Latest policy & regulation news and updates
A recent audit reveals Honolulu's Office of Economic Revitalization (OER) has been inefficient in deploying hundreds of millions of dollars, suggesting future funding may not reach impactful projects.
A recent measles outbreak and subsequent lockdown at a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) facility, coupled with rising national case numbers, necessitates increased health protocol review for…
A legislative resolution urging the Attorney General to fast-track an investigation into alleged bribery could presage greater regulatory oversight and shifts in public trust, impacting Hawaii's…
Upcoming Hawaii Supreme Court decisions on judicial intervention in tax law interpretation may redefine taxpayer recourse and expose businesses to higher litigation expenses. Small business operators…
Governor Josh Green's proposal to halt scheduled state income tax reductions starting in 2027 will significantly decrease projected taxpayer savings over the next five years. This policy shift…
Hawaii's legislative session, adjourning May 8, includes proposals to grant legal personhood to reefs/watersheds and implement a sugar-sweetened beverage fee, potentially increasing operating and…
Proposed legislation to lower Hawaii's legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for drivers could increase enforcement and impact business travel policies. Small business operators and tourism…
A pending Supreme Court decision could lead to rapid legislative changes on firearm access, impacting business security and operational policies. Businesses should establish protocols for firearm…
New legislative proposals may allow residents greater latitude in managing wild chicken populations, potentially altering property maintenance burdens and public nuisance concerns for businesses and…
Legislation aimed at improving nurse staffing ratios could increase healthcare operational expenses and alter patient care models statewide. Healthcare providers must monitor legislative progress and…
While no immediate regulatory changes are in effect, an increasing focus on state-level protections for gender-affirming care suggests potential future shifts in compliance and service delivery…
Hawaii legislators are increasingly scrutinizing the state's "gray" cannabis market, signaling potential shifts towards formal regulation and taxation that could impact business models and…
Two four-year terms on the Hawaiʻi State Ethics Commission, beginning July 1, 2026, are available, presenting an opportunity for professionals to shape ethical standards. Entrepreneurs and investors…
The Working Families Caucus has introduced a package of bills for the 2026 legislative session aimed at increasing cost-of-living relief, expanding childcare access, and improving healthcare…
An outbreak of chickenpox at Kīlauea Elementary School on Kaua'i, with five reported cases, could lead to increased demand on local healthcare providers and potential staffing shortages for…
A prominent opinion piece signals the likely end of the Honua Ola biomass project, suggesting a continuation of energy cost volatility and potential reliance on fossil fuels. Small business operators…
The landmark 2024 Hawaii tax reform, which included significant income tax cuts, is facing ongoing scrutiny regarding its long-term fiscal impact, potentially leading to future adjustments. Small…
Hawaii Water is proposing a rate increase for Kapalua, Maui, with a Public Utilities Commission (PUC) hearing scheduled for January 31, 2026. This rate adjustment could increase operating expenses…
A localized chickenpox outbreak on Kauai, driven by low vaccination rates, increases the risk of employee sick-outs and potential public health interventions. Small businesses and tourism operators…
The ongoing strain on Kaua'i's limited emergency rescue helicopter resources, evidenced by its use in multiple simultaneous search operations, signals a potential for increased response times in…