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 PROFESSIONALS.||
Latest briefing
Hawaii businesses leveraging AI-powered customer experience platforms must conduct an immediate audit of third-party CX platforms and integrations to identify and revoke outdated API tokens and OAuth credentials. This critical step, to be completed within 7 days, is essential given the active exploitation of system vulnerabilities. Furthermore, review your data loss prevention policies for unstructured data and assess vendor security practices to mitigate risks associated with AI-driven breaches.
Tourism and hospitality operators should align marketing and operations for the new Kāʻanapali pickleball destination opening March 14, 2026, by updating collateral and considering package deals. Advance preparation, including inventory and staffing adjustments for retail and dining, is advised. Real estate owners should prepare for increased area desirability. You should also monitor evolving AI training data policies from major providers and potential regulatory shifts over the next 90 days to ensure legal sourcing and prevent future compliance issues. Finally, keep an eye on Hawaii Pacific Health's hospital project development for potential long-term shifts in healthcare access and real estate, particularly as major construction phases begin within the next 1-3 years.
OpenAI's planned smart speaker with advanced facial and environmental recognition capabilities could redefine customer interaction and transactional capabilities, potentially impacting local business…
A recent shift by tech giants towards policing AI training data integrity demands that Hawaii businesses using or developing AI systems proactively verify their data sources are legally obtained and…
A recent security incident demonstrates how autonomous AI agents, like coding assistants, can be tricked into executing malicious code, posing significant risks to business systems and data…
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.…
The partnership between Hyatt Regency Maui and OHANA Pickleball Club to launch a premier pickleball facility in Kāʻanapali on March 14, 2026, creates a new leisure draw that can significantly impact…
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…
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.…
Trilogy Excursions has launched a new vessel in Lahaina, signaling critical regrowth in the West Maui tourism sector following the 2023 wildfires. This marks a necessary step towards full operational…
A new grant program is offering up to $2,000 for student projects in water and food innovation on Maui, potentially seeding future local suppliers and skilled workers. Entrepreneurs, agriculture…
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…
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…
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.
Hawaii Pacific Health has secured the final land parcel for its $1 billion hospital redevelopment, marking a significant milestone that will reshape Honolulu's healthcare landscape over the next…
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…
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…
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.…
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-DepthA 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…
In-DepthHawaiian 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…
A recent fraud risk assessment has identified control gaps within Maui County's operations, signaling potential for enhanced oversight and procedural changes impacting vendors and taxpayers.…
Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) is presenting its generation plans for Maui's energy future on February 20th, decisions that will critically impact electricity costs and availability for all island…
The Moanalua Freeway repaving project has been extended by four months, now scheduled to conclude in July. This continued disruption will worsen traffic and impact delivery times and commute…
In-DepthRecurring 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…
In-DepthHawaiian 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.
In-DepthAirlines 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…
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.…
In-DepthNew 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…
In-DepthHonua 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…
In-DepthLeidos, 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…
