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.||
Hawaii businesses must immediately address potential shifts in healthcare costs and operational expenses. Small operators, healthcare providers, real estate owners, and investors should proactively review current health insurance contracts and explore alternative providers due to the ongoing HMSA-HPH merger opposition, which signals healthcare cost volatility. Concurrently, entrepreneurs and startups should pilot AI development using new consolidated databases within the next 3-6 months to capitalize on potential 50% cost reductions and accelerated timelines. Investors in this sector should refine due diligence to identify companies leveraging these efficiencies. All businesses need to stay vigilant for details on potential new operating costs and hiring market challenges; as official announcements are made, be prepared to re-evaluate budgets and recruitment strategies if significant cost increases or hiring delays are confirmed.
Monitor the finalized terms of the tentative agreement at Hale Nani Healthcare. If wage increases exceed 5% annually, consider scenario planning for potential labor cost escalations in your own operations over the next 18 months and assess your ability to absorb or pass on these costs. Remote workers in AI/ML roles should concentrate on upskilling in unified data platform technologies to align with evolving market demands.
Increased global scrutiny of AI data security, exemplified by the EU's decision to block AI on lawmakers' devices, is a direct signal for Hawaii businesses to re-evaluate their AI adoption and…
New AI assistants integrated into platforms like WordPress.com can now generate and refine website content and design, potentially reducing digital marketing and web development expenses for Hawaii's…
A new database architecture consolidates complex AI data requirements, potentially reducing development timelines and operational costs for businesses building AI agents. Entrepreneurs and investors…
The growing dispute over AI-generated video content, exemplified by ByteDance's Seedance 2.0, signals a critical juncture for copyright law and its application to AI.
Hawaii's new higher hotel taxes, implemented in January, are now directing their first $14 million to a single beach, a move that significantly impacts tourism operators and real estate owners by…
The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel's extensive renovation, completed in early 2026, signals a strategic response to evolving luxury traveler demands and may presage increasing competitive pressure for other…
New eruptive activity at Kilauea volcano is causing ashfall advisories for eastern Hawaii Island, while high surf impacts coastal areas statewide. Businesses need to prepare for potential operational…
A prominent surf brand has partnered with a long-standing local operator to relaunch a surf program in South Maui, potentially drawing customer traffic and impacting existing water sports providers.…
Emerging details suggest a "hidden tax" and increasing red flags in the hiring market could impact Hawaii businesses' financial stability and HR strategies. Small operators and entrepreneurs should…
Hawaii's public libraries now offer free, personalized digital assistance, enabling small business operators and remote workers to enhance their technological skills and operational efficiency.…
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…
In-DepthOngoing shoreline erosion and planned beach armoring will significantly reduce public beach access in popular tourist areas, impacting the core appeal of Hawaii's visitor industry. Real estate owners…
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.
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-DepthAmerican Savings Bank’s grand opening of its new Lahaina branch marks a pivotal moment in West Maui's recovery, providing essential financial services and signaling economic resilience after the…
In-DepthSignificant internal opposition to the proposed HMSA-HPH merger, led by The Queen's Health Systems, indicates a high likelihood of prolonged regulatory review and potential shifts in healthcare…
The averted strike at Hale Nani Rehabilitation & Nursing Center means immediate operational continuity for healthcare services, though the terms of the new agreement warrant monitoring for…
Beginning March 1, 2026, the Hawaiʻi District Land Office will be closed every Wednesday, causing direct delays for land-related permit processing, contract approvals, and property inquiries. Real…
The Pentagon is reevaluating tuition assistance for active-duty military members pursuing graduate degrees at Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) and similar institutions. This review could lead to…
Hawaiian Electric anticipates Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) across parts of Maui County and Hawaiʻi Island Monday through Thursday due to heightened wildfire risk. Businesses in affected areas…
Hawaiian Electric has issued a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) watch for West Maui and South Kohala from February 16-22, requiring businesses in these areas to prepare for potential power outages…
Unexpected well and equipment failures have triggered mandatory water restrictions in parts of South Kohala and Lalamilo, effective immediately. Businesses reliant on consistent water supply must…
In-DepthRecurring power outages and the potential for Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) in West Maui and other parts of the island are causing immediate operational disruptions and necessitate proactive…
The ongoing deficit in housing for agricultural laborers continues to limit Hawaii's local food production capacity, signaling sustained pressure on supply chains and potential cost increases 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-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…
In-DepthHonua Ola Bioenergy is negotiating a third power purchase agreement with Hawaiian Electric, potentially reigniting its long-delayed biomass plant on the Big Island. This development could bring…
