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
Hawaii's independent contractors and gig workers must immediately review their tax reporting practices to accurately include all income, including tips, as the DOTAX intensifies its drive for GET revenue. Failure to comply risks penalties and back taxes. Consult a tax professional within 15 days if you have concerns about past reporting or need to establish compliant systems for current earnings. Separately, investors and entrepreneurs involved with prediction markets should actively monitor legislative developments and consult legal counsel to understand potential regulatory hurdles and formulate compliance strategies during the ongoing legislative session.
Businesses, particularly in healthcare and tourism, should monitor evolving federal AI and data privacy legislation over the next 90 days. Pay close attention to any emerging regulations concerning AI surveillance and data handling that could necessitate adjustments to your data governance protocols. Anticipate new AI governance costs and risks as unsanctioned AI agents become more prevalent; prepare to evaluate AI governance solutions, similar to Microsoft's Agent 365, by May 1st to mitigate security vulnerabilities and ensure compliance.
Microsoft's new security suite for AI agents, launching May 1st, introduces compliance costs and potential vulnerabilities for businesses using AI. Companies should assess their AI agent usage and…
The sophistication of AI agents is rapidly advancing beyond raw model capabilities, requiring new "harness engineering" approaches that enable long-running, autonomous tasks. Hawaii entrepreneurs and…
Anthropic's new Claude Marketplace allows enterprises to procure integrated AI tools, potentially streamlining adoption and altering how Hawaii businesses purchase and leverage AI-powered software.…
In-DepthOpenAI's GPT-5.4 launch introduces AI that can directly operate computers and integrate with spreadsheets, significantly accelerating task automation and demanding swift evaluation by Hawaii…
The Grand Wailea's tentative approval for a 151-room expansion, despite over 30 conditions, indicates a future shift in Maui's luxury accommodation landscape. Tourism operators and real estate owners…
A proposed 'unofficial ambassador' role to Canada aims to revive a shrinking tourism market, potentially impacting future visitor numbers and requiring recalibration of marketing strategies. Tourism…
The confirmed performance of a high-profile artist at the Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi indicates increased demand, potentially driving higher spending and occupancy rates across the island. Tourism…
A sustained 7.5% drop in Las Vegas visitor numbers and increased per-visitor spending signals potential shifts in mainland travel patterns that could impact Hawaii's tourism demand. Tourism operators…
Job insecurity at Kauai Coffee, a major agricultural producer, raises concerns about potential disruptions to the local food supply chain and increased operating costs for related businesses.…
Hawaii Pacific Health has promoted Mathew Loughlin to Chief Risk Officer, indicating a potential shift in the organization's strategic approach to risk and operations. This change may influence…
Neiman Marcus's closure of its Ala Moana Center anchor store in March 2026 will reduce critical foot traffic and necessitate strategic shifts for businesses operating within and around the shopping…
Hawaii residents report increasing worry over affordability, signaling potential shifts in consumer spending habits and escalating demands for wage adjustments. Businesses should monitor economic…
Significant federal funds are earmarked for multifamily housing and infrastructure projects on Maui, signaling a multi-year construction boom and shifting local real estate dynamics. Real estate…
The median price for Oahu single-family homes has reached a record $1,205,000, continuing a trend that will likely increase housing costs for employees and impact business operating expenses. Real…
Hilo Benioff Medical Center's planned Keaau outpatient facility now projects a 50% cost increase to $90 million, impacting capital allocation and project timelines. Healthcare providers and real…
The closure of Neiman Marcus and Mariposa restaurant at Ala Moana Shopping Center by the end of May will reduce anchor foot traffic, impacting surrounding businesses and potentially altering the…
The proposed Maui wildfire settlement payout structure, prioritizing insurance company and attorney repayment, indicates victims may face a longer wait for compensation, potentially affecting future…
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…
In-DepthA $10 million investment by Northern Trust and Hawaiʻi Community Lending will enable zero-down mortgages for Native Hawaiians on Hawaiian Home Lands, providing an opportunity for financial stability…
In-DepthThe Hawaii Department of Taxation (DOTAX) is actively pursuing independent contractors, including rideshare drivers, for General Excise Tax (GET) on all income, including tips. This signals a…
A pilot program enabling psychologists to prescribe medication on Kauai, if passed by the state Legislature, could alter mental healthcare access and operational models. Healthcare providers should…
Proposed legislation in Hawaii could impose new restrictions on online prediction markets, potentially impacting speculative investment platforms and creating compliance challenges for startups.…
Hawaiian Electric's request for dual-year rate increases will directly escalate operating expenses for all Oahu businesses and households, impacting budgets and pricing strategies. Businesses should…
A powerful kona storm is forecast to bring days of severe weather, including flash flooding and damaging winds, across Hawaii starting Wednesday through Saturday. Businesses must implement emergency…
A powerful storm is forecast to bring days of heavy rainfall and significant flooding risks across Hawaii starting tomorrow, March 10th, 2026. Businesses must take immediate protective measures to…
A powerful low-pressure system approaching Hawaii from the west will bring severe weather by mid-week, posing immediate risks to supply chain integrity, travel, and property. Businesses must enact…
A powerful Kona storm is forecasted to impact Hawaii from Tuesday, March 10, through Saturday, March 14, posing significant risks to supply chains, travel, and potentially causing physical damage.…
A six-week agricultural program focused on traditional Hawaiian crops launches on Hawaiʻi Island, aiming to boost local farming practices. Agriculture producers should monitor program outcomes for…
The approval of the Kaawanui Solar project on Kauai marks a step towards increased renewable energy capacity, aiming to provide more stable, potentially lower, long-term energy costs for island…
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-DepthA proposed 325% water rate increase by Olowalu Water Company threatens the agricultural viability of the region, potentially forcing crop failures and impacting real estate values. Farmers and…
