We translate Hawaii business news into decisions. Every article tells you what changed, who's affected, and what to do about it. Built for Hawaii's PROFESSIONALS.||
Latest briefing
Businesses with active or pending grants from the Office of Economic Revitalization must finalize all matters with the office by August 14, 2026, to avoid funding loss. Begin researching and securing alternative financing immediately. For those operating or investing in Maui, monitor West Maui permit applications for residential and commercial properties weekly, and track the openings of new and re-established local businesses. This continued stagnation in Lahaina's rebuild necessitates vigilance.
Broader policy shifts could be on the horizon; watch for detailed policy platform releases from gubernatorial candidates over the next 90 days and assess potential impacts on your sector, preparing contingency plans for regulatory, tax, or economic changes. Also, evaluate your current travel booking strategies for Hawaii routes, as American Airlines has discontinued free business upgrades, and compare pricing and benefits across other carriers serving the islands.
As AI adoption accelerates, new tools are emerging to provide visibility and control over employee AI spending, potentially mitigating budget overruns for Hawaii businesses. Entrepreneurs and small…
A new paradigm in AI, leveraging thousands of specialized agents working collaboratively, has demonstrated unprecedented success in drug discovery, signaling a potential for significant cost and time…
New AI capabilities can automate root-cause analysis for production errors, reducing resolution time from minutes to seconds. Hawaii's entrepreneurs, startups, and tourism operators should prepare…
New AI architectures, exemplified by Cohere Health's use of Amazon Bedrock AgentCore, are enabling rapid and transparent digitization of complex clinical policies, signaling a shift toward greater…
Southwest Airlines has launched the first-ever regularly scheduled nonstop service between Las Vegas and Hilo, potentially boosting visitor numbers and affecting local businesses. Tourism operators…
In-DepthMaui is wrestling with its identity, attempting to balance its vital tourism industry with the pressing need for affordable housing. The proposed changes to vacation rental policies, which could…
In-DepthAlaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have reached a significant milestone in their integration process, receiving a single operating certificate (SOC) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).…
In-DepthA tsunami warning issued for Hawaii following an earthquake off the coast of Russia necessitates immediate evacuations and poses significant challenges to the state's tourism and hospitality sectors.…
In-DepthThree years post-disaster, the slow pace of rebuilding in Lahaina indicates sustained economic disruption across Maui. Businesses dependent on local activity or supply chains linked to West Maui face…
The Office of Economic Revitalization (OER) will close on August 14, 2026, ending its management of approximately $408 million in federal pandemic relief and other grants. Businesses with active OER…
In-DepthHawaii's minimum wage will increase to $16 per hour on January 1, 2026, marking the third phase of a planned increase to $18 by 2028. This escalation, coupled with new penalties for violations,…
In-DepthA recent study reveals that food insecurity on Maui has reached crisis levels, with 41% of households struggling to access adequate food, a significant increase fueled by the Lahaina fires, SNAP…
The Maui County Council's decision to pause proposed hotel rezoning measures introduces a period of uncertainty for future development and investment in the island's tourism sector. Stakeholders…
In-DepthMaui is poised to significantly reduce its vacation rental inventory, with a vote today expected to phase out thousands of units. This decision will likely reshape the landscape for both visitors and…
In-DepthAlexander & Baldwin (A&B), a long-standing cornerstone of Hawaii's commercial real estate sector and the largest owner of grocery-anchored shopping centers in the state, is set to be taken private in…
In-DepthAlexander & Baldwin, a 155-year-old Hawaii real estate giant and the state's largest owner of grocery-anchored shopping centers, has agreed to a $2.3 billion deal to go private.
Unexpected US job losses have weakened the dollar, signaling a potential shift in import expenses and international visitor appeal for Hawaii. Businesses should monitor currency exchange rates and…
A surprise decline in U.S. job growth for July, coupled with downward revisions for prior months, suggests the Federal Reserve may hold off on further interest rate hikes. This shift could lead to…
In-DepthIn a landmark deal, Alexander & Baldwin, a cornerstone of Hawai'i's commercial real estate sector, is set to be acquired by a joint venture, marking a significant shift in the state's business…
In-DepthA recent ranking of Hawaii's leading stockbrokers and financial planners highlights key players in the state's financial sector, with Morgan Stanley and Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. at the…
The One 'Ohana Fund has offered its full $175 million for Maui wildfire victims, signaling the near-end of this compensation phase. This development may affect ongoing insurance settlements and legal…
The Honolulu City Council is considering revisions to rules governing repairs and renovations on older, non-conforming homes, which could impact project timelines and budgets. Real estate owners…
Allegations of corruption within the Maui Police Department's Criminal Intelligence Unit suggest potential disruptions to organized crime enforcement, which could indirectly impact business…
Public and private sector commentary suggests Lahaina's recovery is proceeding too slowly, potentially impacting future funding and development timelines. Businesses involved in Lahaina's…
American Airlines is ending complimentary upgrades to business class for its top-tier frequent flyers on select long-haul domestic routes, including those serving Hawaii. This change reduces the…
Hawaii faces significant operational risk from potential internet outages during hurricane season, necessitating proactive backup communication strategies. Businesses that fail to implement redundant…
In-DepthThe Wahiawa Dam is at immediate risk of failure, necessitating rapid evacuation and a complete shutdown of business operations for entities located within the projected flood path. Businesses must…
In-DepthA critical failure at the Wahiawa Dam has triggered an immediate evacuation order for surrounding areas, forcing all businesses within the zone to halt operations and evacuate to ensure safety.…
In-DepthHawaiʻi has renewed its pioneering coral reef insurance policy, offering up to $2 million for rapid repairs after storm damage, reflecting its commitment to environmental stewardship and tourism.…
In-DepthThe detection of the invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) at Hilo International Airport on July 6 necessitates urgent action to protect Big Island agricultural operations and related businesses.…
In-DepthMay's earthquake has destroyed water storage tanks for Kona coffee farms, creating an immediate crisis for the high-value crop. This disruption could lead to reduced yields and increased premium…
In-DepthThe University of Hawaiʻi's Soil and Plant Diagnostic Service Center has reopened, offering free soil and plant testing specifically for farmers impacted by recent flooding. This immediate support…
