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We translate Hawaii business news into decisions. Every article tells you what changed, who's affected, and what to do about it. Built for Hawaii's |

Morning Briefing

Top stories from the past 24 hours

Hawaii businesses using autonomous AI agents must implement secure testing frameworks within 30 days to prevent immediate data breaches and credential theft. Prohibit unvetted AI agent installation, establish isolated sandbox environments, apply Zero Trust controls, and conduct minimum 30-day tests before broader deployment, while training staff on AI risks. Affected parties now face imminent payouts from the Maui wildfire settlement; immediately contact your settlement administrator or legal counsel to confirm claim status and understand fund usage restrictions vital for business recovery. Separately, begin scenario planning within the next two years for potential land use shifts and development opportunities related to the $10 billion military lease negotiations; monitor DLNR and DoD announcements, engage with planning commissions, and review portfolio exposure for affected areas.

Hawaii tourism operators should watch for Airbnb's AI integration, which could reshape traveler discovery and booking visibility; monitor your booking data and platform visibility for significant shifts and consider re-evaluating listing optimization or diversifying marketing channels if needed.

Featured

A Ryanair airplane ascends into a cloudless sky, showcasing aviation and travel excitement.

New Nonstop Flight Route from Midwest to Maui Projects Increased Visitor Volume for Tourism Operators

Delta Air Lines' new nonstop route from Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) to Kahului, Maui (OGG), launching December 2026, will open a direct travel pipeline from the Upper Midwest, potentially increasing visitor numbers and impacting local businesses. Tourism operators should monitor booking trends and adjust staffing and marketing strategies in anticipation of new visitor segments. Small business operators and real estate owners may see indirect impacts from increased demand. - **Tourism Operators**: Expect a potential influx of visitors; monitor flight booking data and adjust marketing to target new demographics. - **Small Business Operators**: Prepare for increased local demand on goods and services; watch staffing needs. - **Real Estate Owners**: Observe potential shifts in demand for short-term and long-term rentals. - **Investors**: Monitor market response and potential growth in Maui's tourism-dependent sectors. - **Action**: Watch flight booking forecasts and visitor arrival numbers from the Upper Midwest.

A police officer stands in uniform outdoors, highlighting law enforcement.

Unannounced HPD Policy Change May Hinder Business Security & Permit Access

Airbnb's AI Integration Could Reshape Traveler Discovery and Booking Visibility for Hawaii Businesses

Close-up of a laptop displaying an AI interface with a chatbot prompt in dark mode.

West Maui Businesses Face 2+ Weeks of Significant Traffic Delays on Honoapiʻilani Highway

Aerial photo of a winding road cutting through green vegetation in Captain Cook, Hawaii.

Breaking

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Stunning low-angle view of modern Waikiki skyscrapers and palm trees in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Hawaii Hotels Face Escalating Costs, Averaging $760 Per Visitor Night

Close-up image of an insurance policy with a magnifying glass, money, and toy car.

Potential Tax and Housing Policy Shifts Could Impact Small Business Margins and Development Viability

A woman in a floral lei enjoys the ocean view while sitting on rocks.

State Procurement Policy Change Could Increase Event Floral Costs and Shift Sourcing for Businesses

Stunning aerial shot of Waimea, HI showcasing the coastline and tropical scenery.

Hawaii Island Businesses Should Monitor Potential Housing Policy Shifts for Labor Cost Impacts

Detailed view of a rifle and handgun on a table at an indoor shooting range.

Ongoing Firearm Permit Delays Could Impact Security Compliance for Hawaii Businesses

Nighttime city street scene with neon lights and bustling traffic, capturing urban life.

Chinatown Businesses Face Increased Risk of Crime, Loss During Chinese New Year

Macro shot capturing a mosquito piercing skin with its proboscis, highlighting its role as a pest.

Maui Tourism Operators Face Increased Scrutiny as First 2026 Dengue Case Confirmed

Close-up of smartphone screen showing AI chatbot interface, featuring DeepSeek AI conversation.

AI Adoption by Top Hawaii Accountants May Increase Advisory Fees

A cheerful man in a Hawaiian shirt offers a fresh coconut drink indoors.

Hawaii Restaurants Face Increased Competition as Local Brands Expand West Coast Presence

Close-up of a laptop screen displaying an AI chatbot interface with a dark theme.

Hawaii Tech Startups Gain Advanced Web Automation Capabilities with New Amazon Bedrock Agent Features

Visual abstraction of neural networks in AI technology, featuring data flow and algorithms.

AI-Powered Support Could Slash Operational Costs for Hawaii Tourism, Small Businesses

A modern house with a sold sign on a grassy lawn, indicating property purchase.

Big Island Housing Affordability Vision Signals Potential Policy Shifts Impacting Real Estate and Development

AI & Technology

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Screen displaying AI chat interface DeepSeek on a dark background.In-Depth

Autonomous AI Agents Risk Corporate Data Breaches: Secure Testing Frameworks Essential for Hawaii Businesses

Unsecured deployment of AI agents like OpenClaw on business devices poses immediate data breach risks, necessitating immediate review and implementation of secure testing protocols. Hawaii businesses…

Digital artwork showcasing an abstract representation of AI with vibrant colors and flowing forms.In-Depth

Ultra-Low-Cost AI Agents Poised to Reshape Hawaii's Business Operations and Service Delivery

The rapid development and aggressive pricing of advanced AI models, particularly those designed to function as autonomous "agents," is set to drastically reduce operational costs for Hawaii…

Close-up of a laptop screen displaying an AI chatbot interface with a dark theme.

Hawaii Tech Startups Gain Advanced Web Automation Capabilities with New Amazon Bedrock Agent Features

Amazon Bedrock's latest updates enhance AI agent control over web browsing, enabling more sophisticated automation and data integration for Hawaii's entrepreneurs. Early adopters can unlock new…

Visual abstraction of neural networks in AI technology, featuring data flow and algorithms.

AI-Powered Support Could Slash Operational Costs for Hawaii Tourism, Small Businesses

Major platforms are increasingly offloading customer service to AI, demonstrating potential for significant cost reductions and efficiency gains that local businesses should evaluate. This strategic…

Tourism & Hospitality

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A Delta Air Lines Boeing 737 captured in flight against a clear blue sky near Los Angeles.

Delta's Expanded Hawaii Routes Signal Potential Visitor Influx by Late 2026

Delta Airlines is significantly increasing its flight capacity to Hawai'i, with new and expanded routes set to launch in late 2026. Tourism operators and related small businesses should monitor…

A large aircraft, possibly Antonov, on a runway surrounded by grasslands at Kailua-Kona Airport.

Increased Widebody Air Capacity May Lower Visitor Costs and Boost Hawaii Tourism Demand

Seven new widebody flight routes to Hawaii are set to increase air travel capacity, potentially driving down airfares and increasing visitor arrivals. Tourism operators and real estate owners should…

Stunning low-angle view of modern Waikiki skyscrapers and palm trees in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Hawaii Hotels Face Escalating Costs, Averaging $760 Per Visitor Night

Hawaii's hotel sector is experiencing a record surge in operational costs, reportedly reaching an average of $760 per visitor night. This substantial increase necessitates a strategic re-evaluation…

Macro shot capturing a mosquito piercing skin with its proboscis, highlighting its role as a pest.

Maui Tourism Operators Face Increased Scrutiny as First 2026 Dengue Case Confirmed

The confirmation of Hawaii's first travel-related dengue case on Maui this year signals heightened public health awareness that could impact visitor behavior and local business operations. Tourism…

Business & Startups

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Black and white image of a flooded home surrounded by rising water.

Escalating Housing and Food Insecurity Signals Broader Consumer Strain

A 28% surge in 211 helpline contacts indicates escalating housing and food insecurity across Hawaii, suggesting increased financial pressure on consumers that could impact local business revenue and…

A historic battleship moored at Pearl Harbor, captured on an overcast day, symbolizing naval history.

Hawaii Contractors Face Increased Government Contract Opportunities in Pacific Region

An uptick in U.S. military contracts in the Pacific is creating new revenue streams for Hawaii-based contractors and support businesses. Companies in contracting, logistics, and related sectors…

Nighttime city street scene with neon lights and bustling traffic, capturing urban life.

Chinatown Businesses Face Increased Risk of Crime, Loss During Chinese New Year

Elevated visitor numbers for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations in Chinatown (February 13-14) heighten the risk of crime and property damage for local businesses. Operators must consider…

A cheerful man in a Hawaiian shirt offers a fresh coconut drink indoors.

Hawaii Restaurants Face Increased Competition as Local Brands Expand West Coast Presence

Hawaiian restaurant concepts are expanding to the mainland, signaling a potential shift in market dynamics and competitive pressures for local eateries. Entrepreneurs and investors should monitor…

Real-Estate & Development

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A modern house with a sold sign on a grassy lawn, indicating property purchase.

Big Island Housing Affordability Vision Signals Potential Policy Shifts Impacting Real Estate and Development

The Mayor's recent 'State of the County' address outlined a vision for addressing housing affordability, indicating potential future policy shifts that could affect development permits, zoning, and…

A US tax form 1040 with a small clock on a marble surface symbolizing tax deadline urgency.

Property Owners Face Penalties: Second Installment of Real Property Taxes Due February 20th

The second installment of real property taxes for the 2025-2026 tax year is due by Friday, February 20th, requiring timely payment to avoid penalties. Real estate owners and businesses must remit…

Professional woman writing real estate prices on a whiteboard for rental properties.

Maui Rent-to-Own Program Could Shift Rental Market Dynamics

A new $6.34 million rent-to-own initiative for Maui wildfire survivors is set to launch, potentially impacting rental inventory and demand for support services. Real estate owners and investors…

A striking modern skyscraper in sunny Honolulu, Hawaii, featuring contemporary architecture and tropical surroundings.

Kakaako Leasehold Project Resumption Poses Watchlist for Real Estate Investors and Developers

The Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) may resume its 99-year leasehold project in Kakaako, potentially impacting future land availability and development competition. Real estate owners…

Finance & Investment

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Exhilarating tandem skydiving experience in Baldwin, Wisconsin, captured in mid-air.In-Depth

Alexander & Baldwin to be Taken Private in $2.3 Billion Transaction: What This Means for Hawai'i's Business Landscape

In a landmark deal, Alexander & Baldwin, a cornerstone of Hawai'i's commercial real estate sector, is set to be acquired by a joint venture, marking a significant shift in the state's business…

Business professionals in suits having a focused meeting indoors.In-Depth

Hawaii's Top Stockbrokers & Financial Planners

A recent ranking of Hawaii's leading stockbrokers and financial planners highlights key players in the state's financial sector, with Morgan Stanley and Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. at the…

Bright aerial photograph of Waikiki Beach with surfers and city skyline under clear blue sky.In-Depth

$10M Investment Fuels Zero-Down Mortgages for Native Hawaiians on Hawaiian Home Lands

A $10 million investment by Northern Trust and Hawaiʻi Community Lending will enable zero-down mortgages for Native Hawaiians on Hawaiian Home Lands, providing an opportunity for financial stability…

A close-up shot of a hand offering a blue debit card for payment.In-Depth

American Savings Bank Reopens Lahaina Branch: A Symbol of Recovery and Investment

American Savings Bank’s grand opening of its new Lahaina branch marks a pivotal moment in West Maui's recovery, providing essential financial services and signaling economic resilience after the…

Policy & Regulation

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Lease agreement document with pen and American flag keychain on a black table.In-Depth

Hawaii Faces Potential Land Use Shifts as $10 Billion Military Lease Negotiations Commence

Hawaii's government has a two-year window to negotiate $10 billion in military land lease renewals, potentially altering land availability and development prospects across the islands. Real estate…

Aerial view of helicopter dousing forest fire with water bucket, showcasing fire control efforts.In-Depth

Maui Wildfire Settlement Payouts Now Imminent: Insurance Payout Delays Resolved, Business Recovery Pathways Clarified

The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court has cleared the final hurdle for $4 billion in Maui wildfire settlement payments, allowing affected businesses and individuals to receive their compensation without further…

A lone tree bent by the wind on a stormy beach with rough seas and overcast skies.

Shoreline Hardening Bill Could Impede Beach Access, Shift Property Insurance Costs

Proposed legislation to permit private shoreline hardening will redefine coastal property management, potentially impacting public beach access and increasing property insurance deductibles for some…

Vertical shot of multiple air conditioner units outside a building

Climate Regulation Uncertainty May Delay Hawaii Development Projects and Increase Costs

The repeal of federal scientific findings on greenhouse gas endangerment removes the basis for federal climate regulations, creating long-term uncertainty for Hawaii's planning and development.…

Infrastructure & Transportation

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A suburban house surrounded by floodwaters after heavy rain, showing impact of natural disaster.

Mapunapuna Businesses Face Ongoing Disruption Risks as Flooding Solutions Remain Undefined

Recurring flooding in Mapunapuna continues to disrupt operations and damage property for local businesses, with city-proposed solutions still in early discussion phases. Small operators and real…

Bus driver operating vehicle from the cockpit in an industrial setting, showcasing control and focus.

Averted Strike Stabilizes Oahu Public Transit, Mitigating Business Commute Disruptions

The ratification of a new four-year contract between Teamsters Local 996 and Oahu Transit Services (OTS) averts a potential bus driver strike, ensuring continued public transit reliability for…

Passengers seated and standing inside a crowded subway train during a typical commute.

Oahu Transit Services Labor Pact Settled: Budgeting and Commute Planning Updates Needed

Oahu Transit Services Inc. (OTS) and its union have finalized a new 4-year labor agreement, impacting municipal transit operating costs and service trajectory. Small business operators and tourism…

A delivery truck driving along a coastal road with a mountain backdrop on a clear day.

Molokaʻi Businesses May See Increased Access to Commercial Drivers as MEO Training Program Scales

The successful launch of Maui Economic Opportunity's Commercial Driver's License (CDL) program on Molokaʻi indicates a growing pool of qualified drivers. Businesses on Molokaʻi should monitor this…

Sustainability & Resources

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Explore the vibrant underwater world of Hawaii with this captivating image of a sea turtle gracefully swimming among coral reefs.In-Depth

Hawaii's Coral Reef Insurance Renewed, Bolstering Sustainability and Tourism

Hawaiʻi has renewed its pioneering coral reef insurance policy, offering up to $2 million for rapid repairs after storm damage, reflecting its commitment to environmental stewardship and tourism.…

A woman in activewear meditating on a tropical beach, promoting health and tranquility.In-Depth

Adolescent Liver Disease Risk Study Signals Potential Long-Term Healthcare Cost Increases for Hawaii Businesses

New research from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa links common 'forever chemicals' (PFAS) to a tripling of liver disease risk in adolescents, signaling a potential future rise in healthcare…

Serene sunset view over Kihei, Hawaii with wind turbines along the coast, capturing nature and renewable energy.In-Depth

Honua Ola Eyes New Power Purchase Agreement, Signaling Renewable Energy Push on Big Island

Honua Ola Bioenergy is negotiating a third power purchase agreement with Hawaiian Electric, potentially reigniting its long-delayed biomass plant on the Big Island. This development could bring…

Close-up view of solar panels outdoors capturing renewable energy efficiently.In-Depth

Leidos Awarded $127M Contract to Spearhead Hawai'i's Energy Conservation for Three More Years

Leidos, the administrator of the Hawai'i Energy program, has secured a new three-year, $127 million contract from the Public Utilities Commission. This renewal ensures the continuation of the state's…