HONOLULU, Hawaii (Island News) — From aloha shirts to Koa wood jewelry boxes, the Made in Hawaiʻi Festival celebrates local craftsmanship. But behind the lei and aloha spirit is a global supply chain, and vendors say rising tariffs are cutting into profits for the very small businesses this festival was built to support.
Many “Made in Hawaiʻi” goods still rely on imported components like fabric, clasps, hinges, and finishes. Vendors say some categories now face duties as high as 46 percent, costs they can’t always absorb. Shoppers may soon see higher prices as small businesses try to stay afloat.
For apparel makers, the fabric might be designed here, but often it’s sourced from Asia and now carries higher duties…