Island Business Brief: Navigating Change & Charting New Waters

Aloha, business leaders! This week's digest covers critical shifts impacting Hawaii's economic landscape. We're seeing significant developments in tourism, with Hawaiian Airlines charting a new course and the Hawaii Tourism Authority facing scrutiny—both carry serious implications for your ventures. Simultaneously, the Hawaii-Made Conference is fostering growth for local enterprises, while the myHawaii platform is set to streamline government interactions, potentially boosting operational efficiency and helping you navigate the local business climate. In the realm of real estate and finance, we find a dual narrative. While support for Lahaina's rebuilding efforts gains momentum with new loan assistance, the worsening homelessness crisis presents considerable challenges for real estate and businesses across the islands. Encouragingly, a $10M investment is fueling zero-down mortgages for Native Hawaiians via Hawaiian Home Lands, and Bank of Hawaii's reopening of its Lahaina branch signals a return of financial stability and long-term commitment to our community. Finally, we delve into policy changes and infrastructure updates. The Honolulu Council is pushing a bill to cushion sewer fee hikes for businesses, alongside new state legislation that is changing how businesses operate while also addressing climate initiatives. Furthermore, infrastructure improvements, such as the Puna Alternate Route study funding, and statewide speed cam expansion, will reshape how you manage logistics and your workforce. Stay informed, stay resilient, and stay ahead in our dynamic island economy.