Press
Local, State and National news about the Hawaii Restaurant Association and its members.
PBN – October 22, 2026 – Former tech exec pivots to lead Hawaii Restaurant Association amid industry crises
Sheryl Matsuoka is leveraging three decades of technology experience to guide local operators through recovery efforts following the 2023 Lahaina wildfires. PBN Link: https://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/news/2026/10/22/sheryl-matsuoka-executive-insight.html PDF...
KHON2 – October 13, 2026 – Restaurants closing and adjusting operations as prices continue to rise
KANEOHE (KHON2) — With rising food and fuel prices and fewer tourists, the impacts are being felt everywhere, including in local restaurants. “Shipping went up 80% over the last five years, so that has a major impact on us as a small family-run and operated business,”...
PBN – September 11, 2026 – Kauai restaurants target Sunday for reopening after Hurricane Lowell strips island of power
Just days after Hurricane Lowell stripped Kauai of 90% of all power, many restaurants on the island are hoping to return to business on Sunday. "Everybody's kind of using Sept. 13 as maybe the day that they're hoping things can start getting back to normal, according...
Hawaii Business Magazine – September 2026 – HRA Feature
Click here for full PDF article: HRA Sept 26 HBM
Hawaii News Now – August 28, 2026 – Hurricane Lala crop damage triggers food shortages for Hawaii restaurants
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Hurricane Lala’s damage to farms and agricultural operations is creating a ripple effect for restaurants that rely on locally grown products, with some businesses facing shortages, canceled events, and lost revenue....
KHON2 – August 25, 2026 – Topa Financial Center still without power, set to fully reopen in September
Topa Financial Center still without power, set to fully reopen in September It has been more than a month since a leak knocked out power at the Topa Financial Center in Downtown Honolulu....
KHON2 – August 17, 2026 – Is your food safe? DOH warns after Lala power loss
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Following Lala, as households across the state begin to get power back and people start opening up their fridges, the big question many have is the food still safe to eat? Unfortunately, many times, the answer is no....
Fox Weather – August 16, 2026 – Tropical Storm Lala’s impact on the restaurant and hospitality industry
Sheryl Matsuoka, president and CEO of the Hawaii Restaurant Association, joins FOX Weather to discuss Tropical Storm Lala and its potential impacts on Hawaii's restaurant and hospitality industry. https://www.foxweather.com/watch/fmc-1dpo9xz205lherll
Hawaii News Now – August 1, 2026 – Honoring Local Legends: Hawaii Restaurant Association Prepares for Hall of Fame Event
Hawaii's restaurant industry is getting ready to honor some of the people who've helped shape local dining for generations. https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/video/2026/08/01/honoring-local-legends-hawaii-restaurant-association-prepares-hall-fame-event/