<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[CYamada]]></title><description><![CDATA[Cyamada]]></description><link>https://www.commercialbigisland.com/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2026 04:06:57 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.commercialbigisland.com/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Keeping Generational Lands in Local Families]]></title><description><![CDATA[Across Hawaiʻi Island, some properties represent much more than a place to live. They hold generations of family history, cherished memories, and deep connections to the land. As property values continue to rise, however, some longtime families face a growing challenge: keeping ancestral lands in the family while managing increasing property taxes. A proposal currently being considered by Hawaiʻi County explores one possible way to help. Known as the ʻĀina Kūpuna program, the measure would...]]></description><link>https://www.commercialbigisland.com/post/keeping-generational-lands-in-local-families</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a3de96443356881844a6c9f</guid><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 02:54:16 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cabe61_194039d9e2b14e208a7b75501270bf7c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Chiaki Yamada</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why the Permitting Process Matters to Hawaii’s Future]]></title><description><![CDATA[When people talk about housing in Hawaiʻi, the conversation often centers around affordability, availability, and the challenge of creating enough homes for local residents. But one part of the housing picture that receives less attention is the permitting process.   Before a home can be built, renovated, or expanded, plans typically move through multiple reviews and approvals. When that process works efficiently, projects can move forward with greater predictability. When delays occur, costs...]]></description><link>https://www.commercialbigisland.com/post/why-the-permitting-process-matters-to-hawaii-s-future</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a28c29c579005354aa0094f</guid><pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2026 01:50:34 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cabe61_5212feeb61204d819f1477ee359535aa~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_641,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Chiaki Yamada</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Positive Step Toward Supporting Local Housing on Hawaii Island]]></title><description><![CDATA[Housing affordability continues to be one of the most important conversations across Hawaiʻi Island, and recent discussions at the County Council reflect a growing effort to support local residents while planning thoughtfully for the future.   One proposal currently being reviewed would slightly reduce property tax rates for many owner-occupied homes and affordable rental housing. Under the plan, the homeowner tax rate would decrease from $5.95 to $5.75 per $1,000 of taxable value, offering...]]></description><link>https://www.commercialbigisland.com/post/a-positive-step-toward-supporting-local-housing-on-hawaii-island</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a1657012a9023e233361551</guid><pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2026 02:31:30 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cabe61_a02ae43ec9984ca3b7005b6d7185e9f1~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_772,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Chiaki Yamada</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Planning Ahead: What Hawaii’s Changing Population Means for Housing]]></title><description><![CDATA[One of the quieter shifts happening across Hawaiʻi is something that doesn’t always show up right away, but has long-term impact: the way the population is changing. Recent projections suggest the state may need close to 60,000 additional housing units by 2050. A large portion of that, about 44,000 homes, would be needed for kūpuna as the population continues to age. It’s a significant number, but it reflects a broader trend already underway. Over the past several years, the share of...]]></description><link>https://www.commercialbigisland.com/post/planning-ahead-what-hawai%CA%BBi-s-changing-population-means-for-housing</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69fd28c1666cfccd94187acb</guid><pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 00:06:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cabe61_eab9353e013d46bdb615b191d79df2d0~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_677,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Chiaki Yamada</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Finding Balance: What Ongoing Tax Talks Could Mean for Local Families]]></title><description><![CDATA[Conversations around cost of living in Hawaiʻi are nothing new, but they’ve been getting more attention lately, and for good reason. From groceries to housing, everyday expenses continue to shape how people plan their lives here. That’s part of what’s driving the current discussions at the State Capitol around tax relief.   At the center of it are two different approaches, both aiming to ease the financial pressure on residents. One proposal keeps earlier tax relief measures fully in place,...]]></description><link>https://www.commercialbigisland.com/post/finding-balance-what-ongoing-tax-talks-could-mean-for-local-families</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e82bce8b2f11ff8e5ab781</guid><pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 02:00:58 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cabe61_678c796e38ea4ed3b4992d897000d03d~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_960,h_639,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Chiaki Yamada</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Faster Permits Matter More Than Ever]]></title><description><![CDATA[If there’s one part of building in Hawaiʻi that almost everyone agrees on, it’s this: the permitting process can take time, sometimes more than expected. Whether it’s a new home, an addition, or even a small improvement, delays can ripple into everything from construction schedules to overall costs. That’s why a recent proposal gaining traction feels worth paying attention to. The idea is simple: invest in better training for the people handling permits, with the goal of making the entire...]]></description><link>https://www.commercialbigisland.com/post/why-faster-permits-matter-more-than-ever</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69cf1084f7044e6cf7a9de75</guid><pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:58:31 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cabe61_d66236004e5c458e9330004c12cbe102~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Chiaki Yamada</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[When Support Shows Up: A Look at Community Relief in Challenging Times]]></title><description><![CDATA[There are moments when the strength of a community becomes most visible, usually after something difficult. Recent heavy rains and flooding across Hawaiʻi have been one of those moments, bringing both challenges and a renewed focus on how support reaches the people who need it most. A recently approved relief effort is directing about $3.96 million  toward Native Hawaiian households impacted by the storms. While numbers alone don’t tell the full story, they do give a sense of scale, and in...]]></description><link>https://www.commercialbigisland.com/post/when-support-shows-up-a-look-at-community-relief-in-challenging-times</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69cb483d6d22c86f75a6888f</guid><pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 04:07:19 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cabe61_8476061b08394c28b98504873fbf2771~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Chiaki Yamada</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hawaii’s Ongoing Effort to Balance Taxes, Housing, and Everyday Costs]]></title><description><![CDATA[Each year, Hawaii’s legislative session brings new conversations about how to support local families and strengthen island communities. The 2026 session, which runs through May 8, has once again placed a spotlight on topics many residents talk about often, the cost of living, housing, and how government policies can help ease everyday financial pressure.   A big part of the discussion this year centers on adjustments to the tax relief package approved in 2024 , which was originally designed...]]></description><link>https://www.commercialbigisland.com/post/hawaii-s-ongoing-effort-to-balance-taxes-housing-and-everyday-costs</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b4c4ded1b1d9cdf214a057</guid><pubDate>Sat, 14 Mar 2026 02:17:33 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cabe61_150af691c3694777933237b1869cd443~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_673,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Chiaki Yamada</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding North Kona’s Water Supply]]></title><description><![CDATA[Water has always played a quiet but important role in how communities grow in West Hawaiʻi. In North Kona, much of that water comes from the Keauhou aquifer, a natural underground source that supports homes, schools, farms, and local businesses across the region.   On average, about 14 million gallons of water are pumped from the aquifer each day. Even with population growth and development in the area, current usage remains well within the aquifer’s capacity. The state estimates the...]]></description><link>https://www.commercialbigisland.com/post/understanding-north-kona-s-water-supply</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69ab8eb25465eed0050d8a17</guid><pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 02:34:44 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cabe61_2e8bc9e367d7494ba435f063eb0070b3~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_675,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Chiaki Yamada</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Step Toward Balance in Hawaiʻi County’s Housing Landscape]]></title><description><![CDATA[A new proposal from the Hawaiʻi County Council is taking an important first step toward reshaping how high-value second homes are taxed across the island.   Under the measure, often referred to as Bill 128, the county is considering the creation of a Tier 3 residential tax category for non-owner-occupied properties valued above $4 million. The proposal recently passed its first reading, signaling early support for a more layered and equitable property tax system.   If adopted, the new tier...]]></description><link>https://www.commercialbigisland.com/post/a-step-toward-balance-in-hawai%CA%BBi-county-s-housing-landscape</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69a0f235aac6e7cda9151c2a</guid><pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 01:24:50 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cabe61_dc86801040e5441d94a746a9fb798dfe~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_800,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Chiaki Yamada</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A More Connected Future for Care in Hawaiʻi]]></title><description><![CDATA[Across the islands, many families share the same concern: finding care that is both accessible and affordable without having to navigate a complicated system. With rising costs and limited provider availability, even routine care can sometimes feel out of reach.   A new collaboration between Hawai‘i Pacific Health and Hawai‘i Medical Service Association aims to change that experience by forming One Health Hawaiʻi, a nonprofit organization focused on better coordination across the state’s...]]></description><link>https://www.commercialbigisland.com/post/a-more-connected-future-for-care-in-hawai%CA%BBi</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6997bfbdaab309115cb5bf6b</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 01:59:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cabe61_20b405fbe22f4887bfa057c615e7c200~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_660,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Chiaki Yamada</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Kealakehe Elementary’s $16 Million Expansion Brings New Space for Growing Families]]></title><description><![CDATA[There’s something meaningful about seeing new classrooms rise in a neighborhood. It’s a sign that families are here, that the community is growing, and that there’s long-term investment in the next generation. Kealakehe Elementary has officially broken ground on a $16 million classroom building  that will add more than 13,000 square feet  of new learning space to the campus. The two-story building will include four classrooms, special education areas, faculty offices, and an outdoor learning...]]></description><link>https://www.commercialbigisland.com/post/kealakehe-elementary-s-16-million-expansion-brings-new-space-for-growing-families</link><guid isPermaLink="false">698e806ea816bdca356b6c8a</guid><pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 01:39:16 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cabe61_8906b225a57b4592abd6270ed6896aa7~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Chiaki Yamada</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Hawaii’s 2025 Visitor Numbers Say About the Bigger Picture]]></title><description><![CDATA[Tourism has always been part of Hawaiʻi’s everyday rhythm, and the 2025 visitor numbers offer a useful snapshot of where things stand now, less as a headline, and more as context. By the end of the year, Hawaiʻi welcomed about 9.64 million visitors , slightly below 2024 and still short of the 10.4 million arrivals seen in 2019 . At the same time, total visitor spending reached roughly $21.75 billion , with average daily spending climbing to about $273 per person , the highest level on record...]]></description><link>https://www.commercialbigisland.com/post/what-hawaii-s-2025-visitor-numbers-say-about-the-bigger-picture</link><guid isPermaLink="false">697d703723c3a829dd82e839</guid><pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 03:01:14 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cabe61_1b30109a3b0f4599812d8160c6aa0c6a~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Chiaki Yamada</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Community Food Efforts Across Hawaiʻi Island: A Quiet but Important Movement]]></title><description><![CDATA[One thing that often gets overlooked when talking about life on Hawaiʻi Island is how deeply connected communities are when it comes to supporting one another. Across the island, many local organizations are quietly working behind the scenes to address food insecurity, a challenge that affects thousands of residents in both rural and urban areas. From Puna to Kohala, these efforts look different depending on local needs. In some communities, food distribution hubs are expanding storage and...]]></description><link>https://www.commercialbigisland.com/post/community-food-efforts-across-hawai%CA%BBi-island-a-quiet-but-important-movement</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6961c673768b848d270daedf</guid><pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 03:25:36 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cabe61_968f0685fb0b4e3699747c9b8eb1c5dd~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_576,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Chiaki Yamada</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Renewed Path for First-Time Buyers in Hawaii]]></title><description><![CDATA[One of the biggest challenges I hear about from buyers today is how interest rates have changed the math of homeownership. Even for people with steady jobs and savings, higher rates can make monthly payments feel just out of reach. That’s why it’s worth paying attention when new tools are introduced to help bridge that gap.   Hawaiʻi has recently brought back a first-time homebuyer mortgage  option designed specifically for local residents who haven’t owned property in the past few years. The...]]></description><link>https://www.commercialbigisland.com/post/a-renewed-path-for-first-time-buyers-in-hawaii</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6945f6b8278ff96e54e72aec</guid><pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 01:07:25 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cabe61_c2886127dcf746cab692e2e00daae448~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Chiaki Yamada</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Community Investments Shape the Future of West Hawaiʻi]]></title><description><![CDATA[Every now and then, I come across a project that feels like it could make a lasting difference for the West Hawaiʻi community. One example is the ongoing plan for a modern outpatient health center in Kailua-Kona, an initiative built through a public-private partnership focused on strengthening local access to care.   The vision for the project is substantial: an approximately 50,000-square-foot facility funded through a proposal requesting $50 million in state support, on land contributed...]]></description><link>https://www.commercialbigisland.com/post/how-community-investments-shape-the-future-of-west-hawai%CA%BBi</link><guid isPermaLink="false">693a1c570b27bc7cafcaeaf0</guid><pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 01:21:51 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cabe61_710c9c430c384187a175bcb428bf5ac3~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_760,h_383,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Chiaki Yamada</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Building More Than a Library: A Quiet Look at Puna’s Next Community Space]]></title><description><![CDATA[Every so often, a project comes along that reminds me how quickly our communities on the Big Island are growing and changing. The start of construction on the new Keaʻau–Mountain View Public Library is one of those moments.   For years, the libraries in Keaʻau and Mountain View have done their best to serve the area, even though they’re tucked inside school campuses and limited by space and hours. With more families, students, and long-time residents calling Puna home, it’s easy to see why a...]]></description><link>https://www.commercialbigisland.com/post/building-more-than-a-library-a-quiet-look-at-puna-s-next-community-space</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6917ddda1a4af44aec53c632</guid><pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 01:58:58 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cabe61_2e6b66209f4d448db5f18a5b444e45a9~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Chiaki Yamada</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Finding Strength in Community During Challenging Times]]></title><description><![CDATA[In Hawai‘i, community care has always been more than a value, it’s a way of life. With the ongoing federal government shutdown disrupting income for many local families, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) is taking steps to provide some much-needed kōkua.   A $6.1 million emergency relief plan has been proposed to assist Native Hawaiian beneficiaries who are struggling with food insecurity or financial hardship caused by delayed federal support. The plan outlines direct payments of up to...]]></description><link>https://www.commercialbigisland.com/post/finding-strength-in-community-during-challenging-times</link><guid isPermaLink="false">690e954ccfbfd61d9a215de0</guid><pubDate>Sat, 08 Nov 2025 00:58:01 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cabe61_da59fb85dfd040a7aa2f2dc5d8b2cbca~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_833,h_677,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Chiaki Yamada</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Hawaiʻi’s Aquarium Pet Industry Discussions]]></title><description><![CDATA[As someone who lives and works here on Hawaiʻi Island, I’m always interested in how local policies and environmental topics shape life in our communities. Recently, the Hawaiʻi Board of Land and Natural Resources voted to advance a proposal that could reopen certain state waters to the aquarium pet industry, which has been closed since 2017.   If approved, the new regulations would allow limited collection of native reef fish, such as the yellow tang, under tighter controls and smaller catch...]]></description><link>https://www.commercialbigisland.com/post/understanding-hawai%CA%BBi-s-aquarium-pet-industry-discussions</link><guid isPermaLink="false">690974ddbb9a5281a8b19b28</guid><pubDate>Tue, 04 Nov 2025 03:38:05 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cabe61_361ef2168c384c9cb088eb2744ced2d4~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Chiaki Yamada</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Caring for the ʻĀina: Why Responsible Land Stewardship Matters More Than Ever]]></title><description><![CDATA[Living on Hawai‘i Island teaches us something profound, the land gives so much to us, and it’s our kuleana (responsibility) to care for it in return. Whether tending a small backyard garden or managing acres of farmland, how we treat the ʻāina directly affects the health of our communities and the future of our island.   That’s why it’s encouraging to see the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity bringing back its Pesticide Disposal Program this December. It might seem like a...]]></description><link>https://www.commercialbigisland.com/post/caring-for-the-%CA%BB%C4%81ina-why-responsible-land-stewardship-matters-more-than-ever</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68fc1dd4a51f8a9292887921</guid><pubDate>Sat, 25 Oct 2025 00:47:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cabe61_1c3609262d584119ae444644ed5d6e7b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Chiaki Yamada</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>