Latest policy & regulation news and updates
Hawaii's Judiciary is seeking $3.25 million for private armed guards due to Department of Law Enforcement staffing shortages, signaling potential broader cost shifts for businesses. Monitor judicial…
Legislative calls for enhanced Title IX training at University of Hawaii campuses signal potential future mandates affecting educational institutions and businesses with compliance responsibilities.…
Upcoming Supreme Court deliberations on Hawaii's firearm carry laws could redefine security protocols and insurance requirements for businesses. Owners and operators must understand the potential…
Plans for reinstating Maui Adult Daycare programs, discussed in early 2026, will provide crucial insights into local elder care services and community resource availability. Businesses in healthcare,…
Proposed changes to Maui County's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Disaster Recovery Action Plan are open for public review, potentially affecting eligibility and funding for local projects.…
Honolulu is moving towards establishing a Cost of Government Commission, which could lead to future reviews of city operations and potential budget realignments. Small business operators and real…
Recent voting records from Hawaii's Congressional delegation indicate potential shifts in federal policy that could affect local businesses through future legislation and funding allocations.…
Millions in federal appropriations for East Maui rainforest acquisition and Kahului Harbor maintenance signal potential shifts in land use and infrastructure investment on Maui. Businesses should…
Recent shifts have shrunk the House Republican majority to a razor-thin margin, increasing the likelihood of legislative stagnation or unpredictable policy changes. Hawaii businesses must monitor…
A proposed alliance between HMSA and Hawaii Pacific Health may intensify Hawaii's physician shortage, particularly in primary care, by pushing for value-based payment models. Healthcare providers and…
Heightened legislative scrutiny and public concern surrounding the proposed business partnership between HMSA and Hawaiʻi Pacific Health (HPH) indicate a strong likelihood of increased regulatory…
Fatal drug overdoses on Oahu are continuing to rise, driven by a complex mix of substances including fentanyl, despite increased access to naloxone. This ongoing crisis places additional strain on…
A Hawaii County Council resolution recommending a ban on ornamental fish collection for aquariums passed its first hurdle, posing significant supply risks to businesses in the exotic pet trade.…
Governor Green is considering using the state's $1.6 billion rainy day fund to offset potential federal funding cuts in 2026, signaling possible future budget tightening or shifts in state…
The Hawaii State Legislature is actively exploring alternatives to pausing income tax cuts, which could lead to a reallocation of approximately $350 million annually from current state funds. This…
Hawaii Appleseed has launched an interactive Economic Justice Data Dashboard, providing localized well-being metrics that can inform business strategy, advocacy, and community engagement efforts.…
The 2026 Hawaii State Legislative session begins January 21, marking the start of a period where new laws and regulations impacting business operations, costs, and market opportunities can be…
Prospective U.S. tariffs of 10% on goods from eight European nations, effective in February, will immediately increase import costs and could destabilize consumer spending in Hawaii. Small business…
A looming strike by Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers in Hawaii and California could immediately disrupt essential medical services, impacting employee health access and potentially affecting…
A recent ACLU petition for a detained farm worker highlights potential risks for agricultural businesses regarding labor sourcing and immigration compliance. Businesses employing foreign workers or…