerships, the behind-the-scenes work being done, is incredible,” says Leah Rothbaum, environmental protection and REPI specialist at Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i. The base has a partnership with the Hawai‘i Land Trust to protect the adjacent Waikalua fishponds complex via a perpetual conservation easement.
“There used to be about 40 different fishponds in Kāne‘ohe Bay,” says Rothbaum. “These stone structures were an ingenious use of natural systems such as tides and currents. They were often filled in and built over during development, and so much culture and understanding of climate resilience and coastal change were lost. Yet after 800 years, some remain and are being carefully stewarded, and are neighbors to the Marine base. The environment affects all of us. It doesn’t matter which side of a fence you are on. It’s the closest project to us, and an opportunity to really engage with our neighbors and have an opportunity to connect on a daily basis.”
On Hawai‘i Island, the Parker Ranch Maunakea Reforestation Project aims to restore 3,300 acres of remnant native forest and pasturelands.
“We look forward to partnering with Parker Ranch on their project that will benefit Pōhakuloa Training Area and the Hawai‘i Island community by increasing watershed functionality, improving fuels management and wildfire response, and expanding forest habitat,” says Tiana Lackey, natural resource biologist at the training area.
“The efforts of our environmental staff at Pōhakuloa Training Area, working closely with our partners from Parker Ranch through the REPI Challenge awards, is nothing short of superb,” says Lt. Col. Tim Alvarado, commander of U.S. Army Garrison Pōhakuloa Training Area. “The blending of training readiness and environmental management on and off base on Hawai‘i Island paves the way for soldiers and Army units to conduct realistic, challenging and tough training and ultimately brings added security and stability to the theater.”
At Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, the military and its partners have received over $28 million of regular REPI funding in 2024 to protect and restore over 100,000 acres of natural resources and lands throughout the state, reports Susie Fong, the joint base’s REPI program manager. In fiscal years 2022 and 2023, the funds helped to restore upland watersheds, aquifers and native forests; transplant native species from nurseries; eradicate non-native species; and construct two state base-yard facilities.
In one example from 2019, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam partnered with the nonprofit Ma‘o Organic Farms so the farm could acquire 236 acres in Lualualei in perpetuity.
 
<h5>2024’s Seven Repi Challenge Projects</h5>
<a href="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/e/u/repi-e1714476914546.jpg" data-lb-width="1602" data-lb-height="1200" class=" photoswipe gtxlightbox"><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-133130" src="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/e/u/repi-e1714476914546-1024x767.jpg" alt="Repi" srcset="https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/e/u/repi-e1714476914546-1024x767.jpg 1024w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/e/u/repi-e1714476914546-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/e/u/repi-e1714476914546-768x575.jpg 768w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/e/u/repi-e1714476914546-1536x1151.jpg 1536w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/e/u/repi-e1714476914546-600x450.jpg 600w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/e/u/repi-e1714476914546.jpg 1602w" sizes="(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px"></a>
Since the first REPI Challenge project launch in Hawai‘i in 2021, there have been 15 funded projects using $40.3 million in REPI Program funds and $55.5 million in partner contributions.
<a href="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/o/c/repi-2-e1714476900118.jpg" data-lb-width="1327" data-lb-height="1200" class=" photoswipe gtxlightbox"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-133132" src="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/o/c/repi-2-e1714476900118-1024x926.jpg" alt="Repi 2" srcset="https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/o/c/repi-2-e1714476900118-1024x926.jpg 1024w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/o/c/repi-2-e1714476900118-300x271.jpg 300w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/o/c/repi-2-e1714476900118-768x694.jpg 768w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/o/c/repi-2-e1714476900118.jpg 1327w" sizes="(max-width: 597px) 100vw, 597px"></a>
 
<h5>Multiple Efforts</h5>
Some projects involve multiple military branches and islands. For example, the Detection and Management of High-Impact Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive Species affects Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands on Kaua‘i, Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i on O‘ahu, and Pōhakuloa Training Area on Hawai‘i Island. Community partners include UH, the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources, and the U.S. Forest Service.
Funding from REPI has helped expand biocontrol work in Kāne‘ohe Bay, explains Elizabeth Monaghan, an aquatic invasive species biologist with the Division of Aquatic Resources. “We are using native sea urchins, a natural predator of the algae, to control invasive algae. It’s a really good grazer.”
Raising the sea urchins in a hatchery on Sand Island required the creation of 10 new jobs, says Monaghan. Also, “resilient reefs have a major impact. The reefs support the economy through tourism, provide seafood from nearshore fisheries, and they help protect coastal homes. We do a lot of community outreach, and generally get a positive reaction to the urchin biocontrol project. People like the idea of a natural solution, and growing our endemic species is really important to them.”
She added that REPI funds pay for the creation of an O‘ahu-based rapid response coordinator position. This person can address coral disease outbreaks or bleaching throughout the state, or deal with the aftermath of big storms. She also says the partnership is working on environmental DNA technology that can screen for invasive species threats.
 
<h5>Planting Seeds for the Future</h5>
The U.S. Army Garrison Hawai‘i, in partnership with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, received $2.2 million in REPI funds. The partnership with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs will support and expand their revegetation and education programs for the area surrounding the Kūkaniloko birthstones in Wahiawā, according to Kapua Kawelo, natural resource manager with U.S. Army Garrison Hawai‘i.
<div id="attachment_133134" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 770px;"><a href="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/t/e/mn1501-od-kukaniloko-6922-scaled.jpg" data-lb-width="2560" data-lb-height="1707" class=" photoswipe gtxlightbox"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-133134 size-large" src="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/t/e/mn1501-od-kukaniloko-6922-1024x683.jpg" alt="Mn1501 Od Kukaniloko 6922" srcset="https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/t/e/mn1501-od-kukaniloko-6922-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/t/e/mn1501-od-kukaniloko-6922-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/t/e/mn1501-od-kukaniloko-6922-768x512.jpg 768w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/t/e/mn1501-od-kukaniloko-6922-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/t/e/mn1501-od-kukaniloko-6922-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px"></a>The Office of Hawaiian Affairs received $2.2 million from the Defense Department to support and expand its revegetation and education programs for the area around the Kūkaniloko birthstones in Wahiawā. | Photo: Odeelo Dayondon</div>
“The establishment of a native seed orchard will scale up production of native seeds for use in habitat restoration and revegetation following wildfire,” Kawelo says. “In this changing climate and era of catastrophic wildfires, building a native seed supply is essential.”
Of the REPI Challenge awards, Col. Steve McGunegle, commander at U.S. Army Garrison Hawai‘i, says “the community will clearly see the benefits of the preservation and management work done by our environmental specialists working side by side with local experts.”
The REPI Challenge grants, he says, “demonstrate the balance we must attain between readiness in the theater and environmental protection.”
 
  
<div class="article-categories-tags">
<div class="article-categories">
Categories: <a class="article-taxonomy" data-taxonomy-type="category" data-mp-link-type="article taxonomies" href="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/category/natural-environment/" rel="category tag">Natural Environment</a> </div>
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<title>Symbrosia Harvests Seaweed in an Innovative Strategy to Slow Climate Change</title>
<link>https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/symbrosia-hawaii-small-business-editors-choice-award-winner-2024/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ryann Coules]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 May 2024 17:00:49 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Small Biz Editor's Choice Awards]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[SmallBiz Awards - Landing Page]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/?p=132727</guid>
<description><![CDATA[2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Founder Alexia Akbay says its nutritional supplement for livestock dramatically cuts their methane emissions. ]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://symbrosia.co/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Symbrosia</a> harvests seaweed, but not for human consumption. The company’s product, SeaGraze, is sprinkled into the feed of cows and other livestock.
Seaweed has been proven to reduce methane emissions from livestock by 90% in replicated scientific trials, the company says. In real life, where procedures can’t always be perfectly achieved, that reduction is still an impressive 70%-80%. Symbrosia calls it a groundbreaking discovery in the effort to slow climate change.
“Our mission is to work alongside farmers to solve climate change,” says Alexia Akbay, who founded Symbrosia in 2018.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency calls methane the second-most abundant anthropogenic greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide, and the U.N. Environment Programme says it’s responsible for about a third of the Earth’s warming.
“It’s a greenhouse gas that is 30 times more potent than carbon dioxide,” Akbay says. “So it’s actually a good strategy to focus on reducing methane emissions because we’ll see a steeper cooling effect if we work on the more potent greenhouse gases first.”
The main source of human-influenced methane emissions is by far livestock – especially dairy and beef cattle. Studies estimate the global livestock sector accounts for 10%-20% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the world. A cow’s digestive process creates the methane, which is released when the animal burps.
But a specific seaweed, the Asparagopsis variety, contains bromoform, which disrupts this chemical reaction in a cow’s digestive tract without harming the animal. Quite the opposite, in fact. Akbay says SeaGraze is a “nutritional supplement for organic livestock because it’s a great source of minerals that they need.”
The most promising species at negating methane, Asparagopsis taxiformis, is a Pacific seaweed native to Hawai‘i, where it’s known as limu kohu. Symbrosia’s land-based aquaculture farm is located in Kailua-Kona on Hawai‘i Island because of the access to deep sea water and year-round sunshine. 
SeaGraze is currently being used at farms in Hawai‘i, Minnesota, Colorado, Oregon and California.
It isn’t the only product of its kind on the market, but Symbrosia stands out against its competitors, Akbay says. “Where we really differentiate is that we have a technical founding team.”
“We’re very data driven and have implemented a lot of automation in our farm to support scaling up. There’s also a number of unique research projects underway to enhance the microbiome of the seaweed to promote yielding gains,” she says, among other innovations.
Symbrosia says it is committed to sustainable farming practices, such as using 100% renewable energy, using no fresh water and relying mostly on the sun to grow its aquaculture crops.
Another focus is employing Native Hawaiians and longtime locals. “Working on professional development and offering management leadership opportunities to those folks is actually a metric we track,” Akbay says.
 
  
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Categories: <a class="article-taxonomy" data-taxonomy-type="category" data-mp-link-type="article taxonomies" href="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/category/small-biz-editors-choice/" rel="category tag">Small Biz Editor’s Choice Awards</a>, <a class="article-taxonomy" data-taxonomy-type="category" data-mp-link-type="article taxonomies" href="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/category/small-business/" rel="category tag">Small Business</a> </div></div>
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<title>Ensuring Resilience in a Storm: Climate change is impacting Hawaii. Is your business prepared and protected?</title>
<link>https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/business-climate-change-preparation-tips-island-insurance/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Our Advertising Partner]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 May 2024 17:00:35 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Partner Content]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/?p=132898</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Hawaii business owners are grappling with the impact climate change and severe weather could have on future operations. What proactive steps can businesses take to help ensure a stable recovery after a disaster? ]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>Prepare Your Business for Climate Change Impacts 
<ol>
<li data-leveltext="%1." data-font="" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props='{"335552541":0,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[65533,0],"469777803":"left","469777804":"%1.","469777815":"multilevel"}' aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Complete a risk assessment of property that includes engineering inspections and appraisals. Annual inspections will help identify potential issues and valuation deficiencies. An inspection can also help business owners mitigate and fix maintenance issues proactively and reduce damage from a disaster. </li>
<li data-leveltext="%1." data-font="" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props='{"335552541":0,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[65533,0],"469777803":"left","469777804":"%1.","469777815":"multilevel"}' aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Upgrade and maintain facilities and equipment consistently to strengthen resilience to unpredictable changes in climate. Hawaii is prone to hurricanes and severe winds. Keeping up with roof structure and plumbing maintenance (i.e., fixing leaks quickly) is vital to ensure your business can better weather a storm. Additionally, consider the growing risk of wildfires and incorporate fire-resistant materials into your building’s framework where possible.  </li>
<li data-leveltext="%1." data-font="" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props='{"335552541":0,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[65533,0],"469777803":"left","469777804":"%1.","469777815":"multilevel"}' aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Make sure insurance coverage is current and adequately covers potential losses in case of disaster. Consider adding hurricane and flood coverage to your property insurance, regardless of your location’s risk level, to protect against losses from unpredictable climate events. Additionally, opt for business income coverage to safeguard against income loss during closures caused by severe weather or other climate-related incidents. </li>
<li data-leveltext="%1." data-font="" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props='{"335552541":0,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[65533,0],"469777803":"left","469777804":"%1.","469777815":"multilevel"}' aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Protect your employees by implementing a phone tree or other contact system to alert them when your business is closed or closing due to expected dangerous conditions.  Such conditions can be from impending weather events, wildfires or tsunamis. </li>
<li data-leveltext="%1." data-font="" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props='{"335552541":0,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[65533,0],"469777803":"left","469777804":"%1.","469777815":"multilevel"}' aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Regularly communicate with your insurance agent to ensure your coverage meets your needs, addresses potential risks, and fits your budget. With severe weather events increasing, it’s important to consider the benefits of insurance as part of your risk mitigation strategy. </li>
</ol>
<div id="attachment_132913" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 770px;"><a href="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/j/l/image-island0894-business.jpg" data-lb-width="1966" data-lb-height="1311" class=" photoswipe gtxlightbox"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-132913" src="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/j/l/image-island0894-business-1024x683.jpg" alt="Image Island0894 Business" srcset="https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/j/l/image-island0894-business-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/j/l/image-island0894-business-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/j/l/image-island0894-business-768x512.jpg 768w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/j/l/image-island0894-business-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/j/l/image-island0894-business.jpg 1966w" sizes="(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px"></a>Photo: courtesy of Island Insurance</div>
<a href="https://www.islandinsurance.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Island Insurance</a>’s local experts have been there for Hawaii for more than 80 years, including through difficult times. Please contact an Island Insurance agent today if you have questions about your insurance protection. 
 
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<title>Priceless Cargo | Pets, Boards and Bikes</title>
<link>https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/ship-valuable-cargo-boards-bikes-pet-services-aloha-air/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Our Advertising Partner]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 May 2024 17:00:59 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Partner Content]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/?p=132835</guid>
<description><![CDATA[At Aloha Air Cargo, we understand the value of your priceless cargo and treat each shipment with the care and kindness you want to see. ]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>Loveable Pet Air Service | Our Loveable Pet Air Service provides safe and comfortable travel throughout the islands of Hawaii for your dog, cat, tropical fish, pig, bird or more. If they can safely and comfortably fit in our planes, consider them our personal VIPs (Very Important Pets) to fly first class all the way to their island destination. And our first class pet service includes a temperature controlled area for them before, during and after their flight. We treat them right.
<div id="attachment_132889" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 770px;"><a href="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/u/t/pic-2-aloha-photo-5-scaled.jpg" data-lb-width="2560" data-lb-height="1707" class=" photoswipe gtxlightbox"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-132889" src="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/u/t/pic-2-aloha-photo-5-1024x683.jpg" alt="Pic 2 Aloha Photo 5" srcset="https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/u/t/pic-2-aloha-photo-5-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/u/t/pic-2-aloha-photo-5-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/u/t/pic-2-aloha-photo-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/u/t/pic-2-aloha-photo-5-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/u/t/pic-2-aloha-photo-5-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px"></a>Photo: courtesy of Aloha Air Cargo</div>
Bike, Surfboard, and Sports Equipment | Hawaii is not only home, but an ideal playground for a wide range of activities, sports, and recreation. We have both perfect weather and picturesque scenery, and each island offers a different landscape and opportunity. Don’t limit yourself to the Island you live on; take a trip to a neighbor Island and take advantage of our bike, surfboard, longboard or paddleboard shipping service. Enjoy the entirety of this beautiful state.
<div id="attachment_132891" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 770px;"><a href="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/i/q/pic-3-d1a6682-scaled.jpg" data-lb-width="2560" data-lb-height="1707" class=" photoswipe gtxlightbox"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-132891" src="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/i/q/pic-3-d1a6682-1024x683.jpg" alt="Pic 3 D1a6682" srcset="https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/i/q/pic-3-d1a6682-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/i/q/pic-3-d1a6682-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/i/q/pic-3-d1a6682-768x512.jpg 768w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/i/q/pic-3-d1a6682-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/i/q/pic-3-d1a6682-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px"></a>Photo: courtesy of Aloha Air Cargo</div>
<a href="https://www.alohaaircargo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aloha Air Cargo</a> operates a fleet of Boeing 767 and 737 planes to provide the islands with regular flights six days a week into every major airport in the islands, including Hilo, Honolulu, Kahului, Kona and Lihue. Our customer service is unmatched, and safety is built in to our culture.
At Aloha Air Cargo, we are committed to meeting your air cargo needs with the care and attention you’ve come to trust. 
If you need it, we ship it. Contact a cargo expert at 888-94-ALOHA 
 
  
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<title>Fixing Hawai‘i’s Deadly Roads</title>
<link>https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/hawaii-roadway-safety-pedestrian-fatalities-problem-and-solutions/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Chavonnie Ramos]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 May 2024 17:00:54 +0000</pubDate>
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<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/?p=132982</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Speeding, drunk driving and other causes kill about a hundred people a year. Here is what’s being done to keep Hawai‘i’s drivers, pedestrians and bikers safer.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>Safety innovations – like artificial intelligence software, better designs, better brakes and driver-assistance systems – should make it safer for people inside and outside vehicles.
Instead, in many ways, America’s roads seem to be getting deadlier, especially for pedestrians. Consider these numbers:
<ul>
<li>7,508 pedestrians in the U.S. were struck and killed by vehicles in 2022 – the highest total since 1981, according to a report by the Governors Highway Safety Association.</li>
<li>The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said 42,939 people died in traffic crashes in 2021 – the most in a decade and a half. The death toll fell only slightly in 2022, to 42,514, and the fatality estimate for 2023 is 40,990.</li>
</ul>
State Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen says Hawai‘i is doing better than the nation as a whole. For example, in 2021 there were 1.37 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled across America, according to the nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Those deaths include people riding in all vehicles, including bicycles, as well as pedestrians. In comparison, Hawai‘i recorded 0.94 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled – 31% fewer than the national average.
The state’s five-year rolling average of traffic fatalities dropped from 106 in 2018 to 99 in 2023. The five-year rolling average is a better gauge of trends than annual traffic fatalities, because the annual number fluctuates from year to year.
 
<h5>Speed Continues to Kill</h5>
But that’s not to say Hawai‘i’s traffic numbers are good. Speeding has been a major contributing factor in almost half of Hawai‘i’s traffic deaths in recent years, with the actual percentage fluctuating from year to year. For example, in 2020, speed was a major factor in 44% of Hawai‘i’s traffic crashes involving fatalities. That was tied for the third-highest percentage among the states; South Carolina and Colorado had the highest rates at 46%, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Speeding Traffic Safety Facts.
A few local fatalities have drawn special attention.
Last year, 16-year-old McKinley High School student Sara Yara was killed and another student injured by a hit-and-run driver while crossing with the light in a marked crosswalk along Kapi‘olani Boulevard. Mitchel Miyashiro, a 46-year-old driver with 164 prior traffic citations, allegedly sped away from the scene, but he later turned himself in to police. He has been charged with negligent homicide in the first degree and other offenses.
<div id="attachment_132988" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 2500px;"><a href="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/o/l/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x400-1.jpg" data-lb-width="2500" data-lb-height="1667" class=" photoswipe gtxlightbox"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-132988 size-full" src="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/o/l/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x400-1.jpg" alt="05 24 Hb Traffic Deaths Web 600x400" srcset="https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/o/l/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x400-1.jpg 2500w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/o/l/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x400-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/o/l/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x400-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/o/l/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x400-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/o/l/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x400-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/o/l/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x400-1-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px"></a>This speed hump on Kapi‘olani Boulevard – built after a student at nearby McKinley High School was killed by a hit-and-run driver – is one of 203 raised pedestrian crosswalks and speed humps in the state. Another 28 are currently being built. | Photo: Aaron Yoshino</div>
In 2016, 19-year-old Kaulana Werner was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Nānākuli; the driver was accused of speeding and intoxication. It took a jury less than two hours to find Myisha Armitage, then 26, criminally responsible for Werner’s death.
Werner’s family was instrumental in advocating for the successful passage in 2018 of a state law called “Kaulana’s Bill” that allows courts to extend prison time for offenders convicted of first-degree negligent homicide who fail to render aid at the scene of an accident.
Sniffen says the state and counties try many things to reduce speeding and drunken driving, including campaigns that implore people “to take care of neighbors, families, friends and themselves.”
But the enforcement of laws is the most important motivator, he says. “I would say 80% of the people will follow the law or be pretty close to it,” says Sniffen. “There’s a 20% outlier that are just not, and they’re not going to do it unless there’s enforcement.”
Hawai‘i law describes excessive speeding as exceeding the speed limit by 30 mph or more, or going 80 mph or more regardless of the speed limit. Excessive speeding citations issued by law enforcement in Hawai‘i are totaled by fiscal year, which runs from each July 1 to June 30. Here are some recent totals:
<ul>
<li>2019: 357 citations</li>
<li>2020: 915</li>
<li>2021: 685</li>
<li>2022: 1,194</li>
</ul>
 
<h5>Distracted Driving Also Kills</h5>
Distracted driving is another top concern for DOT. The number of fatalities it causes is likely underreported, Sniffen says, because “we don’t know sometimes when a person died, whether or not they were distracted with the telephone.” From 2018 to 2022, 111 of the 520 traffic fatalities were known to be related to distracted driving. That’s 21.3% of the total.
<a href="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/p/b/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x460-statewide-traffic-fatalities.jpg" data-lb-width="2500" data-lb-height="1917" class=" photoswipe gtxlightbox"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-133273" src="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/p/b/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x460-statewide-traffic-fatalities-1024x785.jpg" alt="05 24 Hb Traffic Deaths Web 600x460 Statewide Traffic Fatalities" srcset="https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/p/b/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x460-statewide-traffic-fatalities-1024x785.jpg 1024w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/p/b/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x460-statewide-traffic-fatalities-300x230.jpg 300w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/p/b/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x460-statewide-traffic-fatalities-768x589.jpg 768w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/p/b/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x460-statewide-traffic-fatalities-1536x1178.jpg 1536w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/p/b/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x460-statewide-traffic-fatalities-2048x1570.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px"></a>
In addition to using cell phones, distracted driving also involves things such as grooming, eating and drinking while driving.
Hawai‘i has state laws intended to reduce distracted driving, including a mobile electronic device law, implemented in 2013. In 2009, Honolulu was the first county in the state to pass an ordinance prohibiting people from using cell phones while driving. Using one while driving in Hawai‘i could result in a $297 citation; if a driver is caught using a mobile device in a school or construction zone, the citation is $347. Here are the number of recent statewide citations for distracted driving, which show a big decrease in recent years:
<a href="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/v/q/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x565-distracted-driving-citations.jpg" data-lb-width="2500" data-lb-height="2354" class=" photoswipe gtxlightbox"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-133278" src="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/v/q/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x565-distracted-driving-citations-300x282.jpg" alt="05 24 Hb Traffic Deaths Web 600x565 Distracted Driving Citations" srcset="https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/v/q/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x565-distracted-driving-citations-300x282.jpg 300w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/v/q/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x565-distracted-driving-citations-1024x964.jpg 1024w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/v/q/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x565-distracted-driving-citations-768x723.jpg 768w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/v/q/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x565-distracted-driving-citations-1536x1446.jpg 1536w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/v/q/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x565-distracted-driving-citations-2048x1928.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></a>
Sniffen says the state DOT places raised pedestrian crosswalks and roundabouts on certain roads to reduce speeding. For example, in the weeks after Sara Yara was killed, the DOT and Honolulu’s Department of Transportation Services installed two raised pedestrian crosswalks on Pensacola Street plus speed humps on Kapi‘olani Boulevard and a red-light camera – all near McKinley High School.
“These are reminders in different spots where I know there’s going to be conflicts between bicyclists, pedestrians and vehicles where I can slow you down,” says Sniffen, “so that if you do crash at a lower speed, the chances of everybody surviving … goes up.”
As of March, there are 203 raised pedestrian crosswalks and speed humps in the state, with another 28 currently being built, according to Sniffen. He says raised pedestrian crosswalks can cost between $50,000 and $150,000.
 
<h5>Red-Light Cameras</h5>
From 2015 to 2020, 1,879 crashes statewide were attributed to red-light and other traffic signal violations, according to the DOT. The state began installing red-light cameras in 2022.
The cameras are part of a two-year pilot project at 10 intersections on O‘ahu. Initially, they were only used to issue warnings to violators; since then, they’ve resulted in about 13,500 citations.
Today, the number of drivers running red lights at those 10 intersections is down 25% to 65%, depending on the intersection, according to Sniffen. The pilot project is expected to end in 2025 and he hopes to expand the use of cameras statewide.
The red-light cameras can also monitor speed. A similar speed enforcement bill has been proposed at the state Legislature and, if passed, would give DOT the power to cite people who speed past the cameras.
DOT is also launching a project this summer to upgrade 250 of O‘ahu’s state-owned traffic controllers to an automated system, says Sniffen. The current controllers have two base timings that gives drivers equal crossing time in each of the mainline directions. Sniffen says the controllers prioritizes “the mainline over the side streets,” but the upgraded ones will have sensors to measure the flow of drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. That data can help determine how DOT can improve corridors where drivers are speeding and “get those speeds back down to what the safe speed should be in that area,” he says.
The new data will streamline analysis of heavy traffic and make it easier to identify mistimed lights. Sniffen says corridor studies usually take two weeks to three months, but the new system could bring it down to 20 minutes.
“We’re going in the right direction,” he says. “We think our speed mitigation is working really well, and we’re going to continue that and keep partnering with our education programs and enforcement.”
 
<h5>Bigger Vehicles Are Deadlier</h5>
It’s obvious that bigger vehicles are more dangerous to pedestrians, but what’s surprising is how much more deadly a small difference in size can make, according to several studies.
“Small increases in (weight in) the front end of vehicles dramatically increases the probability that a pedestrian dies,” says Justin Tyndall, an assistant professor of economics at UH Mānoa and part of the UH Economic Research Organization.
Tyndall has worked on numerous transportation studies about pedestrians and transit communities. A study released this year looked at how front-end vehicle heights relate to pedestrian deaths. Tyndall analyzed national data on 3,400 vehicle crashes in which pedestrians were struck and estimated the partial effects that front-end vehicle height had on the pedestrians’ survival rates.
He found that an increase of 10 centimeters (about 4 inches) in the front-end height of a vehicle contributes to a 22% increase in the chances that a pedestrian will die when hit by that vehicle.
“Larger vehicles are much more likely to hit the pedestrian in the head or the body rather than the legs and more likely to force them under the vehicle in a collision,” says Tyndall.
On average, according to Tyndall’s research, a pedestrian has a 9.1% chance of dying after being hit by a vehicle. But when the vehicle is a pickup truck or a full-size SUV, the rates climb to 11.9% and 12.4%, respectively.
<a href="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/n/d/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x436-county-traffic-fatalities.jpg" data-lb-width="2500" data-lb-height="1817" class=" photoswipe gtxlightbox"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-133272" src="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/n/d/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x436-county-traffic-fatalities-1024x744.jpg" alt="05 24 Hb Traffic Deaths Web 600x436 County Traffic Fatalities" srcset="https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/n/d/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x436-county-traffic-fatalities-1024x744.jpg 1024w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/n/d/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x436-county-traffic-fatalities-300x218.jpg 300w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/n/d/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x436-county-traffic-fatalities-768x558.jpg 768w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/n/d/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x436-county-traffic-fatalities-1536x1116.jpg 1536w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/n/d/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x436-county-traffic-fatalities-2048x1488.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px"></a>
Tyndall says past research also shows that larger vehicles create more blind spots for drivers.
Larger vehicles have surged in popularity. In 2021, 78% of new vehicles sold or leased in the U.S. were light trucks, a category that includes SUVs, pickups and vans, according to the federal Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
Tyndall says pedestrians would be safer if taxes or regulations were in place to discourage people from driving those kinds of larger vehicles.
“We could save a lot of pedestrian lives if we had some pretty modest regulations around vehicle designs that could protect pedestrians.”
Of course, a vehicle’s speed also plays a role in pedestrian fatalities. According to a 2011 study by the American Automobile Association, a pedestrian has a 10% chance of dying if struck by a car going 23 mph. That rises to 50% if the car is going 42 mph, and 75% at 50 mph.
 
<h5>Deadly to Walk</h5>
The number of pedestrians in the U.S. who were struck and killed by cars in 2022 was the highest in over 40 years, according to a report by the Governors Highway Safety Association, a nonprofit that represents states’ safety offices. About 7,508 people were killed while walking along U.S. roads that year; Hawai‘i accounted for 28 of those fatalities.
In Hawai‘i from 2010 to 2021, pedestrian and bicyclist deaths per year increased by an average of 9.5% and 0.6%, respectively, and overall traffic fatalities saw an average annual decrease of 0.4%, according to the DOT.
DOT data shows that a total of 36,564 traffic crashes occurred in Hawai‘i from 2017 to 2021. Of those, 2,736, or 7.5%, involved pedestrians and 137 resulted in deaths. Another 336 resulted in serious injuries.
In those five years, the number of crashes involving pedestrians declined, but the average severity of pedestrian injuries increased. Pedestrian deaths increased by 21% in that time and crashes leading to serious injuries among pedestrians rose by 11% on an average annual basis, according to the DOT.
On O‘ahu, the city’s Department of Transportation Services says that pedestrian deaths account for about a third of all traffic fatalities on the island.
Daniel Alexander, a transportation planner for DTS, says crashes involving pedestrians most commonly happen at uncontrolled crossings and intersections with traffic lights that allow left turns.
According to the O‘ahu Pedestrian Plan, 38 road corridors and 107 intersections/ crossings account for a disproportionate share of pedestrian injuries and fatalities. Alexander says 2% of city roads accounted for 60% of pedestrian deaths on O‘ahu.
A few of the areas receiving improvements that enhance pedestrian safety are Ke‘eaumoku Street between Wilder Avenue and Kapi‘olani Boulevard; North King Street; Dillingham Boulevard; and Kamehameha Highway in Kāne‘ohe between Ha‘ikū Road and Waikalua Road. The plan is available at <a href="http://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.honolulu.gov/rep/site/dts/Oahu%20Pedestrian%20Plan_Final_reduced.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tinyurl.com/PedestrianPlan2022</a>.
The rise in total pedestrian deaths in Hawai‘i has disproportionately affected older adults, people of color and people with low incomes, says Keali‘i Lopez, state director for AARP Hawai‘i. Kūpuna 65 and older made up 17% of O‘ahu’s population in 2019. But, from 2015 to 2020, they represented 41% of all pedestrians killed in crashes, and 24% of all people killed while bicycling, according to DTS.
Another vulnerable community is Hawai‘i’s homeless population; the DOT started tracking pedestrian deaths among that group three years ago, according to Sniffen.
“The homeless population has been about a seventh of the fatalities that occur in the system,” he says. “That’s a big number.”
Sniffen says DOT is working with different state and city agencies to “ensure that we can understand the need that (homeless) people have for crossing in different areas.”
One deadly spot for the homeless is where Nimitz Highway connects to the H-1 Freeway.
“People should not be living on the DOT roadways. It’s just flat out dangerous,” says Sniffen. “But instead of just moving them, we’re trying to find different locations that they can go to.”
 
<h5>Bad Trend: More Scooter Deaths</h5>
Scooter deaths statewide have gone up in recent years: From 2003 to 2020, there were no more than two a year; some years had none. But there were 10 in 2021, eight in 2022 and five last year.
Scooters refer to various types of vehicles, some motorized and others not, including those with a narrow plank and small wheels front and back, commonly known as kick scooters or push scooters.
However, scooter can also refer to motorized two-wheelers with a step-through frame (think of the traditional frame of a girl’s bike) and other vehicles. All of the state’s legal definitions of scooter can be found at <a href="https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol05_Ch0261-0319/HRS0286/HRS_0286-0002.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tinyurl.com/scooterrules</a>.
 
<h5>Calls for More Infrastructure</h5>
Advocates and nonprofits have called for more infrastructure and facilities to protect pedestrians and bicyclists.
“When people can’t walk, bike and take transit in their communities when it makes sense, and that we force everybody to feel that the only way they can get around is in a car – we’re really doing a big disservice to our communities,” says Katie Rooney, director of transportation policy and programs for the nonprofit Ulupono Initiative.
Motorcycle crashes account for a disproportionate number of traffic fatalities, according to the DOT. In 2023, the 27 motorcycle-related fatalities, which include mopeds and scooters, accounted for 29% of all state traffic-related deaths. The DOT has also reported an increase in DUI and speeding citations issued to motorcycle drivers.
The nine bicyclist fatalities in 2023 were the most ever in Hawai‘i in a single year, the DOT says.
<a href="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/r/k/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x480-who-is-dying.jpg" data-lb-width="2500" data-lb-height="2000" class=" photoswipe gtxlightbox"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-133276" src="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/r/k/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x480-who-is-dying-1024x819.jpg" alt="05 24 Hb Traffic Deaths Web 600x480 Who Is Dying" srcset="https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/r/k/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x480-who-is-dying-1024x819.jpg 1024w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/r/k/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x480-who-is-dying-300x240.jpg 300w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/r/k/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x480-who-is-dying-768x614.jpg 768w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/r/k/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x480-who-is-dying-1536x1229.jpg 1536w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/r/k/05-24-hb-traffic-deaths-web-600x480-who-is-dying-2048x1638.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px"></a>
Alexander says the characteristics of bike-vehicle crashes are “kind of all over the place” but often involve bicyclists getting hit from behind, while pulling out of driveways or while making left turns.
“But the biggest trend we saw is that it’s mostly bicyclists not in bikeways, not in dedicated bikeways – so we’re there sharing space,” he says.
Honolulu Department of Transportation Services says the King Street Protected Bike Lane is an example of a successful infrastructure project that makes bicyclists safer. The project reduced the street from six motor-vehicle lanes to five, with a bike lane added on the mauka side.
That bike lane had a significant impact, DTS says. In the four years before the bikeway opened in 2014, 50 bicyclist injuries were reported along the 2-mile stretch from Alapa‘i Street to Isenberg Street. In the four years after the bike lane was set up, only 25 bicyclist injuries were reported.
Alexander says there are plans for the city to install additional protected bike lanes around Kaka‘ako and Waikīkī.
The city’s pedestrian plan notes that out of 1,227 miles of city streets, 57.4% have sidewalks on both sides, but 36.2% do not. Most of the remaining roads have asphalt or concrete walkways on one side or some trees along the way. The city proposes to add 145 miles of sidewalks, at an expected cost of $539 million.
Adding bikeways and walkways is difficult on narrow, older roads that are often in residential areas “where space is a consideration,” Rooney says. But, she adds, plenty of other roads are wide enough to accommodate more than just vehicular traffic.
“We also have a lot of wide, big roads in which it’s just mostly dedicated to vehicle space, and it doesn’t have to be,” she says. Sniffen says the difficulty with upgrading infrastructure is that “our system was built in a landlocked situation with very little room to address additional facilities.” But he says DOT has been partnering with state and city agencies to prioritize areas where critical infrastructure connections are missing, such as “discontinuous” sidewalks and roads.
Sniffen says trying to reduce speeding is DOT’s big focus right now.
“If we can manage everybody’s speed on the system, it’s way safer for everybody,” he says. “Impacts are lower, the potential for stopping to ensure that you avoid an impact is higher – so it’s just much safer altogether.”
Says Lopez: “The goal is to have safer streets, more aware and careful pedestrians. We want drivers who drive with aloha and pedestrians who walk with aloha.”
 
  
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<title>Why can’t the Buyer do a Home Inspection?</title>
<link>https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/why-cant-the-buyer-do-a-home-inspection-inspect-hawaii/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Our Advertising Partner]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 May 2024 17:00:33 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Partner Content]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/?p=132864</guid>
<description><![CDATA[In continuing the topic of the April 2024 article, <a href="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/home-systems-to-check-inspect-hawaii/" style="text-decoration:underline;">What are the 7 Systems in a House that you should check?</a>, why can’t the Buyer do a Home Inspection? ]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>What best describes the technique used by a Home Inspector?
A home inspector will use “visual observations” and not use intrusive means to inspect a house. 
 
Sometimes, a Buyer will ask, what is the difference with the Buyer’s eyes observing the same item that the Home Inspector is looking at? 
My best reply is, “We can look at the same thing, but each person sees something different!” 
 
Here is an example using triangles: 
How many triangles?
<a href="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/e/r/how-many-triangles-do-you-see-in-this-puzzle-ft26.jpg" data-lb-width="700" data-lb-height="700" class=" photoswipe gtxlightbox"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-132931" src="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/e/r/how-many-triangles-do-you-see-in-this-puzzle-ft26.jpg" alt="How Many Triangles Do You See In This Puzzle Ft26" srcset="https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/e/r/how-many-triangles-do-you-see-in-this-puzzle-ft26.jpg 700w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/e/r/how-many-triangles-do-you-see-in-this-puzzle-ft26-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/e/r/how-many-triangles-do-you-see-in-this-puzzle-ft26-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/e/r/how-many-triangles-do-you-see-in-this-puzzle-ft26-125x125.jpg 125w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px"></a>
The answer is: 24
<a href="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/w/d/how-many-triangles-do-you-see-in-this-puzzle-280.jpg" data-lb-width="680" data-lb-height="453" class=" photoswipe gtxlightbox"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-132929" src="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/w/d/how-many-triangles-do-you-see-in-this-puzzle-280.jpg" alt="How Many Triangles Do You See In This Puzzle 280" srcset="https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/w/d/how-many-triangles-do-you-see-in-this-puzzle-280.jpg 680w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/w/d/how-many-triangles-do-you-see-in-this-puzzle-280-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px"></a>
Why the different answers among the different individuals? 
Every person has their own unique knowledge and experiences which are used to interpret and analyze the observed item.  A Home Inspector has a “trained eye” from learning the different systems within a house and has specialized knowledge to analyze defects of a house. So, even though the Buyer and Home Inspector are simply looking at the same item on a house, their interpretation will differ.
 
What is a good example on a house?
Visual observation seen by both the Buyer and the Home Inspector:  There is dirt under the soffit vent. 
<a href="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/x/e/vent23.jpg" data-lb-width="850" data-lb-height="638" class=" photoswipe gtxlightbox"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-132938" src="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/x/e/vent23.jpg" alt="Vent23" srcset="https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/x/e/vent23.jpg 850w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/x/e/vent23-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/x/e/vent23-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/05/x/e/vent23-600x450.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px"></a>
Buyer:  I don’t know why. 
Home Inspector:  It is the dirt from a bird’s legs as they enter the attic due to a broken screen on the vent.  Most likely, there is a bird’s nest in the attic. If so, recommend removal since it is a safety hazard.
 
Moral of the story:  Home Inspectors have deep knowledge and experience when conducting visual observations, allowing them to provide high-quality work and accurate insights. 
 
For any questions on this topic, please call Oscar Libed of <a title="Original URL: https://www.inspecthawaii.com/. Click or tap if you trust this link." href="https://www.inspecthawaii.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="Verified" data-linkindex="0">Inspect Hawaii</a> at 808-728-5707 or send an email to <a href="mailto:oscar@inspecthawaii.com" data-linkindex="1">oscar@inspecthawaii.com</a>
 
<a href="https://www.inspecthawaii.com/"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-116651" src="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2023/03/s/h/screenshot-2023-03-06-at-35746-pm-300x76.png" sizes="(max-width: 276px) 100vw, 276px" srcset="https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2023/03/s/h/screenshot-2023-03-06-at-35746-pm-300x76.png 300w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2023/03/s/h/screenshot-2023-03-06-at-35746-pm-1024x258.png 1024w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2023/03/s/h/screenshot-2023-03-06-at-35746-pm-768x193.png 768w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2023/03/s/h/screenshot-2023-03-06-at-35746-pm-600x150.png 600w, https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2023/03/s/h/screenshot-2023-03-06-at-35746-pm.png 1326w" alt="Screenshot 2023 03 06 At 35746 Pm" ></a><a href="https://www.inspecthawaii.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.inspecthawaii.com</a>
 
  
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<title>First Hawaiian Bank Recognized as Hawai’i’s Top Bank and One of the Most Cybersecure Banks in the Nation by Forbes Magazine</title>
<link>https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/first-hawaiian-bank-recognized-forbes-top-bank-most-cybersecure/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Our Advertising Partner]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 30 Apr 2024 17:00:25 +0000</pubDate>
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<description><![CDATA[First Hawaiian Bank (FHB) was recognized by Forbes magazine as the top-ranked Hawai’i bank on its 2024 Best Banks in America list and one of the top 50 most cybersecure banks in the U.S., furthering FHB’s legacy as Hawai’i’s leading financial institution. “We are honored to be recognized for the third consecutive year as Hawai’i’s premier bank on Forbes’ Best...]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><a href="https://www.fhb.com/en/personal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">First Hawaiian Bank</a> (FHB) was recognized by Forbes magazine as the top-ranked Hawai‘i bank on its 2024 Best Banks in America list and one of the top 50 most cybersecure banks in the U.S., furthering FHB’s legacy as Hawai‘i’s leading financial institution.
“We are honored to be recognized for the third consecutive year as Hawai‘i’s premier bank on Forbes’ Best Banks in America list. This accolade reflects the hard work of our employees as well as our loyal customers who continue to place their trust in our team,” said Bob Harrison, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Additionally, our inclusion among the nation’s top 50 most cybersecure banks shows our commitment to prioritizing safety and security for our customers as we navigate the ever-changing digital landscape. We will continue to uphold the highest standards that led to FHB’s top rankings on these national lists.”
FHB has been ranked the top Hawai‘i Bank in the Forbes list five times in the seven years it has been eligible for the ranking, including consecutively in 2022 and 2023. The ranking evaluates the nation’s publicly traded banks and thrifts based on profitability, growth and credit quality. The criteria for the ranking includes total assets, return on tangible common equity, non-performing assets/total assets, common equity tier 1 ratio, efficiency ratio and operating revenue growth. <a href="https://www.forbes.com/lists/americas-best-banks/?sh=30b1bb64c0de" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here</a> to view the list.
FHB continued its market leading performance, driven by stable loan balances, strong consumer and commercial deposits, and excellent credit quality. On January 26, 2024, the bank reported its fourth quarter 2023 financial results with total assets of $24.9 billion at quarter-end. Total deposits closed at $21.3 billion and First Hawaiian, Inc. saw a fourth quarter net income of $151.8 million.
Forbes’ first-ever list of America’s Most Cybersecure Banks highlights the 50 U.S.-based banks with the best website security and cybersecurity infrastructure, demonstrating the highest level of technical capabilities, regulatory compliance, risk management practices, broad-level involvement in cybersecurity issues, and others. <a href="https://www.forbes.com/lists/cybersecure-banks/?sh=3ef40ebe5947" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here</a> to view the list.
 
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<title>Leadership Conference</title>
<link>https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/leadership-conference/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Randall Libramonte]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:06:02 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>
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<description><![CDATA[Join us for a full day of inspiration, innovation, and thought-provoking conversations with some of Hawaii’s distinguished business and community leaders. Develop and strengthen your leadership skills by attending keynote sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities. Categories: Events, Upcoming Event]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Join us for a full day of inspiration, innovation, and thought-provoking conversations with some of Hawaii’s distinguished business and community leaders. Develop and strengthen your leadership skills by attending keynote sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities.
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<title>AI Summit</title>
<link>https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/ai-summit/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Hawaii Business Staff]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 29 Apr 2024 23:56:09 +0000</pubDate>
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<description><![CDATA[Learn about new developments and tools in AI and their effect on your organization, career and community. This half-day conference from Hawaii Business Magazine will explore AI platforms you can use now plus AI’s impact on cybersecurity, work, education, law and more. Categories: Events, Upcoming Event]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Learn about new developments and tools in AI and their effect on your organization, career and community. This half-day conference from Hawaii Business Magazine will explore AI platforms you can use now plus AI’s impact on cybersecurity, work, education, law and more.
<div style="width: 250px; padding: 20px 0;"><a href="https://aisummit.hawaiibusiness.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/04/y/m/2024-ai-heysummit-buttons-register.png" alt="AI Summit Button Register Here" /></a></div>
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Categories: <a class="article-taxonomy" data-taxonomy-type="category" data-mp-link-type="article taxonomies" href="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/category/events/" rel="category tag">Events</a>, <a class="article-taxonomy" data-taxonomy-type="category" data-mp-link-type="article taxonomies" href="https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/category/event/" rel="category tag">Upcoming Event</a> </div></div>
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