Latest policy & regulation news and updates
Hawaii's new "green fee," a lodging tax designed to address climate change impacts, presents a significant opportunity for the state, with $100 million in estimated annual revenue. For businesses, it’s a pivotal moment to engage with policy discussions and shape the direction of this investment for a sustainable future.
The Hawaiian Council is launching a new program to protect residents from predatory solar companies. These companies are using deceptive practices. The program aims to educate consumers and support Hawaii's energy independence goals.
The Hawaii County Council is collaborating with the FBI to combat financial crimes, aiming to protect local businesses and residents from fraud and cybercrime, as indicated by a recent resolution.
Governor Josh Green is negotiating with the U.S. Army regarding military land leases in Hawaiʻi, a decision that will affect various sectors like real estate, environmental cleanup, and housing development. The new framework, which the Army hopes to finalize by the end of 2025, may reshape access to training lands and could potentially involve land exchanges.
Maui is in the midst of a significant policy debate regarding short-term rentals, with a bill under consideration that could lead to extensive legal challenges. The proposed legislation, designed to create more long-term housing and address the impact of the 2023 wildfires, has already sparked considerable controversy among property owners while the County maintains that its legal basis is sound.
The community is actively involved in the search for a new police chief, with discussions about leadership and community needs. This follows a period of leadership transitions and highlights public interest in local governance.
Governor Josh Green's veto of Hawaii's e-bike omnibus bill has raised questions about the future of e-bike regulations and their implications for businesses across the state. The bill, aimed at establishing guidelines for electric bicycles, faced opposition due to constitutional concerns, leaving businesses and stakeholders waiting for clarity on how this will affect their operations.
A recent letter to the editor in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser criticizes Hawaii's economic progress, questioning the effectiveness of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) in fostering innovation and global competitiveness. The letter highlights the need for a more effective approach to economic development, reflecting broader concerns among entrepreneurs and investors about the state's economic direction.
Governor Josh Green's veto of House Bill 958, the e-bike omnibus bill, has left the future of e-bike regulations in Hawaii uncertain. The decision, stemming from concerns about electric car exemptions, has implications for businesses and residents who rely on e-bikes.
Hawaii's new "green fee" is set to generate $100 million annually for environmental projects, prompting scrutiny from the business community. The funds, managed by an advisory council, will be used for environmental stewardship, hazard mitigation, and infrastructure to enhance visitor experience, sparking debate about its impact on tourism and economic sustainability.
Governor Josh Green has established a Green Fee Advisory Council to oversee the allocation of approximately $100 million annually from the increased Transient Accommodations Tax. The funds generated by this first-of-its-kind “climate impact fee” will be used for environmental resilience, hazard mitigation, and sustainable tourism, impacting Hawaii's business landscape and offering opportunities for businesses aligned with these goals.
New regulations for short-term vacation rentals in Hawaii County are set to take effect in December, presenting significant implications for property owners, investors, and the broader hospitality sector. The new law, following much debate, aims to balance tourism with community needs.
Hawaii's Governor Josh Green established a Green Fee Advisory Council to manage the allocation of approximately $100 million annually generated from the increased Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) designated for environmental resilience and visitor experience enhancements.
Ohana Fun! Hawaii, a Maui activity desk, has been sanctioned by the state for failing to remit payments to activity operators. The DCCA's actions underscore a growing emphasis on financial transparency and regulatory compliance within Hawaii's tourism sector.
Governor Josh Green has established the Green Fee Advisory Council to guide the allocation of funds from the newly enacted “Green Fee,” which aims to bolster Hawaiʻi's environmental resilience and promote sustainable tourism.
In response to the proposed phase-out of transient vacation rentals, the Maui County Council has formed a Temporary Investigative Group to investigate the policies and procedures surrounding short-term rentals. This decision reflects the ongoing debate on the economic and social impacts of vacation rentals within the local housing market, and the group will assess the viability of Bill 9.
The U.S. Army's push for new lease frameworks in Hawaii by the end of the year signals a critical juncture for the state's business sector, particularly regarding land use, environmental regulations, and economic development. Negotiations surrounding military land, including the Pohakuloa Training Area, are becoming increasingly pivotal, with potential shifts in lease terms and stricter environmental standards.
Negotiations between the U.S. Army and Hawaii over land leases expiring in 2029 are advancing, raising significant implications for the state's economy and business climate. The talks, which involve training sites and potential land exchanges, are occurring amid government and public scrutiny, demanding a fair balance between military needs and environmental and economic considerations.
Governor Green received a letter from the U.S. Army Secretary concerning military land leases in Hawaii, sparking negotiations that will influence real estate, development, and environmental policy, posing both challenges and opportunities for local businesses and investors.
The U.S. Army is pushing for a deal on Hawaii's training lands by the end of 2025, with the potential for significant impact on local businesses. The state's negotiations with the federal government over land use and environmental concerns create uncertainty and may impact real estate, construction, and local services.