Latest news with #TinaYamaki
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gunpoint robberies on Oahu: ‘Don't be a hero'
WAIPAHU, Hawaii (KHON2) — A string of armed robberies has left local businesses on edge. Experts said customers could see more establishments going cashless to deter thieves. Aiea business owner out over $10K after shoe, merch heist Police said three separate armed robberies have taken place on Oahu during the week of Monday, April 7. Video from Tuesday at the Mapunapuna Papa John's showed a suspect with a firearm demanding money and taking off in a dark-colored vehicle heading toward the freeway. Experts said the employee made the right move by cooperating. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news 'Whenever we hear about armed robbery and stuff, we always tell people, 'Don't be a hero. Your life is not worth it,' said Retail Merchants of Hawaii president Tina Yamaki. 'Your adrenaline is going. We don't want anybody to be shot. You know, a stray bullet hitting another customer or our worker. We just want it to be safe for everybody.' The Waipahu Papa John's also fell victim to an armed robbery on Monday. The Hawaii Restaurant Association said some eateries have cut late-night business hours in 2025 or are not even allowing customers to pay with cash. Oahu shops under siege: Smash-and-grabs ongoing 'Avoiding those times of the night, we're closing at maybe 9:00 or 10:00 is probably more favorable,' said HRA director Sheryl Matsuoka. 'Not only the armed robberies but also the smash and grabs. So they don't want to even entice any of these, you know, people that could come in and take their money so they go cashless.' Beside not allowing cash, experts said there are steps businesses can take to help deter crime or help officers if it happens. 'If businesses do have cameras, make sure the lenses are clean. You know, you don't want to have blurry images. Make sure the camera angle is at face level with people,' Yamaki said. 'Please be aware, even your staffing. Be sure that there's extra staffing if you can, especially at night. And then cameras and alarm systems, some kind of way that they can protect themselves because yes, it is it is very challenging times,' Matsuoka said. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Police said no arrests have been made in connection to the three armed robberies and all are still under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hawaii residents, businesses to feel tariff impacts
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The stock market nosedived on Thursday, April 3, after President Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on countries around the globe. Economists said your wallet might feel the pain sooner than you think, and here at home, local businesses will feel the squeeze with some warning the tariffs could be the final straw for struggling shops. Hawaii officials preparing for tariff effects on construction Officials said the full impacts of the tariffs will likely be seen in the coming weeks and months. 'Hawaii will be heavily impacted compared to the continent because we need to ship everything in,' explained Tina Yamaki, Retail Merchants of Hawaii president. Trump announced a 10% baseline tax on imports from all countries and higher tariffs on dozens of others that run trade surpluses with the U.S. This includes a 54% tariff on goods from China. As an example, a $10 t-shirt from China with a 54% tariff on it could now cost the consumer $15.40. 'At the end, the consumer ends up paying more and ends up paying it because as retailers, we can't absorb it all [the costs],' Yamaki explained.'We're already one of the most expensive states to live in, and this is just going to compound it,' she added. 'We probably will see more businesses closing.' Everything from food, clothes, cars, furniture, appliances and pharmaceuticals, even items made in the U.S. will cost more if it uses copper or aluminum or other products from other countries. 'At this level of tariffs, if they stay in place, we're talking about basically cutting into people's disposable income by $4,000 or $5,000 for the average household,' explained University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization Executive Director Carl Bonham. He said that could impact the tourism industry, with visitors opting out of non-essential travel. Places like Maui could see another blow. 'Certainly have been some cancelations by Canadian visitors in Hawaii, and honestly, the loss of Canadian visitors after the Maui wildfire was was consequential, so this just aggravates that and then if their economy goes into recession, it just, sort of piles on.' Check out more news from around Hawaii Bonham said some local businesses could benefit from the tariffs like Kona coffee competing with other countries now with higher costs. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Consumers buying directly from local farms for cheaper eggs
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Eggs are a hot commodity these days, and the prices just keep going up. KHON2 compared a few grocers and local farms to see where to find the best deals. Avian Flu isn't the only cause driving up egg prices. Egg prices are too high. Try these 8 easy alternatives: Hawaiʻi money matters 'Chicken feed is going up. Fertilizer is going up, and come January, when we see the increase in the minimum wage, we're probably going to see egg prices rising again,' stated Tina Yamaki, Retail Merchants of Hawaii President. Many consumers are buying directly from local farms to get better deals. 'The prices are ridiculous. You could get 12 eggs for $7, $8, but that's gone up to like $14, $15 now. So double the price,' said David Marin, a frequent customer at Waialua Fresh Eggs. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Receipts collected from popular wholesale stores show a sharp increase in prices. Eighteen locally grown eggs were priced at $6.89 back in June. In October, eggs cost about $8. Now, it's almost $15. Prices at different grocery stores were nearly $16 for 18 mainland eggs. 'When you have to have it delivered to the grocery store, the grocery store has to pay for that delivery. [Stores] also have to make a little bit of profit because we do want to pay our employees who are at the cash register and stocking and things like that,' said Yamaki. Check out more news from around Hawaii Experts said high prices are likely to stay. 'We hope it hits a plateau, but you never know. There are still factors that are bringing everything up costs, especially to the neighbor islands if you have to ship eggs,' said Yamaki. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Egg prices are too high. Try these 8 easy alternatives: Hawaiʻi money matters
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The egg shortage continues to raise prices with no end in sight. Locally produced eggs have gone up by 28%, from $6.91 to $8.87 per dozen; and eggs from the continent have increased by 51%, from $5.50 to $8.35. Tina Yamaki, president of Retail Merchants of Hawaiʻi, spoke to KHON2 and explained that farmers face higher costs for feed and fertilizer; and these higher price makes eggs more expensive in Hawaiʻi than on the continent. 6 things to know about coffee's next big trend: Hawaiʻi futures So, decided to do a bit of investigating to find out how Hawaiʻi can continue to bake even if eggs are unavailable. Here's what we found: 1 Tablespoon ground flax seed or chia seeds. 3 Tablespoons water. Mix and allow to thicken. Substitutes for one egg This is good for cookies, muffins and pancakes. Where to find Honolulu's favorite nacho spots: Top 10 One-quarter cup of applesauce substitutes for one egg. The applesauce adds moisture. This is good for cakes, muffins and brownies. Mash a ripened banana. One-quarter cup of banana substitutes for one egg. The banana binds the ingredients and gives it a bit of sweetness. This is good for banana bread, muffins and pancakes. One-quarter cup of yogurt or banana substitutes for one egg. This provides moisture and tenderness. These add moisture and tenderness. This is good for cakes, muffins and quick breads. Blend ¼ cup per egg for a neutral, dense texture. Works in brownies and heavy cakes. Blend and measure one-quarter cup of silken tofu to substitute for one egg. It has a neutral, dense texture. this is good for brownies and heavy cakes. 1 Tablespoon baking soda. 1 Tablespoon vinegar. This substitutes for one egg. This mixture provides a fully and airy texture. It's good for cake and cupcakes. 3 Tablespoons aquafaba per egg. This binds the ingredients and adds moisture. When it's whipped, it mimics egg whites. This is great for meringues, macarons and fluffy cakes. One-quarter cup substitutes for one egg. The carbonated water adds lightness and moisture. Great for cakes and pancakes. Despite the price hikes we're experiencing with eggs, many retailers and restaurants are limiting egg quantities available for purchase. For consumers, it's recommended to ask local supermarkets about egg shipments and be patient if your preferred egg type isn't available. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 Or you can enjoy some delicious baking with these suggested egg alternatives. Happy baking, Hawaiʻi. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Credit card swipe fees spreading in Hawaii
HONOLULU (KHON2) — More local businesses are adding swipe fees to credit card purchases. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 It is a trend that is growing statewide and KHON2 spoke to some retail and business experts to discuss what it means for customers. Hawaii residents have come to expect about a 3% extra charge at certain restaurants when they pay with a credit card, but the trend is spreading. 'If you go get your car fixed, or you buy a t-shirt or, you know, wherever you go, those type of places could, even your local nail salons now we're seeing too, massage places,' Retail Merchants of Hawaii president Tina Yamaki said. 'When you use your credit card, they charge you back what their swipe fee is.' Do I have too many credit cards? Here's the answer The fees are not just on small ticket items. The City and County of Honolulu applies a 2.35% service fee for debit and credit payments on Department of Motor Vehicle transactions — Servco charges a 2.5% fee for payments charged to credit. Some cards have fees as high as 4% and the Better Business Bureau said customers should keep some questions in mind. ''Maybe I want to pay with cash for this item or have a conversation with the business owner about maybe there's a discount involved if I if I pay with cash. Those are business to business, very unique situations,' said BBB Northwest and Pacific Chief Innovation Officer Dale Dixon. Hele Gas stations have offered discount on buying fuel with cash for years and said credit card companies typically add a 2-3% fee on charged transactions. Judge rejects $30B Visa, Mastercard 'swipe fee' settlement 'We're locked into those fees, and so those fees end up being passed on to the consumer,' said John Peyton, PAR Hawaii vice president of retail. 'So for us, it's really creating optionality for customers and really trying to build a loyalty. If there's a value to a consumer in a cash discount, then we're happy that we can provide that option to them.' The BBB said trustworthy businesses should tell customers about extra fees on cards before the purchase is made, but it is only required to be shown on the receipt after the purchase. 'And that's why we think transparency is so important. So does a business pass on the cost directly to the consumer? Do they build it in to the pricing strategy that they have for their products and services?' Dixon said. 'Now with everybody having tap and pay and nobody using cash or checks that much anymore, the swipe fees have gone up because more and more people are using credit cards,' Yamaki said. for more tips on how to detect new or hidden fees. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
