Latest policy & regulation news and updates
The upcoming 2026 legislative session signals potential policy shifts in regulations, taxes, and incentives that could impact various business sectors. Strategic planning is necessary to adapt to…
Over 200 Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers in Hawaiʻi have joined a multi-state strike, immediately impacting patient care and creating potential access issues for businesses relying on Kaiser…
Kaiser Permanente's Maui pharmacies will face immediate and ongoing disruptions starting Monday due to an open-ended strike, impacting prescription fulfillment for thousands. Healthcare providers and…
Anticipated shifts in federal immigration policy could constrain the availability of foreign-born workers, impacting labor costs and operational capacity across Hawaii's key industries. Businesses…
A recent audit of Honolulu's Office of Economic Revitalization (OER) found poor results for $324 million spent, indicating a potential shift in government funding priorities and increased scrutiny on…
A coalition is advocating for tax reforms to fund critical state services, which may result in new or increased taxes impacting business operating expenses and investment strategies. Businesses…
Federal initiatives are launching to disburse substantial funds for rural health transformation, presenting a critical opportunity for Hawaii's healthcare providers to secure funding for operational…
The extension of FEMA temporary housing assistance in Lahaina until February 2027 signals continued operational demand for goods and services, while simultaneously perpetuating labor availability…
Federal housing assistance for Maui fire survivors has been extended through February 2027, providing continued stability for the island's workforce. While this maintains current labor conditions,…
The 'Maui Method' for safely disposing of damaged lithium-ion batteries, initially developed after the 2023 wildfires, has gained federal endorsement, creating potential future compliance…
A proposed bill to offer free public transit to individuals under 18 on Oahu could impact small businesses by potentially reducing employee transportation costs but may also indirectly affect…
All businesses on Oahu offering video amusement devices must now obtain a permit from the Honolulu Police Department (HPD), effective immediately. Failure to comply could lead to fines and…
Maui small business owners, entrepreneurs, and agricultural producers have a brief window to directly engage with Council Member Yuki Lei Sugimura at the Upcountry Farmers Market this Saturday,…
ʻAha Pūnana Leo is opening priority enrollment for its Hawaiian language immersion preschools, a crucial step for families committed to this educational path. Failure to apply by March 1 means…
A new pilot program allowing food scraps in green compost bins on Oahu, starting April 1, will likely increase waste disposal costs for businesses and may require adjustments to waste management…
A pilot program placing uniformed officers in three Oahu high schools aims to "change school cultures" and foster positive achievement, but its long-term impact on community perceptions of safety and…
The Hawaii Department of Taxation has not yet clarified if cash payments for state income taxes will continue to be accepted, potentially forcing taxpayers to incur fees for alternative payment…
A new state working group is researching the feasibility of legalized gambling in Hawaii, with findings expected within a year, potentially reshaping the local economy. Businesses should track this…
A proposed bill to provide free school meals for all public school students, regardless of income, threatens to increase operating costs and complexity for food suppliers and potentially strain…
The recent court's rejection of Koloa Rum Company's challenge to the Jones Act ensures that persistently high shipping costs for goods entering Hawaii will continue. This ruling solidifies existing…