Several local businesses, including the Big City Diner in Kaimuki, are preparing to close their doors for good. Island News looks into what’s behind the sudden closures.
people can barely afford groceries let alone going out to eat. cost of living, poor wages all around, cost of materials and utilities only rising, hard to find workers in many industries (due to poor wages). It sad to see, but not surprising. its happening all over the country but Hawaii really feels the pinch hardest.
Yet state officials could put caps on rentals , water , gas , and electric increases . Even large corporations are closing in Hawaii. Even if they find a new tendency, they unfortunately will not survive without the state taking protective measures for businessness to survive . In the end, politicians will just raise taxes instead of stream lining and freezing pay raises and cut back expenses towards their administrative system. God Bless 🙌
I’ve been away for 17 months. I have sticker shock at the cost of everything. Something’s very wrong when it costs $85 for three people to eat fast food. 🤨. I can feel the oppression in the air. Deliver us from this evil Father🙌
Sometimes blaming taxes and fees is a excuse rather than say they getting too old and the kids don't want to take over the business. You watch. Always going get new restaurants even with taxes and fees.
Rich man haole lands these Hawaiian islands have become. Signs of the times:yuh the greed effers movin in taking what pride and kuleana many kanaka hold on to. Disturbing and pilau.
@@JK-py1yv Most of the time outlandish taxes, fees, stifling regulations and asinine minimum wage laws, combined with record inflation and theft, play a huge part in restaurants going out of business. Business owners who are too old or their kids don't want to take over the business, sell them, they don't just shut them down.
@@terenceyuen4424 whose going to start a business when workers cost more than you can barely make? people who pushed for the crazy min wage increase have no clue how business works. good luck finding a job when most of them will move away or close down. people just can't seem to look at the big picture.
Loss of middle class and thinking government can fix everything is destroying America in so many ways. Govern,ent needs to let retail flourish without it there is so much less
this is how the big conglomerate developers will get the land/properties from the people and rent it back at astronomical rates...higher Insurance rates will drive out many, higher minimum wage will drive out most, and higher taxes will finish the job. Sell to the highest bidder=conglomerate developer...
Many places in Kalihi has closed in recent years, and new places have opened to replace them. And even though we embrace the new eateries, we'll always miss the good old places we came to know and love. Having their food was like a warm hug of 'aloha'...we'll miss all of you.
@@mmadchef808 so business as usual-just accept it? a deep dive into their demise would show that Insurance, minimum wage, taxes, and gov regulation drives small business out of business in favor of the big box stores...
Why is gas expensive? Why is electricity expensive? Do products come on a ship? If the average household of 4 spends $600 a month more than before that’s $7200 a year they could’ve spent at small businesses.
Of course the barges bring in everything everything. Food can grow year round. And there is much locals can do to avoid the nasty rich. I feel for my ohana because this was a culture still is and now the americas are calling it their own. Setting the kanaka up with their mainland rubbish thought.
Joe Biden crippled the energy sector on day one, remember? His policies continue to di that and cause rampant inflation. We'll be lucky to survive Bidenomics!
These types of places are the reason I enjoy coming to Hawaii, I search them out. The aloha in dining establishments such as this is unmatched, they will be missed. I've never understood going to such a beautiful place and not enjoying local cuisine. I see people in Red Lobster or Ruth's Chris of all frickin' places that you can get anywhere in the US...makes no sense to me.
Places the old folks used to eat at was Kaimuki Inn, Tanouye's and Chacos down Waialae road. Restaurants always change. Some get popular for a while. Some the new generation don't want to take over. Always going get new ones. The really old ones still around in Kaimuki is St. Louis Drive In and W&M BBQ. Still remember when they were by Zane Market.
I'm always amazed how small businesses in Hawaii and Alaska manage. Both states are very expensive - and the pandemic and all that has happened since have been really challenging.
Honolulu used to be a mecca of 24-hour eateries! I could rattle off the names of 20 or more, but among them: Wailana, Columbia Inn, Likelike Drive-Inn, KC Drive-Inn, Coco's, Jolly Roger, Flamingo, Kelly's Byrons, Bob's Big Boy, TOPS, and many more. How many 24-hour "sit down" places are there in town now? ZERO. Not a single one. During COVID, we were told that restaurants had to close by 10PM or lives would be in danger. What is the reason now?
There's two Hawai'i Islander couples with TH-cam channels right now, currently, who show amazing numbers of small businesses serving up Hawai'i Island foods.
Trying to keep clean and sanitary AND maybe forced to upgrade kitchen equipment in order to get that GREEN card.... I heard of former restaurants/mom n pops who could not afford the upgrades per DOH so they eventually decided to simply, shut down :((((
Its sad to see longtime businesses close I understand their kids did other jobs, or if they retire. Its sad wnen they cant make the money and be profitable to stay open.
This is not unique to Hawaii this is happening worldwide as businesses do not adapt to changing times , and this also applies to governments who will pay the price now and in the future . Hawaii has to invest , become more autonomous and have a sustainable population .
So sad. These man n pop restaurants will truly be missed. Our government can give billions to help foreign countries, why can they do so something to help with our own !!!
Hawaii is changing from what I know it to be. But that’s also the rest of the world. This new generation values other things now. Like AI, social media likes and attention. We need to support our local businesses before they’re gone for good. Would love to bring my kids to see the things I enjoyed while these businesses are still around.
not gonna be critical however in this day and time, especially with the two restaurants you interviewed, can we just be real, look at the places, if you had to choose where you want to eat; what kind of experience you want when you walk in the door, why would you choose these two restaurants? There’s so much more better, cleaner, nicer looking, places with more tasty food for the same money. It’s always fun to have an angle with your stories probably in this case, to have that nostalgic, emotional response, but if you kept it real, restaurants run by older people without future plans or with new owners to take over are examples of the horse and buggy versus the automobile. It’s complaining about things that are irrelevant and archaic with it’s purpose, delivery, or usefulness. They may serve a purpose for a small niche audience, but in the grand scheme of things they haven’t separated themselves from the rest of the pack. And trust me my family, friends, and myself have spent hundreds of dollars at both places. But the experience has diminished a long time ago. For once, I would love a story where you had both sides of the issue and I don’t mean five seconds on one side and five minutes on the other, I mean really look at an issue and take both sides and be objective. Because the way I remember capitalism, competition is healthy and if you wanna stay open, you have to be essential or be relevant to an audience big enough to keep you successful. People will come.
You gotta break even or take a backwards step a bit on several to start raking in the payoff reward on the ensuing scores & scores. The 1st several sales are break even (or slightly less, even better), and the next 50 orders are in the black clear. Walk in to order takeout can go way up if your prices are kept affordable *down* .
not just covid but hawaii been expensive and also because they turned their backs on tourism which has went down tremendously and also turned their backs on their #1 economy which is the 4 branches of the military.
I don't believe this for one bit. If they really wanted to keep their businesses, they could. To the elders: Stay working! Make that food!! I got this idea. Just serve one or two things. Make these two foods really good, high quality, and healthy. Just hire one person only, they have to be a go-getter, work hard maniac, and pay that one person WELL. Make sure this person is LOCAL. Hire Young *LOCAL* kids and TEACH them the Trade! I don't believe they would throw away the Goose that Lays Golden Eggs. STAY in business, my people. Offer some things inside the restaurant. Allow WiFi for new Gens to hang out and WiFi Cafe (the way younger Gens hang out & good around with each other nowadays). Allow 1 1/2 hour booths for them to do it. (Part of the deal is they order food per person). Give and take! Sell Tee-shirts in the restaurant. Sell USB cords and wall receptacles and stuff. Keep a hamburger at 7 dollars (Make less, sell more!!). C'mon my people. I kno Yu bettah den dat.
There's always a nephew, a niece, a cousin, deserving kids of dear close friends, select chosen worthy. There's never such a thing as curtains, unless it's a choice to do it.
Nothing new. There's nothing to see here. Local FOOD Businesses closing has been happening for a long, long time. The NEWS just makes it look 👀 like something new 🎉😮
Vote Democrats so we keep democracy and capitalism going. Businesses open and close, and the strong survive. If the restaurant can't keep up, they'll fail. Capitalism 101.
Thank you for the memories serving Hawaii for so long.
people can barely afford groceries let alone going out to eat. cost of living, poor wages all around, cost of materials and utilities only rising, hard to find workers in many industries (due to poor wages). It sad to see, but not surprising. its happening all over the country but Hawaii really feels the pinch hardest.
Yet state officials could put caps on rentals , water , gas , and electric increases . Even large corporations are closing in Hawaii. Even if they find a new tendency, they unfortunately will not survive without the state taking protective measures for businessness to survive . In the end, politicians will just raise taxes instead of stream lining and freezing pay raises and cut back expenses towards their administrative system. God Bless 🙌
I’ve been away for 17 months. I have sticker shock at the cost of everything. Something’s very wrong when it costs $85 for three people to eat fast food. 🤨. I can feel the oppression in the air. Deliver us from this evil Father🙌
But the thing is that it’s not much more to eat out than the grocery store it’s all so expensive there
@aubrey, it is government’s goal to put everyone on the dole, the democrat/socialist dream
You cannot tax a nation into prosperity. America punishes the productive and rewards the lazy.
most americans can barely afford rent let alone vacations to the beautiful Hawaiian islands
It's over for Hawaii. Americans credit cards are maxed worse than in 08
When Government think they can keep raising taxes and fees this is the outcome.
They don’t think, they know they can.
Sometimes blaming taxes and fees is a excuse rather than say they getting too old and the kids don't want to take over the business. You watch. Always going get new restaurants even with taxes and fees.
Rich man haole lands these Hawaiian islands have become. Signs of the times:yuh the greed effers movin in taking what pride and kuleana many kanaka hold on to. Disturbing and pilau.
@@JK-py1yv Most of the time outlandish taxes, fees, stifling regulations and asinine minimum wage laws, combined with record inflation and theft, play a huge part in restaurants going out of business. Business owners who are too old or their kids don't want to take over the business, sell them, they don't just shut them down.
@@meissner14Good post ☝️
I remember decades ago thinking Hawaii was expensive… now, I can’t even imagine what their prices are doing to the economy. This is too bad.
Its not just happening in Hawaii, its happening everywhere.
nope. its just Hawaii. Vegas opens new businesses everyday
@@bruddahgabe Different Government
@@TheConstitutionalGuardianhe knows.
@@bruddahgabeVegas is more expensive than ever. You even have to pay for parking now compared to 4 years ago.
Central MN too.
High taxes, high cost of living. Hawaii is for the wealthy, rich and corruption more businesses will close, more homeless.
HI is also Democrat, so they get what they keep voting for. No sympathy here.
Homelessness will be illegal soon in USA.
@ enter the Era of camps to protect the rich from the poor
Hawaiians vote one way only.
Time for the mayor and governor to go.
Sign of the times GLOBALLY! Educate yourself. No politician can stop.
Bidenomics is a total disaster!
Switch to republican and prosper like the red states currently.
You want the mayor and Governor to Lower interest rates? Lower Rent? Lower Gas prices? Lower electricity? Lower minimum wage? 🤔
@@terenceyuen4424 whose going to start a business when workers cost more than you can barely make? people who pushed for the crazy min wage increase have no clue how business works. good luck finding a job when most of them will move away or close down. people just can't seem to look at the big picture.
Don't let your politicians raise the price of the minimum wage to $20 like CA. Fast food restaurants are now shutting down!!!
There are so many good small family privately-owned restaurants closed during and after the pandemic in Southern California.
It was the election and government overreach, not the "Pandemic"
It's the same issues for the other 49 states. Cost of doing business is too high and lawlessness is rampant.
Loss of middle class and thinking government can fix everything is destroying America in so many ways. Govern,ent needs to let retail flourish without it there is so much less
The pandemic didn't kill the business. The government did.
Yup……vote different, vote red.
Dumb democrat policies destroy small business.
It’s all in the plan to drive out the working class !
And sell it to developers.
Bidenomics is hollowing out the middle of the entire country.
this is how the big conglomerate developers will get the land/properties from the people and rent it back at astronomical rates...higher Insurance rates will drive out many, higher minimum wage will drive out most, and higher taxes will finish the job. Sell to the highest bidder=conglomerate developer...
Money talks and Bullshit walks…
@@jcougar55 it’s a land grab and everything has a price ,doesn’t matter who’s in the way.
Enjoy Biden economics 😂
Many places in Kalihi has closed in recent years, and new places have opened to replace them. And even though we embrace the new eateries, we'll always miss the good old places we came to know and love. Having their food was like a warm hug of 'aloha'...we'll miss all of you.
Government taxes is 100% responsible for small business closures. As well as locals moving out of state
New restaurants opening every day. Restaurants go out of fashion all the time. Nothing lasts forever.
And the pandemic scam
No mention of inflation or energy costs?
@@mmadchef808 so business as usual-just accept it? a deep dive into their demise would show that Insurance, minimum wage, taxes, and gov regulation drives small business out of business in favor of the big box stores...
Some small businesses just suck. nothing to do with the gov't...
Most people have to work an hour and a half to afford a meal in hawaii. Sad times
Why is gas expensive? Why is electricity expensive? Do products come on a ship? If the average household of 4 spends $600 a month more than before that’s $7200 a year they could’ve spent at small businesses.
Of course the barges bring in everything everything. Food can grow year round. And there is much locals can do to avoid the nasty rich. I feel for my ohana because this was a culture still is and now the americas are calling it their own. Setting the kanaka up with their mainland rubbish thought.
Joe Biden crippled the energy sector on day one, remember?
His policies continue to di that and cause rampant inflation.
We'll be lucky to survive Bidenomics!
Because of everyone who voted for Biden.
@@molokaibowhunterscom yup 80 million smaht people
A lot more expensive in the last few years, hmmmmmm what happened 4 years ago? Trump24
Reckless government spending of our tax dollars isn’t helping!
Too expensive to eat out now..
On mainland, reporters would have used "crime" excuse, for what is a failing country - Country imploding under horrific Federal leadership.
Keep blaming the sign of the times and not the current administration. And keep voting for the same people, duh.
You cannot tax a nation into prosperity. America punishes the productive and rewards the lazy.
They’re all in bed together
What? The current administration is Biden, so you blame what’s going on on Texas and Florida? You make no sense. Trump24
Unemployment was highest under trump
Because the economy sucks ! Was that a real question?
D.e.i., woke, democrat b.s.
These types of places are the reason I enjoy coming to Hawaii, I search them out. The aloha in dining establishments such as this is unmatched, they will be missed. I've never understood going to such a beautiful place and not enjoying local cuisine. I see people in Red Lobster or Ruth's Chris of all frickin' places that you can get anywhere in the US...makes no sense to me.
People are tired of paying utility bill amount of money to eat out, when they can stay home and eat cheaper.
Places the old folks used to eat at was Kaimuki Inn, Tanouye's and Chacos down Waialae road. Restaurants always change. Some get popular for a while. Some the new generation don't want to take over. Always going get new ones. The really old ones still around in Kaimuki is St. Louis Drive In and W&M BBQ. Still remember when they were by Zane Market.
I'm always amazed how small businesses in Hawaii and Alaska manage. Both states are very expensive - and the pandemic and all that has happened since have been really challenging.
And yet Hawaii voters only vote for the Democrat Party 🙄 #letsgobrandon #Trump47
Things are so expensive these days. Normal people can not afford to eat out😊
I'm willing to bet you voted for this.
I didn’t.
Vote red or you're ded
@pmo8135
Vote blue and you can't spell
You’re out of touch. LGB
Trump24 please!
That lau lau looks great. Hard to find outside of Hawaii. Sad to see these businesses closing.
You cannot tax a nation into prosperity.
That’s exactly how it’s always done
Hopefully it becomes an airbnb, that's what we really need!
Keep voting Dem Hawaii
Ha ha, name one MAGA city that is doing well?
Two many Govt. Regulations, equates to Increased prices. Politicians are Sad.
ukraine has new restaurants opening everyday
" We did it Joe" says Kamala
Honolulu used to be a mecca of 24-hour eateries! I could rattle off the names of 20 or more, but among them: Wailana, Columbia Inn, Likelike Drive-Inn, KC Drive-Inn, Coco's, Jolly Roger, Flamingo, Kelly's Byrons, Bob's Big Boy, TOPS, and many more. How many 24-hour "sit down" places are there in town now? ZERO. Not a single one. During COVID, we were told that restaurants had to close by 10PM or lives would be in danger. What is the reason now?
FJB
There's two Hawai'i Islander couples with TH-cam channels right now, currently, who show amazing numbers of small businesses serving up Hawai'i Island foods.
"They know what it takes to run a family restaurant". That's better education than what you get in school IMO.
And a business friendly government, democrats gotta’ go, Trump 24.
Always been a bad place to do business.
Regulations are unreal. Topless servers not allowed 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂.
Is this video header, rhetorical?
Heartbreaking.
Trying to keep clean and sanitary AND maybe forced to upgrade kitchen equipment in order to get that GREEN card.... I heard of former restaurants/mom n pops who could not afford the upgrades per DOH so they eventually decided to simply, shut down :((((
if your going to keep up you got to import people for half da price, thats the problem w this economy
Aaannnddd we're 3rd world
Where are these people going to live? They wouldn't be able to afford the rent anywhere in those wages.
Nobody is going to pay $25 for a hamburger.
I tend too if I get a beer with it, which is ALWAYS….
Yah, this is true. Sales will fade away.
Awh 😢hi uncle Jerry. God bless you all. ❤
Hopefully the older ones saved enough over the years. My mom went there she hated it she didn't like the miserable Heat.
YOU VOTED FOR WHAT YOUR ARE GETTING
Wow it wasn’t like this 4 years ago 😂
What a strange question, you know what. We should really ask ourselves, why is it businesses in Hawaii are closing? There has to an answer!
Seen a Hawaii license plate yesterday. I live in Connecticut.
Saw
Keep voting Democrat keep raising the cost of living people lowering your quality of life You get what you vote for
It is so sad to see so many homeless people and tents on the major streets everywhere.
Trump24
Its sad to see longtime businesses close
I understand their kids did other jobs, or if they retire.
Its sad wnen they cant make the money and be profitable to stay open.
This is not unique to Hawaii this is happening worldwide as businesses do not adapt to changing times , and this also applies to governments who will pay the price now and in the future . Hawaii has to invest , become more autonomous and have a sustainable population .
So sad. These man n pop restaurants will truly be missed. Our government can give billions to help foreign countries, why can they do so something to help with our own !!!
Because your govt is the one who put them out of business. LOL!!! Way to pay attention.
Hawaii is changing from what I know it to be. But that’s also the rest of the world. This new generation values other things now. Like AI, social media likes and attention. We need to support our local businesses before they’re gone for good. Would love to bring my kids to see the things I enjoyed while these businesses are still around.
Vote for someone who understands economics, Not "Blue no matter who".
A good start is to never vote for anyone just because they're blue. Sad, really
You can thank the Biden Administration and ALL of the Hawaii Politicians for this!
typical trumptard
Duh, I wonder why?
But I keep seeing posts, and hearing, from people that inflation is now lower than ever....
Nope, 1.4% under Trump
Honolulu = San Francisco
The average lifespan of a resteruant is about 6 years. These place beat the odds big time.
You will own nothing anymore and be happy
People in Hawaii will still vote the same. Hard to feel sorry for them. Land of rich folk now
Because of those who voted for Biden...
Why??? Our current economic model is collapsing in front of eyes; that’s why.
not gonna be critical however in this day and time, especially with the two restaurants you interviewed, can we just be real, look at the places, if you had to choose where you want to eat; what kind of experience you want when you walk in the door, why would you choose these two restaurants? There’s so much more better, cleaner, nicer looking, places with more tasty food for the same money. It’s always fun to have an angle with your stories probably in this case, to have that nostalgic, emotional response, but if you kept it real, restaurants run by older people without future plans or with new owners to take over are examples of the horse and buggy versus the automobile. It’s complaining about things that are irrelevant and archaic with it’s purpose, delivery, or usefulness. They may serve a purpose for a small niche audience, but in the grand scheme of things they haven’t separated themselves from the rest of the pack. And trust me my family, friends, and myself have spent hundreds of dollars at both places. But the experience has diminished a long time ago.
For once, I would love a story where you had both sides of the issue and I don’t mean five seconds on one side and five minutes on the other, I mean really look at an issue and take both sides and be objective. Because the way I remember capitalism, competition is healthy and if you wanna stay open, you have to be essential or be relevant to an audience big enough to keep you successful. People will come.
I can afford a $20 hamburger but im economical, so i wont pay for one
I pay for them, they are well worth it here. Not Mcdonalds either.
You gotta break even or take a backwards step a bit on several to start raking in the payoff reward on the ensuing scores & scores.
The 1st several sales are break even (or slightly less, even better), and the next 50 orders are in the black clear.
Walk in to order takeout can go way up if your prices are kept affordable *down* .
not just covid but hawaii been expensive and also because they turned their backs on tourism which has went down tremendously and also turned their backs on their #1 economy which is the 4 branches of the military.
I don't believe this for one bit.
If they really wanted to keep their businesses, they could.
To the elders: Stay working! Make that food!!
I got this idea.
Just serve one or two things. Make these two foods really good, high quality, and healthy.
Just hire one person only, they have to be a go-getter, work hard maniac, and pay that one person WELL.
Make sure this person is LOCAL.
Hire Young *LOCAL* kids and TEACH them the Trade!
I don't believe they would throw away the Goose that Lays Golden Eggs.
STAY in business, my people.
Offer some things inside the restaurant. Allow WiFi for new Gens to hang out and WiFi Cafe (the way younger Gens hang out & good around with each other nowadays). Allow 1 1/2 hour booths for them to do it. (Part of the deal is they order food per person).
Give and take!
Sell Tee-shirts in the restaurant.
Sell USB cords and wall receptacles and stuff.
Keep a hamburger at 7 dollars
(Make less, sell more!!).
C'mon my people.
I kno Yu bettah den dat.
Tomake us suffer and dependant
They close and a McDonald’s will go in its place and then charge $18 for a crappy hamburger.
Keep voting democrat... soon everyone will be eating Opihi and Hale Koa beans.
Typical of family businesses nowadays
Family doesnt want to maintain business and start their own careers
I didnt wanna get wrapped up and stuck in my fams business either, I bounced at 18, fuxx that shiiiii. Thats their business not mine!🇺🇸✌🏻🍻
There's always a nephew, a niece, a cousin, deserving kids of dear close friends, select chosen worthy.
There's never such a thing as curtains, unless it's a choice to do it.
wow they raised min wage too? was it to $20 like Cali?
So, we are quietly going into a recession. Hopefully not a depression
Too much $ in operating costs like the rest of the country too.
Businesses are still feeling the negative residual effects from Covid.
Hawaii law makers are not for small business.
Keep voting Democrat, Hawaii!!
Nothing new. There's nothing to see here. Local FOOD Businesses closing has been happening for a long, long time. The NEWS just makes it look 👀 like something new 🎉😮
Democrats keep up the good work soon everybody will be out of business.
THIS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU INFLUENCERS KEEP TRYING SOMETHING NEW FOR THE GRAM...TOO MANY OPTIONS TODAY.
Maybe its time to break away from the US. Let us know how it goes.
That's why it's so important to vote for TRUMP this November!
Rents. Food costs.
Have no desire to go Hawaii.
The kids are all in taxpayer paid jobs, what happens when there are no more taxpayers?
Very sad.❤😢 It is hard living in Hawaii, especially after the pandemic. Who would have known that this was the future and it doesn't look good.😢
I knew when they installed Joe Biden
I knew everytime a Democrat is involved or somehow gets into office.
Maybe they can get McGarrett back and he can fix it.
😢
INFLATION - COST TO HIRE AND PAY THAT SALARY - IS COSTING MORE. We are a democratic state therefore you get nothing, no help.
Shrinking economy
So sad
Minimum wage..... his first answer.
Government is not embarrassed to raise minimum wage but owners are embarrassed to raise the price. Something has to give.
Thanks to Bidenomics, this is the results.
Vote Democrats so we keep democracy and capitalism going. Businesses open and close, and the strong survive. If the restaurant can't keep up, they'll fail. Capitalism 101.
vote democrap and get in the food lines....
@@jcougar55but it’s equitable. We’ll all be equally hungry
Because of the Democrat leadership
Bull.