We all know that looking for work can be hard, especially when it comes to finding something in our chosen profession of field. With the rising costs of living on the islands, one can’t afford to be looking forever, and therefore having the right professional services at our backs to connect us with the job we need is invaluable. Source It is a locally owned and operated job connectivity resource here in Hawaii dedicated to landed you the job you’ll love, that will push forward your advancement goals.
            Job placement agencies have popped up across the island in recent years, and as functional as they can be when it comes to looking for quick work, you can find yourself stuffed into a position that isn’t suited for you, winding up miserable at work, and soon on your way to looking for another job quickly. We at Hawaii Business Review found that the approach Source It uses when it comes to landing you the job you want is different, better, and more suited to getting you a job you’ll love, and will be happy to stick with over the years.
            Their process begins with an interview to get to know more about you, and this isn’t just a formal affair looking over your work history and  ignoring engagement. We found that the staff here actively tried to get a feel for you as a person, to ensure that the environment that you wind up in is one that is suited for your style, and brings about more than just a paycheck. Suring this time there are a lot of questions regarding your goals, your career desires, and where you see yourself heading in the future. We find that through their means of questioning that it isn’t just about making a match, but more about getting you into the environment that can actually help you attain those goals.
            The wide range of workplaces that they cover is refreshing too, it doesn’t feel like a space that’s just designed to stock one place with workers, they have contracts from all walks of life, across the islands, bringing you the means to get temp work, full-time, part-time, whatever it is you’re looking for. Whether you’re an office worker or a line cook, they have an impressive list of places in the area that are hiring.
            In today’s market, it can be hard to dedicate so much time in our day to scouring classifieds across multiple mediums, spending the day handing out resumes, driving from place to place, and invariably costing ourselves money, in an effort to try and make money. With the friendly and professional staff at Source It, you have the means to make your job search a one stop shop, with HR representatives that seem to truly care about landing you the job you want. If you find yourself job seeking in the area, you’ll be doing yourself a favor in terms of time, money and frustration by setting up an interview. 

Learn More Here at www.sourceithawaii.com/.

​The state has recently unveiled the most ambitious, and unprecedented health care initiative in recent memory. By targeting unhealthy activities, and promoting nutrition, healthy lifestyle choices and more the government aims to bring about a reduction in Hawaiian obesity rates, and premature, and preventable death on the islands. Though Hawaii ranks as one of the lowest states in terms of obesity rating, it is highly emphasized that simply because that’s the case, is no reason not to continue working at it. Throughout most of the positive changes that have been made in Hawaii over recent years, we are slowly becoming leaders in positive initiatives, and continuing this trend in a way that promotes a healthier and longer life, will only bring benefit to the entire state.
            With the launch of the Healthy Hawaii website, visitors to the online location will find themselves met with average state health indexes, quit smoking aids, tips for healthier eating and fun activities that will assist in promoting a healthier lifestyle. As much as we may complain about the government getting involved in our daily lives, seeing them put this much effort and funding into an initiative that directly impacts our lives for the better, and brings resources to those who may otherwise not have it is a welcome intrusion. We all know the importance of healthy living, and going through our day to day lives in a way that only serves to benefit our lives, but having the support group around to help you through those tough times is when it can get harder, and this is one of the areas targeted by this healthy approach.
            For instance in the quit smoking section of the website, you will find the means to get in contact with a coach who can assist you with formulating your plan, providing keys for success, and to provide you with support if and when you hit a time of struggle. To see the government as the driving force behind this is almost unheard of. Generally you see these types of initiative put on by private members of the public, in some form of group trying to raise awareness, but a state funded and executed implementation, in our eyes, is a welcome change to the norm. Knowing that our government is actively showing that they care about the health of Hawaiians rather than just saying it makes a big impression.
            With all of these tools now at our disposal, we don’t seem to find much of an excuse not to get out there and to make a positive change, to attempt to be the country leaders, and to improve on our already great way of life here on the islands. If you’ve been meaning to make any changes to your lifestyle, to take your future in your hands and remove some of the negative influences you have, then perhaps taking the time to read over all the information on the new government sponsored site is a great start. 

            Who doesn’t want to live in paradise? Hawaii has always been a destination for those looking to live in an area that seems destined for a postcard picture, and though many call Hawaii home, those looking to relocate to the area are finding themselves met with limited supply for their demand. This has raised the cost of housing on the islands to record numbers, and along with it the cost of life for everyday Hawaiians. In a state now where you can see the price for a gallon of milk hitting the $13 mark, it’s not hard to feel the pinch.
            Along with this inflated cost for housing, we are seeing the local debt median raise along with it, and when combined with the rising prices of everyday items in the area, it paints a potentially bleak picture for the future. Oahu has recently sold a record-breaking $13 plus million dollar home that feels like a resort, while local woodworking shops are building mobile homes that still have a taste of luxury. This swing from the massive to the tiny though carries a price tag everywhere it goes, and leads the housing market to a confusing state.
            Whether you’re a local who has seen the cost of everyday life slowly climb to current trends, or are a newly landed family looking to purchase and settle, everywhere you look are the reminders that changes need to be made in the financial side of the state. And though we have recently made huge steps and efforts towards lowing costs of other aspects of life such as power with advancements in green and renewable energy, it could take a while before these prices start to offset the impact that mortgages and listing costs put into place.
            Interviewing anyone on the islands will have the same bittersweet reaction to life in paradise, the pride and love of living in the area, offset by the trials and tribulations that come with being able to afford it. And though these measures are a good thing in a certain light, ensuring that the area doesn’t become overpopulated, for those living here in the moment, it’s a raise in the cost of life in the area that wasn’t expected, and not especially earned.
            It would be hard to find anyone looking to leave the island as a result, but it can only go so far before living here becomes too costly for lower income families, who perhaps have generations of roots on the islands. To give up your generational home over the fact that it simply costs too much to make the day to day payments is heartbreaking, and already starting to happen to some families in the area. We surely hope that there is a sunrise on the financial horizon, for the sake of our homes, our families, and our livelihood on the island that we call our own, and to continue living in our own caved out paradise for more generations to come. 

The fight between Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor was one for the ages in the UFC featherweight division, with months long international press coverage, there were no two bigger featherweight men in the world. Conor’s lightning fast and accurate striking, versus Aldo’s impenetrable defense and all around skills, was settled in less than a minute. Conor dethroned the champ, took home the gold, and seemed to forget about the featherweight title he just won, choosing instead to focus on another fight in the lightweight division, and a potential showdown with Floyd Mayweather.
            One fighter who didn’t forget about featherweight though was Hawaii’s own Max Holloway. On a nine fight win streak at that point, he was poised to be one of the next contender’s for the belt, and was looking forward to his shot against the new Irish champ. Those plans didn’t come to fruition though as shortly after, Conor vacated his title spot, giving the belt de facto back to Aldo. Max stood at the ready though for the call from the UFC, and within time it came. He was offered to fight against “Showtime” Anthony Pettis for the interim featherweight title, as Aldo prepared for a unification fight, Max then decisively made his fight streak ten in a row with a victory over Showtime.
            This set the stage for the unification bout only two months later, and though most fighters would wait upwards of half a year minimum before fighting two of the biggest names in the industry, Max was ready to go. Staying with his hometown gym, Blessed MMA, he put his Hawaiian spirit to the test as he began the hard training that would be necessary to face one of, if not the best featherweight fighters in the world. Two months after the phone call, Max found himself in Rio De Jeneiro, in hostile territory facing a local hero. This didn’t stop him from proudly flying the Hawaiian flag over his shoulders on his walk out, accompanied by “Hawaiian Kickboxer” as the walkout song of choice.
            It took a little over three rounds to show the world why Max was destined to be in that octagon with Aldo, as his four punch combo sent the sitting champ to the floor, and a following flurry secured him the unified title. With fresh gold around his waist, the post fight interview was all about respect, his homeland, and making Hawaii proud, and make up proud he did.
            His arrival back in Hawaii with the belt was met with hundreds of fans waiting to see the local boy come home a champion, and though Max has definitely earned a rest period, he is anxious to get on with defending his belt, to trying to bring a proper UFC event to Hawaii, and to staying on the path to being a proud Hawaiian fighter at the top of his game, and like local legend BJ Penn before him, he is well on his way. 

            One of the biggest draws of the Hawaiian Islands is the many volcanoes found in the area, and whether local or visiting, wanting to get close to these destructive spaces is a huge draw for thrill seekers. But recently Hawaii has been seeing an increase in small craft operators bringing illegal lava tours to the area, and putting not only their clients and themselves at risk, but also the first responders who invariably need to be called in when something goes awry.
            There are four touring companies in the islands who have the legal green light to offer tours of prominent lava flow areas such as Kilauea, yet more small boat operators around the hot spots are finding that keeping their money transfers on the down low, is providing lucrative and tempting. Recently a video surfaced of a tour receiving visitor to the area swimming dangerously close in the waters to a lava flow making it’s way to the ocean, and though it’s not something that can be penalized under law, as the coast guard has no authority over where people on the island swim, it can pose a serious safety risk to those emergency responders if something goes wrong and they need to be called in.
            We understand the appeal and desire to see nature’s power up close, and there is a long and earnest bond between the people of Hawaii and the local volcanos that spot her landscape, but we have managed to establish that bond, and survive to tell the tale by respecting the boundaries that these areas put into place. We are a species that is always looking to push boundaries, and it’s something that has served us well throughout our existence, but we strongly suggest doing so in a way that doesn’t put others at risk. Now we’re not saying to put on a pair of rain boots and walk along the lava fields, but more so if the desire is to see these areas, to do so in a safe and monitored manner, not only to ensure you’re safety, but that of those around you and the other citizens in the Hawaii area.
            The licensed tour boats have undergone testing and training to ensure that they know the limits set in place, and what to do in the case of an emergency, hopping onto a privately owned fishing boat doesn’t bring you anywhere near that level of protection, and thereby the means to ensure your safety. If an issue does arise, and the local area coast guard needs to be called in, these licensed operators know exactly how to handle the situation, and how to better react to the matter. It should always stay in mind that illegal operators know they are skirting the law, and if something happens, you may not be able to rely on your guide to be willing to stick around to face the consequences of their actions, leaving you stranded and in danger. 

Kevin Tighe and local surfing legend Mark Healey have teamed up for a subscription based apparel service called Surf Shop Box. Using the influence of professional surfers along with the business connections that Kevin brings to the table, you have the means to access a secret crate of fashionable goodies from top brands such as Billabong, Quiksilver, and less global but highly regarded in the surfing industry shops such as Drifter Surf Shop. This model has taken off like a swell, providing services all around the county, primarily in areas that have a strong surfer base, and those who wish they could be surfing.
            It’s no surprise that the surfer culture centered in Hawaii is proving so popular around the country, as it’s almost impossible to separate the two. When thinking of the islands, a man or woman on a board taming the ocean beneath their feet is one of the first images that comes to mind, and it’s something that we are proud to share with the world. Inspired by other monthly subscription services such as Loot Crate, Kevin got the idea to bring the ability to represent this culture, and knew that having the right partner to assist in all the decision making was key.
            That’s when he approached Haleiwa resident and living longboard legend Mark to partner up on this passion project. With the influence of actual surfing royalty, it was a lot easier to nail down the right brands that surf enthusiasts would want to wear, and to reflect that properly in their subscription model. Giving an air of legitimacy and also bringing attention to lesser known brands that surfers love, to deliver a more in touch result, and to perhaps raise more awareness to these little known gems in the surf scene.
            With a modest price point, and promotions always waiting around the corner, it’s no surprise that their small venture has grown quickly, and though they only offer men’s boxes at the moment, the plan to bring in a professional female surfer as the influence for a women’s box is on the horizon. When a new crate arrives at your door, it’s hard not to want to get directly into character by slipping on all the included items, regardless of whether you’re in a surf possible location of the country, or in the middle of a Nebraskan winter.
            We think it’s great that the nation is rallying around the surfer, and Hawaiian style, and supporting this small but growing company in its ventures, and with the obvious care and thought that goes into each subscription set, it’s not hard to see that the two owners and their modest staff genuinely want to deliver a high quality subscription service. If you’re interested in checking out more information on what you can expect in a Surf Style Box, then we strongly urge you to check out their website or Facebook page for more information, and perhaps starting your new style with them. 

​The Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism released a recent report lauding local areas businesses that have tipped the scales in green efforts. With a myriad of new methods of waste repurposing, solar energy, and water recycling, it has become easier than ever for businesses to go green, and 13 businesses on the islands have been recognized for these practices. It comes as no surprise to any of the local inhabitants that Hawaii would be one of the countries front runners in green energy efforts, as we are all plainly in love with the natural beauty of our area, and efforts to conserve the health and well being of our local environment is something sacred to all of us.
            As talks fail up in Washington on the Paris Agreement Accord, it’s up to local areas to do their parts where the national leaders won’t, and by taking our impact on the environment in our own hands, we have the means to set a standard for other businesses to come. These steps made by local area businesses and events serve as a reminder to all area inhabitants that we have the ability to make a change in our impact on the environment, and by everyone taking part, we do our share of bettering the planet we live on, and our own little island paradise. Overall, eight local events have also been praised for their efforts in producing green attractions such as the Kona Brewer’s Festival, and when we can hold events of this magnitude, without making a significant carbon impact on our land, it goes to show the capacity we have as a people nowadays to still enjoy all the islands have to offer without needing to have any negative impact in their wake.
            We all understand the impact that we have on our planet, and we have seen the waste washing up on our shores from distant states and countries. Ignoring these effects just isn’t possible for island loving Hawaiians, and it’s starting to show from the growth of recycling programs for residents, all the way to large corporations on the island doing their part to reduce the negative effects that we may cause. It’s through these larger companies taking it upon themselves to step up and make a positive change, that it can be reflected across all residents of the islands, and to set an example that we can mush more easily follow.
            Supporting these companies is our way of showing that we stand behind their efforts, and perhaps as we all band together as we have been forced to do so many times throughout the long and storied history of Hawaii, we can become the first state to operate on a Green foundation, and let the mainland hear our voices when we say that we can make a difference, and that we care about our land, our people, and our planet enough to make the necessary changes to our former ways. 

            Few might remember Food Network Star contestant Philip Aiona outside of Hawaiian residents who follow it, but for a chef who’s roots are dug deep in the islands, that’s ok by us. Even though he didn’t make it through to win the show, he did go on to win an Iron Chef Tournament using his Hawaiian comfort food inspired cuisine. Since that point Ippy, as he’s referred to has come back to the Islands and the home of his former restaurant Three Fat Pigs, to open a newly renovated and modernized Koa Table.
            The road that Ippy has taken from childhood until now is very reminiscent of many stories across the islands, with family inspired beginnings taken to a new level when combined with the modernity of today. Starting out by working in his family’s restaurants, and learning to make the Hawaiian staples that formulate our favorite dishes, he then went on to culinary school and perfected the art of Italian cooking. Now bringing his combination of upscale fine dining with the family gathering meals that we’re all familiar with has put a different and truly unique spin on a night out for dinner.
            Once finishing his jaunt on the television circuit, Philip knew that he wanted to get back to his roots, and the homeland that he loved, and by repurposing his old restaurant it serves as a demonstration to the type of culture he comes from. Hawaiians don’t believe in wasting what they get, and when working hard to accomplish something, we don’t just eventually walk away from it, we take a step back, look at it from a different angle, and tackle it all over again with the improvements that we can make. A uniquely Hawaiian story, for a proud Hawaiian native.
            The atmosphere at Koa Table is much akin to sitting around the family table and enjoying a dinner together. Of course there are the modern additions such as chandeliers and fancy staircases that you won’t find in your average Hawaiian home, but it doesn’t serve to detract from the feeling of togetherness that he has strove for in this restaurant setting. Sitting down to a meal with all your close friends and family feels like it does at any home across the area, and the food is second to none, with a Hawaiian comfort twist on fine Italian dining.
            If you’re looking for an evening out that is truly a Hawaiian inspiration, then we fully suggest making a stop by the Waikoloa Resorts and taking the time to take in the Koa Table. Whether heading there with your family, or enjoying a meal to yourself, we can all but guarantee that you will be reminded of home, no matter what you order. We fully support the Koa Table and hope that Philip has a long lasting stay in the area, so we can bring our own young ones there for inspiration as the years go on.