Islands Business

Taiwan's foreign minister has departed for diplomatic visits to Belize and Guatemala, two of the island's remaining diplomatic allies in Central America, accompanied by a business delegation. The trip combines diplomatic engagement with trade promotion, and coverage from Taiwanese outlets highlights the government's effort to deepen ties with its few remaining partners.

Former Solomon Islands politician Wale has called for the abolition of veto powers at the United Nations, according to Islands Business. The proposal would end the ability of the five permanent Security Council members to unilaterally block resolutions. Such calls are often raised by smaller nations who argue the veto stymies action on conflicts and humanitarian crises, and the renewed appeal is drawing attention to long-running debates over UN Security Council reform.

Hawaii Island residents and businesses are being urged to report any damage caused by Hurricane Nolo, according to Hawaii News Now. Officials are asking property owners to come forward so the full extent of the storm's impact can be assessed, a step that typically helps authorities coordinate relief efforts and determine whether disaster assistance can be sought.

A Hawaiian business owner and resident is describing the difficulties facing her community this season as Hurricane Nolo approaches the islands. She highlights the strain on local businesses and residents preparing for the storm, adding a personal perspective to coverage of the hurricane's expected impact on Hawaii.

Afognak, the Alaska Native village corporation from Kodiak's Afognak Island, has taken majority ownership of trucking and fuel companies operating in Alaska. The move expands the corporation's business portfolio and strengthens its role in the state's transportation and energy supply sectors, drawing attention as an example of Alaska Native corporate investment in core regional industries.

Small businesses on Kauai are asking visitors to come back following Hurricane Lowell, saying the island is ready to welcome them with aloha and some patience as recovery continues. The appeal reflects concern that travelers may cancel trips even where damage was limited, hurting shops and restaurants that depend on tourism.

Collier County is moving to designate three parcels on Marco Island for conservation, according to Gulfshore Business. The move would protect the land from development and preserve habitat and shoreline areas on the barrier island. No further details about the parcels, their size, cost, or the county's timeline were available, and public reaction has not yet been widely reported.

The United States has announced tighter travel rules for Cuba and new restrictions on banking transactions with the island's private sector. The measures tighten what had been channels of engagement with Cuban entrepreneurs. Observers say the move could hit Cuba's growing private economy and complicate travel and money transfers for Cuban Americans and visitors.

The Hawai'i Department of Health announced changes to its deposit beverage container program, which affects the redemption rates paid on bottles and cans returned under the state's recycling scheme. The update touches consumers, retailers and recyclers across the islands, though the department has not detailed the exact rate changes or their timing in the initial announcement.