The Oahu Edge Newsletter
This week's top news.
Top Headlines Of The Week In Each Category
Tourism & Hospitality
U.S. Social Media Vetting Proposal Casts Shadow Over Hawaii's Tourism Recovery
Hawaii's tourism industry is bracing for potential fallout from a federal proposal that would require international visitors to disclose their social media history. Concerns are mounting that the new vetting process could further dampen international arrivals, which could undermine efforts for economic recovery amidst the U.S. government's recent marketing reboot.
Read full article →U.S. Vetting Proposal Clouds Hawaii's Tourism Recovery
Hawaii's tourism industry is expressing serious concerns about a proposed federal rule that would require international visitors to disclose their social media history. This new vetting process could significantly hinder the state’s efforts to attract tourists and damage the recovering visitor economy.
Read full article →Business & Startups
Hawaii's Millennials Struggle with Housing Costs and Economic Pressures
Millennials in Hawaii face increasing economic pressures, particularly from the high cost of housing, forcing many to work multiple jobs just to make ends meet. This situation threatens the long-term economic sustainability of the islands as young professionals consider leaving for more affordable locations.
Read full article →Maui Nonprofits Navigate Financial Straits Amidst Federal Cuts and Wildfire Recovery Challenges
Maui's nonprofit sector faces unprecedented strain as federal funding cuts and the winding down of wildfire recovery funds coincide with increased community needs. Organizations are adapting to navigate these challenges, driven by the ongoing government shutdown and the pause in SNAP benefits.
Read full article →Real-Estate & Development
Maui's New Short-Term Rental Law Faces Immediate Legal Challenge from Condo Owners
Just days after its passage, the new Maui law phasing out short-term rentals in apartment-zoned buildings is already facing a legal battle. A group of over forty condo owners has filed a lawsuit, claiming the law infringes upon their property rights by mandating conversion to long-term housing.
Read full article →Maui Council Deadlocks on Resolution for New Hotel Zoning Districts, Leaving Vacation Rental Future Uncertain
The Maui County Council failed to reach an agreement on a resolution that sought to establish new hotel zoning districts, a critical step towards implementing the phase-out of transient vacation rentals (TVRs) on the island. This gridlock has left the future of thousands of vacation rental properties in limbo and injected further uncertainty into Maui’s real estate and tourism sectors.
Read full article →Finance & Investment
Hawaii's Economic Outlook Dims: Businesses Brace for Potential Challenges
Hawaii's financial landscape is facing headwinds as a recent report signals a shift from a previously optimistic economic forecast. Businesses and investors should prepare for potential challenges ahead, as government entities at both the state and federal levels signal cautious fiscal strategies.
Read full article →Waipahu Woman's Guilty Plea Highlights Increased Scrutiny on Tax and Unemployment Fraud
A Waipahu woman has pleaded guilty to charges of underreporting income and fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 unemployment assistance, highlighting a trend of increased scrutiny on financial crimes in Hawaii. The case underscores the importance of accurate tax reporting and the repercussions of defrauding government aid programs.
Read full article →Policy & Regulation
Maui's Bill 9: A Looming Legal and Economic Crisis for Hawaii's Business Community
Maui County's Bill 9, aimed at phasing out certain short-term rentals, is poised to trigger significant economic disruption and legal challenges, according to recent reports. The legislation threatens job losses, stifles entrepreneurial activities, and jeopardizes essential tax revenue, potentially leading to costly litigation against the county.
Read full article →Rep. Ed Case Champions Bill to Boost Hawaii's Trade with Pacific Islands
U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) has introduced a new bill designed to expand duty-free trade between the United States and Pacific Island nations, potentially unlocking new economic opportunities for Hawaii's businesses. This legislation seeks to strengthen partnerships and foster economic growth within the region.
Read full article →Infrastructure & Transportation
Downed Power Lines on Waialae Avenue Cause Significant Morning Traffic Delays
Commuters and businesses along Waialae Avenue in Honolulu experienced significant disruptions on the morning of December 21st due to a downed telephone pole and power lines. The incident, which closed a key section of the road for several hours, highlights the vulnerability of infrastructure and its impact on daily operations in the city.
Read full article →Capital Projects in Focus: Scrutiny Intensifies on Aloha Stadium and Honolulu Rail Finances
A recent letter to the editor in the Star-Advertiser highlights financial concerns surrounding major infrastructure projects in Hawaii, including the Aloha Stadium and the Honolulu Rail. The article points out that unlike the break-even operation of the Hawaii Convention Center, these large-scale ventures are unlikely to achieve financial self-sufficiency, raising questions for local businesses and investors.
Read full article →Sustainability & Resources
Honua Ola Eyes New Power Purchase Agreement, Signaling Renewable Energy Push on Big Island
Honua Ola Bioenergy is negotiating a third power purchase agreement with Hawaiian Electric, potentially reigniting its long-delayed biomass plant on the Big Island. This development could bring significant implications for Hawaii's renewable energy goals and present opportunities for local businesses.
Read full article →Moore Foundation Invests $2M in UH Scientists to Tackle Urgent Environmental Challenges
The University of Hawaii has received a $2 million grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to establish a new postdoctoral fellowship program. This initiative will support eleven emerging scientists in addressing pressing environmental and scientific challenges across the islands.
Read full article →