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Latest briefing
Hawaii businesses must take immediate action to revise operational and crisis response plans as altered emergency powers legislation advances, potentially changing disaster response frameworks and requiring strategic adjustments to on-site resilience, supply chain diversification, and insurance coverage. Review and revise continuity plans now. Furthermore, small business operators, entrepreneurs, and investors have 90 days to evaluate and integrate AI-powered video editing tools to cut content creation costs by up to 50%, which could significantly impact competitive positioning. Assess AI video editing tool adoption and update strategies accordingly.
Entrepreneurs and investors should also monitor developments regarding stricter bribery penalties, which may increase compliance costs and perceived risk, especially for those involved in government contracts or regulated industries. Review internal compliance frameworks if new legislation passes or investigations lead to convictions. Separately, monitor early-stage reports on AI agents in Jira, which could streamline project management and boost startup efficiency; consider piloting these tools within the next 3-6 months if significant time savings are confirmed for project leads or remote workers. Watch for AI agent efficiency reports in Jira and be prepared to adapt workflows. Monitor bribery penalty legislation updates.
Canva's recent acquisitions aim to integrate advanced animation and detailed marketing analytics into its platform, potentially lowering content creation costs and improving campaign effectiveness…
A new framework for using AI in regulated precision medicine trials, demonstrated by [Sonrai](https://aws.amazon.
In-DepthAmazon's new Model Context Protocol (MCP) for Quick allows third-party developers to integrate external tools, opening direct opportunities for Hawaii-based tech companies to build and offer enhanced…
In-DepthA recent wave of sophisticated cyberattacks targeting AI-driven Customer Experience (CX) platforms now poses significant risks to Hawaii businesses of all sizes, necessitating an immediate review of…
A partial federal government shutdown has led to the suspension of Global Entry for arriving international passengers, causing immediate delays and potential disruptions for Hawaii's tourism sector…
The persistent issue of fake and manipulated online reviews is undermining consumer trust in Hawaii's tourism sector and potentially impacting booking decisions. Businesses must proactively manage…
In-DepthMaui is wrestling with its identity, attempting to balance its vital tourism industry with the pressing need for affordable housing. The proposed changes to vacation rental policies, which could…
In-DepthAlaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have reached a significant milestone in their integration process, receiving a single operating certificate (SOC) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).…
A new platform, Talent Hui, actively seeks to connect Hawaii-rooted professionals with local high-paying positions, potentially alleviating talent shortages for businesses. Entrepreneurs and small…
Over half of Hawaii's business leaders anticipate economic conditions to worsen in 2026, indicating a need for proactive financial and operational adjustments among most sectors. While tourism…
Mahi Pono's expansion of Maui-grown mandarins into Hawaii's school meal program signals increased local produce supply, potentially impacting food distributors and small businesses. Operators looking…
An inaugural business summit in Hawaii has laid the groundwork for increased private sector investment and trade partnerships between Hawaii and Pacific Island nations. While this opens new market…
Legislation to redevelop Hilo's Banyan Drive is advancing, signaling potential new development and tourism opportunities in East Hawaii over the next 3-5 years. Businesses with interests in the area…
Pre-sales of luxury factory-built homes, manufactured overseas and shipped to Hawaii, signal a potential shift in residential construction timelines and costs. This development could impact local…
The listing of a prominent Class A office building in Kihei signals potential changes in Maui's commercial real estate investment landscape. Real estate owners and investors should monitor this…
Howard Hughes Corporation is proposing to increase the unit count at its under-construction Mahana Tower in Ward Village by 111 units, potentially impacting future housing supply and investor…
In-DepthIn 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…
In-DepthA 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…
In-DepthA $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…
In-DepthAmerican 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…
In-DepthMounting opposition to proposed military telescope development on Haleakala summit risks project delays or cancellation, impacting Maui's future development, investment, and potentially its tourism…
Several key tax policy changes proposed in the Hawaii legislative session are advancing, impacting future tax liabilities for businesses and individuals, while gambling-related bills have been…
Up to 30,000 vacation rentals may be removed from Hawaii's market, a move heavily supported by the hotel industry and state leadership. This significant reduction in accommodation supply is poised to…
Hawaii Water Service has initiated a feasibility study for a recycled water treatment plant in Kapalua, potentially enhancing drought resilience and providing a new irrigation source. Real estate…
Kahului Airport's critical runway is failing, and state inaction creates significant risk for Maui's tourism-dependent economy. Tourism operators and businesses reliant on air cargo should prepare…
Global Entry expedited clearance lanes at Hawaii airports are indefinitely closed, forcing frequent international travelers to rely solely on standard processing or TSA PreCheck. Businesses and…
A flood watch issued for all Hawaiian Islands except the Big Island from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning poses immediate risks to supply chains, transportation, and business operations.…
The ongoing partial federal government shutdown has suspended Global Entry operations, forcing travelers to use longer customs lines when arriving in Hawaii. Tourism operators, remote workers, and…
The Hawaii Commission on Water Resource Management's failure to make a decision on critical West Maui water permits prolongs operational uncertainty for agriculture and tourism sectors. Businesses…
Hawaii Water Service is studying a recycled wastewater system for Kapalua, which could eventually offer a drought-resilient irrigation source and impact water costs for local businesses. While…
The new partnership between Lahainaluna Agricultural Learning Center and Treecovery indicates a growing local emphasis on environmental restoration, which could present avenues for corporate social…
In-DepthHawaiʻi 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.…
