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
Maui tourism operators should monitor daily surf forecast updates from Maui Now and the National Weather Service (NWS) Honolulu through March 5th. If surf heights consistently exceed 7 feet on exposed west and north shores, or if weather advisories are issued for high surf and strong currents, activate contingency plans by rescheduling tours or limiting access to specific water areas.
Monitor legislative calendars for updates on Bills HB2705, which could significantly alter cruise line docking fees, impacting tourism operators and related businesses. If passed, evaluate budget and pricing strategy adjustments within 60-90 days of enactment.
All businesses should continuously monitor global oil prices and shipping indices for sustained upticks. If oil prices rise over 10% in a week or shipping costs climb significantly, reassess inventory, explore alternative suppliers, and factor potential cost increases into pricing strategies. Similarly, watch Hawaii retail fuel prices and Persian Gulf shipping disruptions; if fuel costs rise over 10% in 30 days or disruptions exceed 60 days, implement contingency plans focusing on pricing, supply chains, or operational efficiency. These ongoing monitoring efforts are critical due to potential supply chain and market volatility risks from global geopolitical shifts. Learn more about these risks.
A growing number of CEOs are embedding Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their core business strategies and demanding AI literacy from their workforce. Businesses in Hawaii that delay AI integration…
OpenAI's latest $110 billion funding round from tech giants signals a significant acceleration in AI development and integration, requiring Hawaii's entrepreneurs and investors to strategically…
Jack Dorsey's Block has drastically reduced its workforce by 40%, citing AI efficiencies as the primary driver, signaling a paradigm shift in operational scaling that Hawaii businesses must address…
Microsoft's new Copilot Tasks feature, designed to offload routine administrative work to cloud-based AI, could significantly reduce operational burdens for Hawaii's small businesses, entrepreneurs,…
Hawaii's Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) is demonstrating heightened enforcement by issuing significant fines for operating commercially in protected marine areas. Tourism operators must…
Maui saw a significant double-digit rebound in visitor arrivals and spending in January 2026, indicating a stronger tourism recovery. Small business operators and tourism providers should prepare for…
An incoming west-northwest swell will bring elevated surf to Maui's north and west-facing shores from March 1st to March 5th, potentially impacting water-based activities. Tourism operators should…
A recent $10,000 fine for unauthorized helicopter snorkel drops in a North Shore marine conservation district signals heightened enforcement, potentially impacting operational costs and compliance…
A recent cyberattack on the University of Hawaii system has potentially exposed the Social Security numbers of over 1.2 million individuals, heightening the general risk of identity theft across the…
The federal SPARK Act, introduced by Senator Hirono, aims to boost entrepreneurship for underserved communities nationwide, potentially opening new avenues for funding, mentorship, and business…
Costco's recall of Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice due to potential glass contamination requires immediate action from Hawaii food service businesses to prevent liability and protect consumers. Failing…
Gardenland Hawaii is set to unveil its renovated Kahului showroom on February 28, 2026, creating a window for local businesses to engage with new landscaping and home improvement offerings and…
A Honolulu City Council measure to streamline affordable housing projects may reduce development approval times and administrative burdens for real estate owners and investors. Developers and…
A $23.3 million redevelopment plan for the YWCA facility in Hilo, Hawaʻi Island, presents new opportunities for contractors and suppliers, alongside potential shifts in local real estate and…
Falling mortgage rates, hitting their lowest point in over three years as of February 27, 2026, are poised to stimulate Hawaii's real estate market. This presents a time-sensitive opportunity for…
Residents of Ward Village are at risk of lease violations as the property management appears to be reneging on its previously marketed dog-friendly policies. This shift impacts tenant relations 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-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…
Proposed legislation, HB 1928, aims to overhaul Hawaii's HI-5 recycling program by shifting financial responsibility to producers, potentially adding 5 cents per container to business operating…
A potential shift towards broader federal search and enforcement powers could lead to increased scrutiny and compliance burdens for businesses. Businesses should monitor federal regulatory proposals…
New legislation to regulate high-speed electric bikes, including restrictions on usage and potentially licensing, is advancing through the Hawaii State Legislature this year. Businesses involved in…
Hawaii is poised to adopt legislation (HB1875) that would offer legal protections for individuals seeking gender-affirming care for minors, potentially impacting healthcare providers, real estate,…
A proposed pedestrian bridge over the Ala Wai Canal is expected to increase traffic and air pollution along Ala Wai Boulevard, impacting businesses reliant on Waikiki access. Operators should monitor…
Ongoing state-mandated lane closures across Maui, initially scheduled through March 6, 2026, will disrupt logistics, increase travel times, and potentially strain operating budgets for local…
Geopolitical events in the Persian Gulf are causing disruptions to global oil shipments, creating a significant risk of higher imported fuel prices for Hawaii.
Recent reports indicate a sustained drop in gasoline prices across Hawaii, offering a slight reduction in transportation-related operating expenses for local businesses. While the trend is positive,…
The Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle's targeting of endangered loulu palms presents an escalating risk to Hawaii's unique biodiversity, threatening a significant component of the islands' natural marketing…
A proposal by a golf course owner to purchase the West Maui water system has generated community skepticism, potentially impacting water availability and operational costs for local businesses and…
East Maui businesses face an immediate challenge on March 5-6, 2026, as a localized metals collection event offers a narrow window for managing bulky waste, impacting operating costs for those who…
Mahi Pono's partnership with the Hawaii Department of Education (DOE) creates an immediate opportunity for Maui-based citrus farmers to supply mandarins to public schools. Farmers and food producers…
