Latest policy & regulation news and updates
An accelerating state investigation into alleged bribery involving a legislator could precipitate policy shifts impacting Hawaii's business climate. Investors and entrepreneurs should monitor…
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A proposed bill in the Hawaii legislature could impose new operational responsibilities and financial burdens on retailers for managing abandoned shopping carts. Retailers should monitor legislative…
Innovations at the University of Hawaii's Thompson School are accelerating the development of social workers, potentially increasing the local supply of these professionals within the next 1-3 years.…
Kamehameha Schools' court-approved elimination of tuition, effective for the upcoming academic year, will significantly alter the competitive landscape for private K-12 education and potentially…
While the Senate passed a significant government funding package, a short-term DHS stopgap means critical federal agency operations could still face disruptions. Businesses relying on federal…
Kamehameha Schools will offer tuition-free education starting in Fall of the upcoming school year following a judicial ruling. This shift will impact enrollment strategies and financial planning for…
Legislative opposition to Governor Green's interim plan to use Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) for Oahu's electricity generation introduces significant uncertainty regarding future energy costs and…
Key portions of a retaliatory prosecution and conspiracy lawsuit against Honolulu's former prosecuting attorney have been allowed to proceed, potentially exposing associated businesses to legal risk…
Kamehameha Schools has officially transitioned to a tuition-free model for all grade levels, potentially influencing the educational choices of a significant segment of Hawaii's student population.…
The start of the 2026 legislative session, signaled by DBEDT's latest newsletter, indicates potential shifts in economic development focus. Businesses should actively monitor these signals to…
The 2026 Keiki Caucus Legislative Package, recently introduced, outlines five new bills targeting youth health and welfare, potentially introducing new regulations or incentives that could affect…
The Hawaii Women's Legislative Caucus has proposed a 2026 legislative package that may introduce new regulations or support programs impacting businesses that employ women and families. Understanding…
Maui County has launched a new digital platform to streamline applications for vacant seats on its boards and commissions, effective January 30, 2026. This change simplifies engagement for residents…
The Hawai'i Women's Legislative Caucus has unveiled its 2026 bill package, signaling potential new regulations and support programs that could impact businesses serving or employing women, children,…
Hawaii's Act 123 mandates new hiring protocols for educational institutions, including healthcare providers serving students, by requiring a 'Harm to Students Registry.' This change necessitates…
The Hawaii Department of Education's admission of not using the federal E-Verify system to confirm employee work authorization raises statewide compliance risks for all employers. All businesses must…
State officials are optimistic about collecting the visitor 'Green Fee' from cruise ship passengers, despite an ongoing federal lawsuit. Tourism operators should monitor the lawsuit's resolution as…
Following Oahu's fifth traffic fatality of the year, a renewed debate over riding in truck beds could lead to stricter enforcement or new regulations. Businesses relying on this transport method…
FEMA's extension of housing assistance for nearly 1,000 Maui households through 2027 offers continued stability compared to prior expiration dates. This sustained population presence could maintain a…