Potential for New Infrastructure and Development Grants Emerges with Federal Funding Package
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Policy & Regulation
Latest policy & regulation news and updates
Retailers Face Potential New "Abandoned Cart" Fees and Management Costs as Legislature Debates Proposed Bill
A proposed bill in the Hawaii legislature could impose new operational responsibilities and financial burdens on retailers for managing abandoned shopping carts. Retailers should monitor legislative…
Increased Social Work Talent Pool May Ease Staffing Pressures for Healthcare and Service Businesses
Innovations at the University of Hawaii's Thompson School are accelerating the development of social workers, potentially increasing the local supply of these professionals within the next 1-3 years.…
Kamehameha Schools' Tuition Elimination Could Reshape Hawaii's Private Education Market
Kamehameha Schools' court-approved elimination of tuition, effective for the upcoming academic year, will significantly alter the competitive landscape for private K-12 education and potentially…
News
Federal Agency Service Disruptions Loom as Funding Package Faces Delays
While the Senate passed a significant government funding package, a short-term DHS stopgap means critical federal agency operations could still face disruptions. Businesses relying on federal…
Kamehameha Schools' Tuition-Free Status to Reshape Private Education Market
Kamehameha Schools will offer tuition-free education starting in Fall of the upcoming school year following a judicial ruling. This shift will impact enrollment strategies and financial planning for…
Oahu Businesses Face Energy Cost Uncertainty Amid Legislative Fight Over LNG Ban
Legislative opposition to Governor Green's interim plan to use Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) for Oahu's electricity generation introduces significant uncertainty regarding future energy costs and…
Legal Proceedings Against Former Prosecutor Could Heighten Scrutiny for Businesses Tied to Alleged Conspiracy
Key portions of a retaliatory prosecution and conspiracy lawsuit against Honolulu's former prosecuting attorney have been allowed to proceed, potentially exposing associated businesses to legal risk…
Kamehameha Schools' Free Tuition May Shift Local Talent Pool: Investors and Entrepreneurs Should Monitor Program Impact
Kamehameha Schools has officially transitioned to a tuition-free model for all grade levels, potentially influencing the educational choices of a significant segment of Hawaii's student population.…
Hawaii Businesses Face Evolving Legislative Landscape: Monitor DBEDT Signals for Unforeseen Policy Shifts
The start of the 2026 legislative session, signaled by DBEDT's latest newsletter, indicates potential shifts in economic development focus. Businesses should actively monitor these signals to…
Anticipate New Mandates: 2026 Keiki Caucus Bills Could Impact Youth Employment and Consumer Spending
The 2026 Keiki Caucus Legislative Package, recently introduced, outlines five new bills targeting youth health and welfare, potentially introducing new regulations or incentives that could affect…
Hawaii Businesses Should Monitor Potential 2026 Legislative Shifts Impacting Women, Families, and Workforce
The Hawaii Women's Legislative Caucus has proposed a 2026 legislative package that may introduce new regulations or support programs impacting businesses that employ women and families. Understanding…
Maui Residents Seeking Board Seats Face Simplified Digital Application Process
Maui County has launched a new digital platform to streamline applications for vacant seats on its boards and commissions, effective January 30, 2026. This change simplifies engagement for residents…
Potential New Mandates from Hawai'i Women's Legislative Caucus Require Business Monitoring for 2026
The Hawai'i Women's Legislative Caucus has unveiled its 2026 bill package, signaling potential new regulations and support programs that could impact businesses serving or employing women, children,…
Healthcare Providers Face Increased Vetting Costs with New Harm to Students Registry
Hawaii's Act 123 mandates new hiring protocols for educational institutions, including healthcare providers serving students, by requiring a 'Harm to Students Registry.' This change necessitates…
Hawaii Employers Face Heightened Risk of Fines and Audits Due to DOE's Non-Use of E-Verify
The Hawaii Department of Education's admission of not using the federal E-Verify system to confirm employee work authorization raises statewide compliance risks for all employers. All businesses must…
Cruise Ship Visitors Face Potential 'Green Fee' Collection Delays; Tourism Operators Should Monitor Legal Outcome
State officials are optimistic about collecting the visitor 'Green Fee' from cruise ship passengers, despite an ongoing federal lawsuit. Tourism operators should monitor the lawsuit's resolution as…
Oahu Businesses Face Potential Operational Shifts Amidst Truck Bed Riding Debate
Following Oahu's fifth traffic fatality of the year, a renewed debate over riding in truck beds could lead to stricter enforcement or new regulations. Businesses relying on this transport method…
Continued FEMA Housing Aid For Maui Survivors May Stabilize Local Labor Pool Through 2027
FEMA's extension of housing assistance for nearly 1,000 Maui households through 2027 offers continued stability compared to prior expiration dates. This sustained population presence could maintain a…
Hawaii Travelers May Face New Fees or Flight Denials Starting February Without REAL ID
Beginning in February, all travelers departing Hawaii will require a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID to board flights, or face potential fees and restrictions. Businesses relying on…