Kāneʻohe Ranked Among the Worst For Small Businesses: What’s Holding Us Back?

For the last several years, we’ve seen small businesses come and go here in Kāneʻohe. Recent data from WalletHub confirmed what our community has been feeling: Hawaii is one of the hardest places in the country to start and sustain a small business, and our very own Kāneʻohe ranks among the worst. But what exactly is making it so difficult? As reported in the WalletHub article, not only do high startup costs make opening a business unrealistic for many, but the looming red tape and permitting delays also slow the process and further drive up expenses. Once a business actually opens its doors, scaling becomes another challenge. Due to limited access to investors and a weak infrastructure, growing a business in Kaneohe is a real challenge many face. As a result, small businesses are more vulnerable to closures. 

However, this isn’t just about business owners. When small businesses face difficulties, the entire community feels it. Fewer local jobs, limited services, and fewer places that make Kaneohe feel like home are all the result of these struggles.

We have to ask: What specific actions are local leadership taking to support small businesses in Kāneʻohe? How can we, as a community, come together to address these challenges? We deserve leadership that actively supports local entrepreneurs, strengthens our economy, and keeps the heart of Kāneʻohe alive.