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 |

Morning Briefing

Top stories from the past 24 hours

Entrepreneurs must immediately pilot Xcode's new AI coding features and integrate AI-generated code security audits within 30 days, alongside scheduling AI proficiency training. Investors need to discuss AI strategies with portfolio companies within 14 days and update due diligence for AI coding practices within 30 days. Remote workers should acquire AI coding proficiency within 30 days and elevate their skills over the next 60 days. Healthcare providers face an urgent need to review their cybersecurity posture, implementing multi-factor authentication by March 1, 2026, and completing mandatory staff training on phone scam identification by March 15, 2026, to mitigate financial loss and identity theft risks from evolving scams. Businesses should also monitor potential service disruptions arising from federal funding uncertainty; if critical permit or inspection processing times exceed historical averages by 30%, begin activating business continuity plans. Finally, keep an eye on HECO restructuring proposals, tracking legislative developments and public statements to prepare for potential energy cost volatility and to assess backup power solutions.

Featured

Miniature wooden house with a vintage key, symbolizing real estate and homeownership.In-Depth

Affordable Housing Fund Surpluses Could Shift Development Landscape Under Proposed 'Vienna Model'

A bill advancing in the State Senate proposes adopting the 'Vienna Model' for affordable housing, which could redirect surplus funds from limited-profit housing associations towards new development. Real estate owners and investors should monitor legislative outcomes for potential shifts in development incentives and funding mechanisms. - Real Estate Owners: Potential for new affordable housing development models impacting land use and investment opportunities. - Investors: Emerging opportunities in limited-profit housing associations and affordable housing projects. - Entrepreneurs & Startups: New avenues for partnerships or innovative solutions in affordable housing delivery. - **Action**: Monitor legislative progress and policy details for potential impacts on future projects.

Stunning aerial view of a sandy beach in Hawaii with lush palm trees and a lone surfer in the ocean.

Hawaii Businesses Face 50%+ Cost Reduction and Enhanced Data Privacy with New On-Device AI Transcription

Waikiki Beach Erosion Necessitates Visitor Fee Increases, Threatening Tourism Competitiveness

Stunning aerial shot of Waikiki Beach with Diamond Head in the background, Oahu, Hawaii.

Hawaii Landlords Face New Mediation Mandate Before Eviction Filings

Lease agreement document with pen and American flag keychain on a black table.

Breaking

View all
Close-up of AI-assisted coding with menu options for debugging and problem-solving.

Hawaii Entrepreneurs Can Now Leverage Model-Agnostic AI Coding Tools Across Workflows

Close-up of smartphone screen showing AI chatbot interface, featuring DeepSeek AI conversation.

Hawaii Businesses: Streamlining AI for Real-Time Customer Service is Now a Competitive Necessity

Close-up of a red pineapple plant thriving in the rich Hawaiian soil, showcasing its vibrant colors.

Hawaii Farmers Face Potential Policy Shifts as Farm Bill Discussions Accelerate

News

Hawaii Tech Startups: Accelerated Development & Reduced Costs Loom with Integrated AI Coding Agents

A lively daytime scene of Waikiki Beach with surfers and modern skyscrapers under a bright sky.

Hawaii Businesses Can Now Automate Marketing Image Creation, Cutting Costs by Up to 50%

A close-up of a palm tree bending in the wind against a cloudy sky, emphasizing nature's force.

Maui Businesses Face Disruptions as Severe Weather Looms

Savor the gourmet experience of poached egg and avocado toast on a rustic plate.

Ranchers Face Rising Security Costs Due to Persistent Poaching Incidents

News

Hawaii Businesses Evaluating AI Tools Now Have a Clearer Choice for Unbiased Information

Stunning aerial view of Waikiki Beach with the bustling Honolulu skyline in the background.

AI-Powered Website Personalization Reduces Costs for Hawaii Businesses

Smartphone showcasing AI chatbot interface. Perfect for tech themes and AI discussions.

US Regulatory Scrutiny of AI-Powered E-commerce Emerging: What Hawaii Businesses Should Monitor

A colorful house surrounded by floodwaters and lush palm trees under a bright blue sky.

Hawaii Eyes New Legal Avenues for Climate Liability, Potentially Shifting Business Risk

Beautiful aerial view of the pool area at Turtle Bay Resort in Kahuku, Hawaii, showcasing lush surroundings.

Turtle Bay Hotel Development Faces Legal Challenge, Potentially Delaying Future North Shore Projects

AI & Technology

View all
Close-up of DeepSeek AI chat interface on a laptop screen in low light.In-Depth

AI 'Agentic Coding' in Xcode Accelerates App Development, Raising Productivity & Security Risks for Hawaiian Tech Businesses

Apple's integration of advanced AI agents into Xcode 26.3 allows for autonomous code writing and testing, potentially slashing development costs and timelines for software reliant on Apple platforms.

Hawaii Tech Startups: Accelerated Development & Reduced Costs Loom with Integrated AI Coding Agents

New AI coding agents from Anthropic (Claude) and OpenAI (Codex) are now directly integrated into GitHub workflows, offering entrepreneurs and remote developers enhanced coding assistance and…

A lively daytime scene of Waikiki Beach with surfers and modern skyscrapers under a bright sky.

Hawaii Businesses Can Now Automate Marketing Image Creation, Cutting Costs by Up to 50%

New generative AI capabilities allow businesses to automatically create custom marketing images that align with brand guidelines by learning from past campaigns, potentially reducing content…

Close-up of an AI-driven chat interface on a computer screen, showcasing modern AI technology.

Open-Source AI Coding Assistants Slash Development Costs, Forcing Hawaii Entrepreneurs to Re-evaluate Tech Talent Needs

Alibaba's Qwen3-Coder-Next release, an open-source AI model requiring minimal active parameters, dramatically lowers the cost and increases the speed of software development. This development…

Tourism & Hospitality

View all
Modern hotel facade with pool, surrounded by palm trees and mountains.

Upscale Beverage Partnerships Signal Shift in Hotel Revenue Strategies

Major hotels are diversifying revenue streams with premium brand partnerships, creating new opportunities for high-end tourism experiences. Tourism operators should monitor evolving guest…

Bright red balloons with 'SALE' and '%' symbols, perfect for marketing promotions.

Tourism Operators Face Urgency: Limited-Time 'Free Ticket' Promotion Requires Immediate Marketing Integration

A limited-time promotion offering a free ticket to Hawaii with any round-trip booking presents a short window for tourism operators to boost bookings. This initiative requires swift action to…

A stylish display of gourmet snacks paired with a glass of white wine in a cozy setting.

Lahaina Food & Beverage Businesses: Secure Partnerships for February 2026 Culinary Festival Opportunities

The inaugural Grand Taste Event at the Lahaina Food & Wine Festival on February 21, 2026, offers a concentrated marketing and sales window for local food, beverage, and hospitality providers.…

A close-up of a palm tree bending in the wind against a cloudy sky, emphasizing nature's force.

Maui Businesses Face Disruptions as Severe Weather Looms

Maui is bracing for a significant shift to much wetter and windier conditions starting Friday night through early next week, potentially impacting tourism, travel, and local operations. Operators…

Business & Startups

View all
Black and white photo of a cityscape with palm trees and modern buildings, creating a tropical urban atmosphere.In-Depth

Hawaii's Economy Now Mirrors Struggling States: Watch for Out-Migration and Reduced Local Demand

A recent University of Hawaii report indicates Hawaii's economy now performs similarly to those of Alabama, West Virginia, and Mississippi, despite average resident incomes. This economic trajectory…

Overhead view of a stressed woman working at a desk with a laptop, phone, and notebooks.

Hawaii Businesses Face Escalating Labor Costs and Recruitment Challenges Amidst Record Low Unemployment

Hawaii's unemployment rate has hit a near record low of 2.2%, signaling a severe labor shortage. Businesses must immediately review and revise their compensation, benefits, and recruitment strategies…

A hand signs a formal contract with a pen on a wooden desk.

Hawaii Shipyards Vie for $280M Army Contracts: Implications for Investors and Defense Entrepreneurs

Local ship maintenance firms Marisco Ltd. and Pacific Shipyards International are positioned to bid on substantial U.S. Army contracts, signaling sustained defense sector opportunities in Hawaii.…

Low angle view of palm leaves forming a natural canopy against a vibrant, clear blue sky.

Hawaii Remote Workers and Small Businesses Face Heightened Sextortion Risk: Immediate Action Required to Prevent Financial and Reputational Damage

Sextortion threats are increasingly targeting Hawaii's digital workforce and small business owners through online platforms, demanding immediate security and response protocols. Failure to act…

Real-Estate & Development

View all
Breathtaking aerial view of Lahaina's coastline showcasing clear water and lush greenery.In-Depth

Lahaina Oceanfront Property Owners Face Uncertainty as County Considers Voluntary Buyout Program

Maui County is exploring a voluntary property buyout program using federal disaster recovery funds for oceanfront Lahaina properties, creating potential opportunities and risks for owners. Owners…

Close-up of stacked US hundred dollar bills on black surface, emphasizing wealth and finance.In-Depth

Maui and Molokaʻi Projects Unlock Near-Term Opportunities and Resource Demands from $75M Federal Funding

Nearly $75 million in federal earmark funding has been secured for critical projects on Maui and Molokaʻi, including healthcare facility upgrades and affordable housing development. Entities involved…

A stunning aerial view of a residential district in Honolulu, showcasing urban density and architecture.In-Depth

Honolulu Developers Face Shifting Affordable Housing Requirements: Potential for Increased Costs and Delayed Projects

Proposed changes to Honolulu's affordable housing incentives could increase development costs and lengthen project timelines, impacting developers and investors. Developers must actively engage with…

Beautiful aerial view of the pool area at Turtle Bay Resort in Kahuku, Hawaii, showcasing lush surroundings.

Turtle Bay Hotel Development Faces Legal Challenge, Potentially Delaying Future North Shore Projects

A lawsuit challenging the City and County of Honolulu's approval of a new Turtle Bay hotel could introduce significant delays and set precedent for future North Shore development. Real estate owners…

Finance & Investment

View all
Flat lay image featuring a laptop, open magazine, credit cards, and eyeglasses on a marble table.

Potential Shifts in Banking Strategy Underway at Bank of Hawaii Following CEO Transition

Bank of Hawaii's long-standing CEO, Peter Ho, is retiring March 31, to be succeeded by James Polk. This leadership change may influence future lending policies and business banking relationships…

Business professionals discussing data charts and graphs in a modern office setting.

Bank of Hawaii Leadership Transition: Monitor for Potential Shifts in Lending and Strategy

Bank of Hawaii has announced Peter Ho's retirement as CEO after 16 years, with Ray Vara stepping into the non-executive chairman role and a new CEO to be named. While Ho will provide transition…

A businesswoman writes in a notebook while reviewing charts and graphs in an office setting.

Bankoh Leadership Transition May Signal Shifts in Local Lending and Investment Strategies

Bank of Hawaii's upcoming CEO transition on April 1, with CEO Dean Ho retiring, could introduce new strategic directions impacting local businesses and investors. Businesses should monitor the new…

Close-up of US dollar banknotes on a laptop keyboard symbolizing online finance and technology.

Hawaii Business Owners Face Shifting Banking Landscape: Re-evaluate Partnerships to Optimize Costs and Services

The distinctions between traditional banks, credit unions, and online banks for business accounts are becoming more pronounced, potentially impacting operating costs and access to crucial financial…

Policy & Regulation

View all
Man in shock discovering possible fraud or data breach with smartphone and credit card.

Medical Professionals Face Increased Risk of Financial Loss and Identity Theft from Evolving Phone Scams

New phone scams targeting healthcare professionals in Hawaii are becoming more sophisticated, increasing the risk of financial fraud and personal data breaches. Immediate implementation of enhanced…

Captivating view of a rainbow arching over the urban skyline of Honolulu, Hawaii, against a stormy sky.

HECO Restructuring Could Shift Energy Costs and Reliability for Hawaii Businesses

Proposed legislative action to restructure Hawaiian Electric (HECO) following recent grid failures raises questions about future energy costs, reliability, and regulatory oversight for businesses.…

Detailed close-up shot of US dollar bills displaying serial numbers and Federal Reserve details.

Federal Funding Uncertainty Creates Potential Service Disruptions for Hawaii Businesses

Congresswoman Tokuda's vote against a government funding bill, leading to potential disruptions in federal services, necessitates businesses to review their reliance on agencies like DHS. Businesses…

Woman holding a scam alert sign with a stop gesture indoors.

Alert: Widespread SMS Scam Threatens Vehicle Privileges and Financial Loss for Hawaii Residents and Businesses

A sophisticated scam targeting Hawaii residents via text message demands payment for non-existent traffic citations, threatening immediate vehicle registration and license suspension. Businesses…

Infrastructure & Transportation

View all
Focused shot of a laptop displaying the Pexels login page, highlighting modern digital interface.

Kauai Businesses and Remote Workers Gain More Reliable Internet Access

The Kauai Hi-WiFi program is expanding free Starlink internet access to previously underserved areas, addressing critical connectivity gaps for local businesses and residents. Remote workers and…

Hawaiian airline plane captured flying against a clear dusk sky in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

Interisland Flights Face Potential Seat Reductions or Increased Costs Due to Pilot Agreement Changes

A new pilot agreement provision impacting several Hawaii interisland routes could lead to reduced flight capacity, altered seating, or price increases. Businesses and individuals relying on…

Close-up of an electric vehicle being charged at a charging station outdoors.

Simplified EV Charging for Hawaii Businesses as Public Stations Adopt NACS Connectors

Public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on Oahu and Maui are being upgraded this month to include North American Charging Standard (NACS) connectors, simplifying charging for businesses…

Aerial view of Honolulu's skyline with overcast skies, capturing urban skyscrapers and coastal scenery.

HART-Hitachi Mediation Could Delay Project Timelines and Shift Contractor Costs

A judicial order compelling mediation between the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) and its primary contractor, Hitachi, signals a potential pause or revision of ongoing litigation…

Sustainability & Resources

View all
Close-up of a red and black froghopper perched on a grass blade, highlighting its vibrant colors.

Hawaii Island Cattle Operations Face Immediate Profitability Squeeze from Escalating Spittlebug Infestation

The accelerating spread of the two-lined spittlebug on Hawaii Island is now directly impacting cattle ranchers by degrading pasture quality and increasing feed costs, threatening operational…

Capture of a serene river flowing through lush Hawaiian forest at sunset, enhancing the natural beauty.

Maui Developers and Farmers Face Potential Water Scarcity Implications Without Proactive Watershed Understanding

Local developers and agricultural producers on Maui risk future development and operational water access constraints if they fail to integrate advanced watershed knowledge into their planning. A…

Explore the vibrant underwater world of Hawaii with this captivating image of a sea turtle gracefully swimming among coral reefs.In-Depth

Hawaii's Coral Reef Insurance Renewed, Bolstering Sustainability and Tourism

Hawaiʻi 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.…

A woman in activewear meditating on a tropical beach, promoting health and tranquility.In-Depth

Adolescent Liver Disease Risk Study Signals Potential Long-Term Healthcare Cost Increases for Hawaii Businesses

New 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…