Latest policy & regulation news and updates
The Hawaii State Senate has announced new committee assignments and leadership changes for the upcoming 2026 legislative session, prompted by Senator Henry J.C. Aquino's retirement. These shifts have significant implications for businesses and investors across the state, potentially altering the course of key legislation and regulatory policies.
The Maui County Council has officially passed Bill 9, a pivotal piece of legislation that will significantly reduce the number of short-term vacation rentals across the island. This decision is poised to reshape the real estate market and tourism sector, creating both challenges and opportunities for local businesses, investors, and the overall economy.
Governor Josh Green is facing fiscal challenges due to recent federal actions that have impacted Hawaii's economy, resulting in a tighter budget climate. The Governor is prioritizing addressing healthcare uncertainties while navigating these economic headwinds.
A proposed charter amendment aims to exempt certain Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) positions from civil service regulations. Proponents argue this change could streamline hiring and reduce permit processing delays, but the move raises questions about maintaining merit-based employment practices.
Maui County homeowners are reminded to submit applications for the Circuit Breaker Tax Credit and Home Exemption before the December 31st deadline. This crucial reminder from the Department of Finance Real Property Tax Assessment Division aims to help residents reduce their property tax burden.
Recent developments surrounding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are causing confusion and worry for low-income families in Hawaii. The program, a crucial resource for food security, is facing increased scrutiny and potential changes, impacting beneficiaries and the local economy.
Maui is bracing for a pivotal moment as the County Council prepares for the second and final reading of Bill 9, a controversial measure that could drastically reduce the number of vacation rentals on the island. The upcoming hearing on December 15th will likely feature impassioned public testimony, reflecting the deep divisions within the community regarding the bill's potential impact.
With federal ACA subsidies set to expire, Governor Green has proposed allocating $16.5 million to mitigate the impact on Hawaii residents, potentially averting steep premium increases for those who rely on the Affordable Care Act. This move is aimed at preventing a healthcare crisis and ensuring continued access to affordable health insurance.
Hawaii faces a critical shortage of primary care providers, particularly impacting rural communities and neighbor islands, creating severe access to care issues. Immediate funding is essential to prevent further loss of critical medical resources and to ensure residents receive the necessary healthcare.
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) has awarded a $210,000 grant to the E Ala E Hawaiian Cultural Center. This funding will support the Nā ʻElele o Kahikina Congressional Fellowship Program, providing opportunities for Native Hawaiian young adults to develop leadership skills and gain experience in Washington, D.C.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) intention to place a "black box" warning, the agency's most serious warning, on COVID-19 vaccines, as reported by CNN, is raising concerns. This decision could have ramifications for Hawaii's business environment, particularly for sectors reliant on public trust and potentially impacting the tourism and healthcare sectors.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has sued Hawaii, along with Colorado, Massachusetts, and Nevada, for their failure to provide voter registration lists. This action, part of a broader effort by the DOJ to access voter data nationwide, raises concerns for state election officials and could have implications for data privacy and regulatory compliance within the state.
The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated legal action against Hawaii and other states for refusing to provide access to voter registration lists, a move that could have implications for data privacy, election administration, and potentially, the regulatory landscape affecting businesses operating in the state. This action, initiated during a period of heightened scrutiny of election processes, has caught the attention of Hawaii's business community.
In a move aimed at consistency, the Hawaii Board on Geographic Names has voted to change the official name of the 'Island of Hawai'i' to simply 'Hawai'i.' This decision, which aligns the island's name with those of other islands in the state, is expected to have implications for state agencies and potentially influence branding efforts.
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Hawaii, along with three other states, due to their failure to provide complete voter registration lists. This action has significant implications for election integrity and could potentially impact data privacy and business operations in Hawaii.
Senator Joni Ernst is calling for a halt to the 8(a) sole-source contracting program and a full audit of its practices, citing potential fraud and abuse. This call to action comes after revelations that a Hawaii-based company, Dawson MCG, LLC, received a multi-million dollar contract shortly after a federal raid.
Hawaii, along with five other states, is set to implement new restrictions on what can be purchased using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits starting in 2026. This policy shift, part of a broader federal initiative, will impact both SNAP recipients and local businesses involved in the food supply chain.
The latest defense spending bill passed by Congress contains provisions directly impacting Hawaii, particularly concerning land lease negotiations between the state and the U.S. Army. This legislative action has significant implications for local businesses, real estate, and future development projects reliant on these lands.
The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) projects a 1.5% economic growth for Hawaii in 2026, setting the stage for the upcoming legislative session. This forecast, however, has drawn criticism, raising concerns about its potential influence on tax policy and investment decisions for Hawaii's entrepreneurs and investors.
A proposed amendment to the Honolulu City Charter would mandate fiscal impact assessments for all proposed charter amendments and council legislation. This move aims to increase financial transparency and provide businesses with clearer insights into the potential impacts of new laws and regulations.