

Hawaii Business Brief: Navigating the Currents of Change This Week
Aloha business community! This week, we're diving deep into the latest happenings across the islands. Tourism faces its own set of challenges, as the absence of clear leadership raises questions about the future direction of Hawaii's travel industry. On a brighter note, Costco's growing influence in the budget travel sector is reshaping the market. Meanwhile, the buzz around the upcoming "Hawaii's Most Admired Leaders" and a PBN E-newsletter promises valuable insights for businesses navigating the local landscape. Real estate and finance are also in the spotlight. New legislation aims to alleviate the condo insurance crisis, while Maui Land & Pineapple's strategic moves are showing positive revenue results. The recent Maui wildfire settlement brings a ray of hope for financial relief, and new Hawaii laws are now in effect, requiring businesses to stay informed. Furthermore, developments on the energy front involve a power outage impacting Upcountry Maui, and local leaders are convening on Maui to address energy challenges. Lastly, a few other things to keep an eye on: The Department of Transportation's community events related to Park Maui may impact Kīhei businesses. Hawaii's fight against invasive species is ongoing, with businesses in West Hawaii on alert due to the threat of invasive beetles. Also, we want to remind you to be wary of scams, as military members in Hawaii have become targets for fraudulent activities. Remember to stay informed, adapt, and navigate the currents of change with your ohana.
Top Headlines Of The Week In Each Category
Tourism & Hospitality

No Board, No Director, No Plan? Who’s Steering Hawaii Travel Now?
Hawaii's tourism industry is facing significant challenges due to a leadership vacuum, ethical concerns, and evolving market dynamics, creating uncertainty for businesses and investors in the sector.
Read full article →Costco Becomes a Key Player in Hawaii's Budget Travel Market
Costco's travel services are transforming Hawaii's tourism landscape, becoming a key strategy for budget travelers and impacting the hospitality sector. This presents both challenges and opportunities for local businesses and investors, necessitating strategic adaptation and innovation.
Read full article →Business & Startups

PBN Announces 2025 Hawaii’s Most Admired Leaders, Highlighting Diverse Business Talent
Pacific Business News has unveiled its 2025 list of Hawaii's Most Admired Leaders, recognizing individuals across construction, education, finance, and other sectors, highlighting the diverse expertise driving the state's economy.
Read full article →READ Q3 2025 E-newsletter: Key Insights for Hawaii Businesses
The Research and Economic Analysis Division (READ) has issued its Q3 2025 e-newsletter which includes valuable data on Hawaii’s economy, labor market, and building permits. This data is significant for business leaders and crucial for navigating current economic conditions and long-term planning in Hawaii.
Read full article →Real-Estate & Development

New Laws Aim to Tackle Hawaii's Condo Insurance Crisis
Hawaii is addressing a condo insurance crisis with new laws, focusing on affordability and access. The state is using the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund and the Hawaii Property Insurance Association to provide insurance of last resort and explore condo loans, impacting real estate investors, developers, and professionals.
Read full article →Maui Land & Pineapple's Strategic Shift Drives Revenue Growth
Maui Land & Pineapple Co. is experiencing a significant revenue increase due to its strategic shift and new leadership, focusing on sustainable practices and community engagement in the Hawaiian real estate market.
Read full article →Finance & Investment

Hawaii's Insurance Market Gets a Boost: New Law to Stabilize Coverage and Support Businesses
Governor Josh Green signed Senate Bill 1044 into law, re-activating the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund to stabilize the state's property insurance market. This move is expected to have a positive impact on local businesses and the real estate sector.
Read full article →Maui Wildfire Settlement Ushers in Hope for Financial Relief
A landmark $4.037 billion settlement has been approved to address the 2023 Maui wildfires. These settlements are important for business sectors and the community overall, and will be a crucial point in the long-term recovery.
Read full article →Policy & Regulation

Hawaii's New Laws: Key Changes and Business Implications
New laws passed by the Hawaii Legislature are now in effect, bringing significant changes to the business environment. These laws impact real estate, finance, and energy sectors, advising entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals to stay informed and adapt to the evolving regulatory landscape.
Read full article →New Hawaii Laws Now in Effect: Key Regulations for Businesses
New laws passed by the Hawai'i Legislature have gone into effect, bringing substantial changes to the business landscape. These changes influence sectors from real estate to utilities and require business owners to adapt and consult with advisors.
Read full article →Infrastructure & Transportation

Upcountry Maui Power Outage: Implications for Residents and Businesses
A recent power outage in Upcountry Maui, affecting approximately 330 Hawaiian Electric customers, reveals the ongoing challenges posed by wildfire threats. The proactive measure by HECO, although necessary, highlights the need for business contingency plans and infrastructure improvements.
Read full article →Maui DOT to Host Community Events on Park Maui, Impacting Kīhei Businesses
The County of Maui's Department of Transportation is hosting community events in Kīhei to discuss and gather feedback on the Park Maui program, a new parking management initiative impacting businesses and residents.
Read full article →Sustainability & Resources

Invasive Beetle Threatens West Hawaii: Businesses on Alert
The discovery of two breeding sites of the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) in West Hawaii poses a significant threat to the islands' economy, particularly impacting tourism and agriculture. This highlights the continuing challenges Hawaii faces in managing invasive species and the considerable costs associated with mitigation and control efforts.
Read full article →Energy Leaders Convene on Maui to Tackle Tough Challenges, Offer Real Solutions
The 12th Annual Hawaiʻi Energy Conference on Maui brought together energy leaders to strategize the state's transition to clean energy. Discussions focused on actionable steps to achieve Hawaii's ambitious renewable energy goals, including grid resilience, community energy priorities, and the value of distributed energy resources.
Read full article →Other News
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Hawaii Military Members Targeted by Scams, Losing Thousands, BBB Reports
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is alerting Hawaii residents, particularly military personnel and veterans, to substantial financial losses due to fraud, totaling $23,000 in 2024. The BBB received 305 scam reports last year, highlighting the ongoing risk of scams targeting the military community.
Read full article →