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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 |

Latest briefing

Morning Briefing

Top stories from the past 24 hours

Small business operators in West Maui and North Kohala must immediately secure perishable inventory and ensure backup power is fueled and functional within the next 12-24 hours to mitigate operational and financial losses due to potential power disruptions. Healthcare providers should verify generator readiness and patient care contingency plans immediately. Entrepreneurs and startups should begin testing advanced AI platforms like Rapidata to reduce time-to-market and enhance product quality within the next 90 days.

Monitor the progress of House Bill 119 concerning a potential LNG ban, as its advancement could lead to unexpected increases in operating expenses or require rapid shifts in energy sourcing. If the bill advances, research alternative energy providers and assess your current energy infrastructure's adaptability. Also, monitor legislative and county-level discussions concerning manufactured housing import and zoning. If policy shifts appear likely in the next 6-12 months, reassess long-term staffing cost projections and investigate modular construction or logistics opportunities.

Investors should watch the adoption of rapid AI development cycles by startups, as competitors gaining speed advantages could impact market share. Watch affordability trends for remote workers as an indicator of long-term viability.

Featured

Monochrome image of a rustic tropical bungalow surrounded by palm trees.In-Depth

Potential Easing of Housing Import Restrictions Could Lower Local Operating Costs

A recent proposal suggests easing regulations on importing low-cost manufactured housing, which could alleviate Hawaii's housing shortage and indirectly reduce business operating expenses. Affected parties should monitor legislative developments and potential cost shifts.

An unrecognizable person with binary code projected, symbolizing cybersecurity and digital coding.

Autonomous AI Agents Compromised: Widespread Business System Risks Due to Prompt Injection Vulnerabilities

Maui Businesses: Understand HECO's Energy Plans on Feb 20th to Safeguard Against Future Cost Shocks and Reliability Issues

Maui Businesses: Seed Funding for Local Water & Food Innovation Talent Available Now

Aerial view of the picturesque coastline of Wailea-Makena, Hawaii, featuring lush landscapes and azure waters.

Breaking

See all breaking →
Workers fixing damaged electrical lines on a street post-storm, surrounded by fallen cables and equipment.

Immediate Power Outage Risk Eases, but Businesses Should Monitor Future Weather

Beautiful oceanfront homes surrounded by palm trees on the coast of Kihei, Maui.

Maui Single-Family Home Prices Rise 20%, Triggering Employee Housing Concerns

A close-up view of the DeepSeek AI chat interface displayed on a laptop screen in dark mode.

Accelerated AI Development Cycles Could Give Hawaii Startups a Competitive Edge, but Demand Vigilance

Business professionals discussing documents in a modern meeting room.

Potential LNG Ban Could Spike Energy Costs, Force Infrastructure Rethink for Hawaii Businesses

Wooden letter tiles spell 'rising inflation' symbolizing economic concerns.

Honolulu Businesses Face 5-15% Increase in Core Food Costs Amidst Rising Inflation

A female software engineer coding on dual monitors and a laptop in an office setting.

Developers Face Reduced Construction Cost Uncertainty as Building Code Legislation Advances

Young couple with realtor exploring potential new home during a sunny day.

Hawaii First-Time Homebuyer Program Could Shift Residential Demand, Impacting Investors and Owners

Close-up of a woman reviewing financial documents with focus on numbers and calculations.

Hawaii Startups Face Cloud Infrastructure Debt: Act Now to Avoid Cost Surprises and Funding Setbacks

Young graduate proudly displaying diploma in cap and gown outdoors.

Talent Pipeline for Hawaii's Business Sector Threatened by Scholarship Application Deadline

Abstract 3D render showcasing a futuristic neural network and AI concept.

New AI Models Slash Inference Costs by 60%, Offering Hawaii Businesses Significant Operational Savings

Close-up of hands holding a small wooden house, representing real estate and new home ownership.

First-Time Homebuyers Gain Up to $3,000 More in State Incentives, Accelerating Demand for Select Properties

Utility workers in reflective gear repair power lines using bucket trucks and cones on a suburban street.
In-Depth

Power Disruptions Loom: Maui and Big Island Businesses Face Immediate Operational Risks from High Winds

AI & Technology

See all in AI →
Close-up of a modern white robot with advanced design standing outdoors on pebbled ground.In-Depth

Hawaii Businesses Can Slash AI Operating Costs by 80% with New Claude Model

Anthropic's new Claude Sonnet 4.6 model delivers flagship AI performance at a fraction of the cost, potentially reducing AI agent operating expenses by up to 80% for Hawaii businesses.

A futuristic robot climbing stairs showcasing advanced technology and innovation indoors.

Autonomous AI Agents Will Disrupt Operations: Hawaii Businesses Must Adapt Strategy Now

The AI landscape is decisively shifting from conversational chatbots to autonomous agents capable of performing complex tasks, a change underscored by OpenAI's acquisition of innovative agent project…

A close-up view of the DeepSeek AI chat interface displayed on a laptop screen in dark mode.

Accelerated AI Development Cycles Could Give Hawaii Startups a Competitive Edge, but Demand Vigilance

A new platform drastically cuts AI model training time from months to days by integrating human feedback more efficiently, potentially enabling Hawaii's entrepreneurs to innovate and scale faster.…

Close-up of a woman reviewing financial documents with focus on numbers and calculations.

Hawaii Startups Face Cloud Infrastructure Debt: Act Now to Avoid Cost Surprises and Funding Setbacks

Startup founders must proactively re-evaluate their cloud and AI infrastructure choices to mitigate accumulating costs and demonstrate scalability, directly influencing their ability to secure…

Tourism & Hospitality

See all in Tourism →
Business professionals engaged in a strategic meeting in a modern office setting with natural light.

Maui Small Businesses Face Increased Profitability Potential by Adopting Visitor Rewards Program

A new Maui-based rewards program, Mahalo Rewards, offers local businesses a path to reduce marketing costs and boost local sales by leveraging tourism revenue. Businesses not exploring this program…

Stunning aerial shot of Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, showcasing clear blue waters and high-rise buildings.

11.6% Drop in Canadian Visitors Threatens Hawaii Tourism Revenue

A significant decline in Canadian tourists, driven by a boycott movement, is directly impacting Hawaii's tourism sector, necessitating immediate adjustments to marketing and revenue strategies.…

A man in snorkeling gear explores the deep blue ocean near Hawaiian coral reefs.

Tourism Operators Face Liability Risk From Deadly Full-Face Snorkel Masks

Confirmed fatalities linked to full-face snorkel masks necessitate immediate removal of these products from rental fleets and retail inventories to mitigate liability and reputational damage. Tourism…

Close-up of tax forms with a calculator and a note asking for assistance.

Hawaii Tourism Operators Face Increased Operating Costs and Revenue Uncertainty Due to New Visitor Tax Allocation

Hawaii's new higher hotel taxes, implemented in January, are now directing their first $14 million to a single beach, a move that significantly impacts tourism operators and real estate owners by…

Business & Startups

See all in Business →
Wooden letter tiles spell 'rising inflation' symbolizing economic concerns.

Honolulu Businesses Face 5-15% Increase in Core Food Costs Amidst Rising Inflation

Persistent inflation in Honolulu is driving up food prices by 5-15%, directly impacting operating expenses for local businesses and producers. Immediate adjustments to pricing, sourcing, and menu…

Sunlit urban scene showing a crime scene with caution tape and evidence markers, conveying investigation atmosphere.

Increased Violent Crime Incidents In Honolulu May Force Security Spending Hikes, Impacting Small Businesses and Tourism

Recent high-profile violent crime incidents involving masked gunmen in Honolulu indicate a potential rise in security risks, potentially leading to increased operational costs and impacting…

Boxes of pineapples and melons in a grocery store aisle.

Local Brands Expanding Retail Footprint Signal Shifting Consumer Demand and Supplier Opportunities

The expansion of local brands like Always A.line into larger retail spaces indicates a resurgence in brick-and-mortar appeal and potential shifts in consumer spending.

Person filling out U.S. tax form 1040-NR-EZ with a pen on a wooden table.

Potential New Operating Costs and Hiring Headaches Loom for Hawaii Businesses

Emerging details suggest a "hidden tax" and increasing red flags in the hiring market could impact Hawaii businesses' financial stability and HR strategies. Small operators and entrepreneurs should…

Real-Estate & Development

See all in Real-Estate →
Beautiful oceanfront homes surrounded by palm trees on the coast of Kihei, Maui.

Maui Single-Family Home Prices Rise 20%, Triggering Employee Housing Concerns

Maui's median single-family home price surged 20.4% year-over-year to $1.45M in January 2026, increasing housing costs for employees and potentially influencing operational budgets. Condo prices saw…

A female software engineer coding on dual monitors and a laptop in an office setting.

Developers Face Reduced Construction Cost Uncertainty as Building Code Legislation Advances

Hawaii House Bill 1725 proposes to "lock in" building codes at the time a permit is filed, a move expected to mitigate cost overruns and project delays for developers. Real estate owners and…

Close-up of hands holding a small wooden house, representing real estate and new home ownership.

First-Time Homebuyers Gain Up to $3,000 More in State Incentives, Accelerating Demand for Select Properties

First-time homebuyers in Hawaii can now access up to $3,000 more through the Hale Kamaʻāina Mortgage Program, an initiative designed to reduce upfront costs and provide below-market rate mortgages.…

Excavator tearing down urban building, showcasing industrial demolition.

Aloha Stadium Demolition Opens Potential for New Development; Monitor Land Use Shifts

The physical dismantling of Aloha Stadium is underway, signaling the end of an era for large-scale events and opening the door for significant redevelopment opportunities on its 99-acre site. Real…

Finance & Investment

See all in Finance →
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

See all in Policy →
Utility workers in reflective gear repair power lines using bucket trucks and cones on a suburban street.In-Depth

Power Disruptions Loom: Maui and Big Island Businesses Face Immediate Operational Risks from High Winds

Hawaiian Electric is preparing for potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) on Maui and Hawaii Island within the next 12-24 hours due to high winds and extreme fire risk, threatening immediate…

Business professionals discussing documents in a modern meeting room.

Potential LNG Ban Could Spike Energy Costs, Force Infrastructure Rethink for Hawaii Businesses

Hawaii's legislature is considering a ban on liquefied natural gas (LNG), which could significantly increase energy expenses if enacted. Businesses reliant on current energy infrastructure must…

Stunning aerial view of Hawaii's Honaunau-Napoopoo coastline with vibrant ocean and lush greenery.

Counties Could Gain Water License Authority, Impacting Agriculture and Development Start-up Costs

A proposed state bill aims to shift water license authority from state bodies to individual counties, potentially altering water access and increasing upfront development costs. Beginning in 2026,…

A person stands in a lush agricultural field during the day.

Potential Easing of Farmworker Housing Rules Could Impact Agricultural Expansion

Proposed changes to streamline farmworker housing development may reduce costs and timelines for agricultural operations, but implementation is contingent on regulatory action. Agriculture producers…

Infrastructure & Transportation

See all in Infrastructure →
Utility workers assess and fix downed power lines on a sunny day, ensuring safety and service restoration.In-Depth

West Maui Businesses Face Ongoing Disruption Risk from Power Outages and PSPS Threats

Recurring power outages and the potential for Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) in West Maui and other parts of the island are causing immediate operational disruptions and necessitate proactive…

Hawaiian airline plane captured flying against a clear dusk sky in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.In-Depth

Hawaiian Airlines Fleet Decision Could Reduce Interisland Connectivity and Raise Operational Costs for Businesses

Hawaiian Airlines is evaluating whether to continue an all-Hawaii based operation as it replaces its aging 717 fleet, a decision that could impact local employment and air transport capacity.

Hawaiian Airlines jet soaring through a clear sky during twilight, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.In-Depth

Increased Airfare Change Fees Impact Hawaii Business Travel and Planning

Airlines are reintroducing change fees for flights to and from Hawaii, reversing a pandemic-era flexibility that businesses had come to rely on. This shift necessitates immediate adjustments to…

Two individuals review architectural plans outdoors at sunset with a cityscape view.In-Depth

Hitachi Rail Sues HART: Delays and Disputes Threaten Honolulu's Skyline Project

Hitachi Rail Honolulu Joint Venture (HRH) has filed a lawsuit against the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART), seeking approximately $320 million in damages due to alleged…

Sustainability & Resources

See all in Sustainability →
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…