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Latest briefing
All impacted roles must enact emergency preparedness plans immediately to mitigate property damage and operational downtime before the Kona storm makes landfall on Tuesday, March 10. Prioritize securing physical assets and communicating with staff and customers to avoid significant financial losses and prolonged disruption. Island businesses must also immediately review and revise operating budgets for a 10-15% increase in fuel costs, analyzing potential pricing adjustments and logistics optimization within 30 days. Tourism operators, in particular, should review forward bookings and adjust pricing and marketing strategies due to rising travel costs and potential demand reduction.
New, free AI-powered code security scanners from industry leaders Anthropic and OpenAI can now identify vulnerabilities that traditional tools miss, forcing Hawaii's tech-focused entrepreneurs and…
The demand for human expertise to train AI models is creating a new, volatile labor market, potentially driving down wages and job security for skilled professionals. Hawaii's entrepreneurs and…
A new open-source AI tool enables autonomous, rapid experimentation that can accelerate product development and marketing strategy optimization, potentially creating significant competitive…
The way customers find and buy products online is rapidly evolving, with AI agents poised to become significant purchasers. Hawaii businesses, particularly those selling physical goods, must ensure…
Hawaiian Airlines' planned layoffs of 48 corporate-level employees indicate potential shifts in the tourism labor market and offer a limited window for talent acquisition. Businesses should monitor…
A new Hawaii state bill mandates human trafficking prevention training for all hotel and transient accommodation employees, effective immediately upon legislative passage and requiring completion…
A third travel-related dengue case on Oahu signals a potential for increased public health messaging and minor shifts in visitor behavior, requiring tourism operators and healthcare providers to…
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…
Maui Public Art Corps has announced two significant calls for artists and design teams, including a new $1.5 million initiative, offering substantial contracting and revenue potential for local…
A potent Kona storm is forecast to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and potential flooding across the Hawaiian Islands from Tuesday, March 10, through the weekend, necessitating immediate operational…
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.…
An incoming Kona storm system poised to bring heavy rain and high winds starting today will cause immediate disruptions, potentially leading to a 7-15% surge in localized supply chain and operational…
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…
EAH Housing's selection to develop the former Dee Lite Bakery site into affordable rentals signals a long-term shift in the Kalihi area, potentially impacting labor pool availability and rental…
The significant escalation in subsidized housing development costs, now exceeding $600 per square foot in urban areas, signals potential future increases in labor and operating expenses for Hawaii…
A new 22-unit affordable housing project in Pāʻia, specifically for adults with disabilities and support staff, is moving forward, signaling potential shifts in future development and community…
Escalating global oil prices, driven by geopolitical instability in Iran, are poised to increase operating expenses for numerous Hawaii businesses, particularly those reliant on transportation and…
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…
Hawaiian Electric is actively monitoring severe weather, prompting an immediate need for businesses to review and execute their emergency preparedness plans. Failure to do so risks significant…
A powerful Kona storm approaching the islands this week poses risks of property damage, supply chain interruptions, and operational downtime for businesses across sectors. Immediate review of…
A powerful Kona storm bringing heavy rain, flash flooding, and damaging winds is expected to impact Hawaii from Tuesday through at least the weekend, threatening immediate operational disruptions and…
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 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…
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…
In-DepthNew research from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa links common 'forever chemicals' (PFAS) to a tripling of liver disease risk in adolescents, signaling a potential future rise in healthcare…
