Latest policy & regulation news and updates
Will Caron's political cartoons provide commentary on Hawaii's political and policy landscape, offering relevant insights for business professionals and entrepreneurs. This perspective helps in understanding the state's regulatory environment and how it relates to public affairs impacting the business community.
A new bill intended to safeguard Hawaiian agricultural products is causing anxiety among Māmaki tea producers, who fear it might unintentionally hurt their budding industry. The legislation, while intended to prevent misrepresentation, could negatively impact small businesses and limit their ability to compete.
Governor Josh Green signed several bills to support Hawaii's schoolchildren through better access to food, transportation, and surfing programs, reflecting the state's commitment to its keiki.
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) will host a series of events on Maui in early June, providing updates, resources, and gathering community input. These include a community meeting, genealogy workshop, and board meeting.
A recent letter to the editor published in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser argues that the financial burden of Hawaii's climate impact fee should fall on tourism corporations rather than visitors. This viewpoint surfaces amid the implementation of a new hotel room tax aimed at funding environmental initiatives and disaster relief.
Hawaii's 2025 legislative session saw the passage of several firearms-related bills, including a potential ban on assault rifles and regulations on ammunition magazines, which could impact businesses and residents.
Governor Josh Green has appointed Republican Joe Gedeon to fill the House seat left vacant by the late Rep. Gene Ward, of Hawaii Kai-Kalama Valley. This decision has immediate implications for the district's representation and the future legislative agenda affecting local businesses and communities.
The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) faces further scrutiny, as lawmakers consider its complete replacement. This uncertainty concerning the HTA's governance model impacts businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs within the crucial tourism sector in Hawaii.
Hawaii and fifteen other states are suing the Trump administration to block $1.4 billion in cuts to the National Science Foundation, citing potential damage to scientific advancement and economic growth.
Hawaii is tightening regulations on its cannabis industry with new legislation aimed at improving oversight. These changes will introduce new compliance requirements and may impact how businesses operate within the state's evolving legal landscape.
The proposed upgrade to Honolulu's Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant and the resulting sewer fee increases have generated considerable debate. With a potential $2.5 billion price tag, the project is under scrutiny. The Trump administration's involvement could significantly influence the financial burden on local businesses and residents, and has direct implications for local policy.
Hawaii homeowners are facing concerns over rising property taxes, which has drawn attention to the debate over the long-term economic impact to business owners, investors, and residents. Analysis reveals the complexities, with insights into the impacts of property value assessments and overall cost of living.
U.S. Representative Ed Case has outlined key defense priorities for Hawai‘i and the Indo-Pacific region in testimony to the House Armed Services Committee. The testimony underscores Hawai‘i’s strategic importance and the need for proactive measures to address regional security challenges, which may offer opportunities for local businesses and investors.
The Maui County Council is considering revised real property tax rates that could significantly impact local businesses and property owners. With final decisions expected on June 3rd, the council is balancing the need for revenue with economic recovery efforts.
Hawaii's new $100 million climate fee on tourists aims to fund sustainability projects, but raises questions about its impact on the tourism sector and local businesses. The fee presents both challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals, requiring careful navigation of evolving policies and market dynamics.
Hawaii is implementing a first-of-its-kind climate impact fee on tourists starting January 1st, adding $30 per $400 spent on lodging. This initiative, targeting the environmental impacts of tourism, aims to fund climate change initiatives and wildfire prevention, but may present challenges and opportunities for businesses.
The decision on whether to expand time-of-use (TOU) electricity rates in Hawaii is crucial for local businesses, with potential impacts on energy costs and operational strategies. The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) will determine the future of these rates based on data from Hawaiian Electric’s pilot program.
The Honolulu City Council is navigating a fiscal tightrope as it revisits Mayor Blangiardi's proposal for a 115% increase in sewer fees. With the council now considering alternative plans, local businesses, from hotels to restaurants, must be ready to adapt to the changes.
A new tax on cruise ships in Hawaii has ignited a legal battle between the cruise industry and the state government, raising concerns about the impact on tourism and local businesses.
Hawaiʻi's Governor signed into law a "Climate Impact Fee" that will increase taxes on short-term rentals and hotel stays, marking a pioneering move to fund climate resilience using revenue from the tourism industry. This change will reshape the financial landscape for Hawaiʻi's businesses, investors, and tourism industry.