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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 |

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Top stories from the past 24 hours

Hawaii's independent contractors and gig workers must immediately review their tax reporting practices to accurately include all income, including tips, as the DOTAX intensifies its drive for GET revenue. Failure to comply risks penalties and back taxes. Consult a tax professional within 15 days if you have concerns about past reporting or need to establish compliant systems for current earnings. Separately, investors and entrepreneurs involved with prediction markets should actively monitor legislative developments and consult legal counsel to understand potential regulatory hurdles and formulate compliance strategies during the ongoing legislative session.

Businesses, particularly in healthcare and tourism, should monitor evolving federal AI and data privacy legislation over the next 90 days. Pay close attention to any emerging regulations concerning AI surveillance and data handling that could necessitate adjustments to your data governance protocols. Anticipate new AI governance costs and risks as unsanctioned AI agents become more prevalent; prepare to evaluate AI governance solutions, similar to Microsoft's Agent 365, by May 1st to mitigate security vulnerabilities and ensure compliance.

Featured

Stunning view of the Honolulu skyline with a vibrant rainbow and modern architecture.In-Depth

Hawaii DOTAX Intensifies Drive for Gig Worker GET Revenue, Tips Taxed

The Hawaii Department of Taxation (DOTAX) is actively pursuing independent contractors, including rideshare drivers, for General Excise Tax (GET) on all income, including tips. This signals a heightened enforcement environment, requiring immediate review of tax reporting practices for anyone earning through platforms or as an independent service provider. - Small Business Operators (especially service-based): May face increased scrutiny on contractor payments and associated GET liabilities. - Remote Workers: Individuals earning income via platforms or as independent contractors must ensure all income, including tips, is reported for GET and income tax. - Entrepreneurs & Startups: Companies utilizing independent contractors should review their payment structures and tax remittance obligations. - **Action**: All gig economy participants and businesses using independent contractors must immediately review their tax reporting for GET and income tax compliance.

Aerial view of Honolulu skyline from a mountaintop under a dramatic stormy sky.

Kona Storm Disruptions: Immediate Operational Adjustments Critical for Hawaii Businesses

Kona Storm Threatens 48-Hour Operational Disruption and Supply Chain Impacts Across Hawaii

A dramatic stormy sky with dark clouds over an empty road. Nature's power captured at its peak.

Hawaii Businesses Must Monitor Evolving AI Surveillance Regulations for Compliance Risks

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Breaking

See all breaking →
Aerial view of Honolulu's skyline with overcast skies, capturing urban skyscrapers and coastal scenery.

Rising Subsidized Housing Costs May Increase Labor and Operational Expenses for Hawaii Businesses

Retro typewriter with 'AI Ethics' on paper, conveying technology themes.

Hawaii Businesses Face New AI Governance Costs and Risks as Unsanctioned Agents Emerge

Psychologist and young girl in a therapy room, engaging in conversation and analysis.

Kauai Pilot Program Could Expand Mental Health Service Options, Shifting Provider Landscape

Close-up of vibrant stock market graphs displaying trading trends on a monitor, ideal for finance and cryptocurrency concepts.

Hawaii Lawmakers Eye Restrictions on Prediction Markets: Investors and Entrepreneurs Face New Regulatory Hurdles

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

Hawaii's Proposed Canadian Ambassador Initiative May Boost Tourism Market Share

Close-up of a platinum credit card document with interest rates table on a wooden surface.

Oahu Businesses Face Rising Utility Costs as Hawaiian Electric Proposes Rate Hikes

An adult woman in uniform checking inventory in a warehouse aisle.

Kauai Coffee Worker Uncertainty Signals Potential Supply Chain Disruptions

A dramatic thunderstorm approaches the beach, creating a striking cloudscape over the ocean waves.

Imminent Storm Threatens Hawaii Operations with Flash Flooding, Damaging Winds; Act by Wednesday

A stunning aerial view of a tropical beach resort with turquoise waters and lush greenery.

Luxury Concert Booking Signals Potential Surge in Lanai Visitor Spending

A street light illuminates under stormy clouds during dusk in Hawaii, USA.

Immediate Preparations Required: Storm Threatens Days of Disruptions to Hawaii Businesses

Yellow dice spelling 'Scam' on fake currency, representing financial deception.

Deceptive Solar Sales Tactics Threaten Small Business and Real Estate Owners with Unfavorable Contracts

Close-up of a brown-handled white suitcase with a TSA lock, emphasizing travel security.

Extended U.S. Airport Security Delays Threaten Hawaii Tourism and Business Travel Continuity

AI & Technology

See all in AI →
Retro typewriter with 'AI Ethics' on paper, conveying technology themes.

Hawaii Businesses Face New AI Governance Costs and Risks as Unsanctioned Agents Emerge

Microsoft's new security suite for AI agents, launching May 1st, introduces compliance costs and potential vulnerabilities for businesses using AI. Companies should assess their AI agent usage and…

A contemporary screen displaying the ChatGPT plugins interface by OpenAI, highlighting AI technology advancements.

Evolving AI Agent Architecture Demands New Development Strategies for Hawaii Businesses.

The sophistication of AI agents is rapidly advancing beyond raw model capabilities, requiring new "harness engineering" approaches that enable long-running, autonomous tasks. Hawaii entrepreneurs and…

Man standing outdoors in a Claude Monet sunflower T-shirt, posing fashionably amidst blurred background.

Centralized AI Procurement via Claude Marketplace Could Shift SaaS Spend for Hawaii Businesses

Anthropic's new Claude Marketplace allows enterprises to procure integrated AI tools, potentially streamlining adoption and altering how Hawaii businesses purchase and leverage AI-powered software.…

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

AI Memory Breakthrough Promises Significant Cost Reductions for Hawaii Businesses Using Advanced Tools

A new technique dramatically reduces the memory required by large language models, potentially lowering operational costs and enabling more complex AI applications. This advancement could impact how…

Tourism & Hospitality

See all in Tourism →
A stunning aerial shot of Wailea-Makena's tropical coastline with lush greenery and vibrant ocean.

Grand Wailea Expansion Signals Increased Competition and Resource Strain for Maui Hospitality Sector

The Grand Wailea's tentative approval for a 151-room expansion, despite over 30 conditions, indicates a future shift in Maui's luxury accommodation landscape. Tourism operators and real estate owners…

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

Hawaii's Proposed Canadian Ambassador Initiative May Boost Tourism Market Share

A proposed 'unofficial ambassador' role to Canada aims to revive a shrinking tourism market, potentially impacting future visitor numbers and requiring recalibration of marketing strategies. Tourism…

A stunning aerial view of a tropical beach resort with turquoise waters and lush greenery.

Luxury Concert Booking Signals Potential Surge in Lanai Visitor Spending

The confirmed performance of a high-profile artist at the Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi indicates increased demand, potentially driving higher spending and occupancy rates across the island. Tourism…

Close-up of a digital stock market graph showing falling trends and financial indices in red and green.

Hawaii Tourism Operators: Monitor US Mainland Visitor Trends Amidst Las Vegas Decline

A sustained 7.5% drop in Las Vegas visitor numbers and increased per-visitor spending signals potential shifts in mainland travel patterns that could impact Hawaii's tourism demand. Tourism operators…

Business & Startups

See all in Business →
An adult woman in uniform checking inventory in a warehouse aisle.

Kauai Coffee Worker Uncertainty Signals Potential Supply Chain Disruptions

Job insecurity at Kauai Coffee, a major agricultural producer, raises concerns about potential disruptions to the local food supply chain and increased operating costs for related businesses.…

Portrait of male and female healthcare professionals in studio setting, wearing white coats.

Hawaii Pacific Health Leadership Changes Signal Evolving Risk Management Focus

Hawaii Pacific Health has promoted Mathew Loughlin to Chief Risk Officer, indicating a potential shift in the organization's strategic approach to risk and operations. This change may influence…

A modern outdoor staircase surrounded by palm trees in a shopping area.

Ala Moana Retail Ecosystem Faces Significant Disruption as Neiman Marcus Exits Hawaii Market

Neiman Marcus's closure of its Ala Moana Center anchor store in March 2026 will reduce critical foot traffic and necessitate strategic shifts for businesses operating within and around the shopping…

Yellow dice spelling 'Scam' on fake currency, representing financial deception.

Deceptive Solar Sales Tactics Threaten Small Business and Real Estate Owners with Unfavorable Contracts

State agencies are issuing warnings about fraudulent solar panel sales tactics targeting Hawaii residents and businesses. Ignoring these warnings risks entering into costly, misleading contracts that…

Real-Estate & Development

See all in Real-Estate →
Stunning aerial shot of Lahaina, Hawaii coastline during sunset, showcasing vibrant townscape and ocean views.

Maui Wildfire Recovery Funding Advances: Watch for Construction & Real Estate Opportunities

Significant federal funds are earmarked for multifamily housing and infrastructure projects on Maui, signaling a multi-year construction boom and shifting local real estate dynamics. Real estate…

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

Oahu Home Prices Approaching $1.3M: Increased Operating Costs and Staffing Strain on Businesses

The median price for Oahu single-family homes has reached a record $1,205,000, continuing a trend that will likely increase housing costs for employees and impact business operating expenses. Real…

Close-up of medicine blister packs and U.S. currency illustrating healthcare costs.

Keaau Health Center's $30M Cost Jump Now Presses Healthcare Budgets and Real Estate Investors

Hilo Benioff Medical Center's planned Keaau outpatient facility now projects a 50% cost increase to $90 million, impacting capital allocation and project timelines. Healthcare providers and real…

A man wearing an apron holds a 'Sorry We're Closed' sign, indicating shop closure.

Ala Moana Retailers Face 10-20% Foot Traffic Decline as Neiman Marcus Closes

The closure of Neiman Marcus and Mariposa restaurant at Ala Moana Shopping Center by the end of May will reduce anchor foot traffic, impacting surrounding businesses and potentially altering the…

Finance & Investment

See all in Finance →
Stunning aerial view of Maui's dramatic coastline under a blue sky with clouds.

Maui Wildfire Settlement Payout Structure Implies Longer Wait for Compensation, Impacts Investor Confidence

The proposed Maui wildfire settlement payout structure, prioritizing insurance company and attorney repayment, indicates victims may face a longer wait for compensation, potentially affecting future…

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…

Policy & Regulation

See all in Policy →
Psychologist and young girl in a therapy room, engaging in conversation and analysis.

Kauai Pilot Program Could Expand Mental Health Service Options, Shifting Provider Landscape

A pilot program enabling psychologists to prescribe medication on Kauai, if passed by the state Legislature, could alter mental healthcare access and operational models. Healthcare providers should…

Close-up of vibrant stock market graphs displaying trading trends on a monitor, ideal for finance and cryptocurrency concepts.

Hawaii Lawmakers Eye Restrictions on Prediction Markets: Investors and Entrepreneurs Face New Regulatory Hurdles

Proposed legislation in Hawaii could impose new restrictions on online prediction markets, potentially impacting speculative investment platforms and creating compliance challenges for startups.…

Close-up of a platinum credit card document with interest rates table on a wooden surface.

Oahu Businesses Face Rising Utility Costs as Hawaiian Electric Proposes Rate Hikes

Hawaiian Electric's request for dual-year rate increases will directly escalate operating expenses for all Oahu businesses and households, impacting budgets and pricing strategies. Businesses should…

From above of dollar bills in opened black envelope placed on stack of United states cash money as concept of personal income

State Agency Surplus Funds Reallocation Could Shift Funding Priorities, Impact Business Services

Hawaii lawmakers are reviewing over 200 state special funds for potential reallocation, which could alter agency budgets and influence future funding opportunities for businesses. Businesses…

Infrastructure & Transportation

See all in Infrastructure →
A dramatic thunderstorm approaches the beach, creating a striking cloudscape over the ocean waves.

Imminent Storm Threatens Hawaii Operations with Flash Flooding, Damaging Winds; Act by Wednesday

A powerful kona storm is forecast to bring days of severe weather, including flash flooding and damaging winds, across Hawaii starting Wednesday through Saturday. Businesses must implement emergency…

A street light illuminates under stormy clouds during dusk in Hawaii, USA.

Immediate Preparations Required: Storm Threatens Days of Disruptions to Hawaii Businesses

A powerful storm is forecast to bring days of heavy rainfall and significant flooding risks across Hawaii starting tomorrow, March 10th, 2026. Businesses must take immediate protective measures to…

Aerial view of Honolulu skyline from a mountaintop under a dramatic stormy sky.

Imminent Severe Weather Threatens Supply Chain & Operational Disruptions Statewide

A powerful low-pressure system approaching Hawaii from the west will bring severe weather by mid-week, posing immediate risks to supply chain integrity, travel, and property. Businesses must enact…

Close-up of a brown-handled white suitcase with a TSA lock, emphasizing travel security.

Extended U.S. Airport Security Delays Threaten Hawaii Tourism and Business Travel Continuity

Rising TSA worker absences and increased spring break travel are causing U.S. airport security wait times to reach up to three hours, potentially disrupting travel schedules and impacting Hawaii's…

Sustainability & Resources

See all in Sustainability →
Aerial shot of three blue canoes on a sandy beach in Honolulu, Hawaii, during the day.

Hawaiʻi Island Farmers: New Program Could Enhance Traditional Crop Viability, Monitor Skill Development

A six-week agricultural program focused on traditional Hawaiian crops launches on Hawaiʻi Island, aiming to boost local farming practices. Agriculture producers should monitor program outcomes for…

A vast field of solar panels harnessing solar energy on a sunny day.

Kauai Businesses Face Potential Long-Term Energy Cost Stability: New Solar Project Approved

The approval of the Kaawanui Solar project on Kauai marks a step towards increased renewable energy capacity, aiming to provide more stable, potentially lower, long-term energy costs for island…

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 calculator with vintage keys symbolizes real estate investment and mortgage calculations.In-Depth

Olowalu Farmers Face Water Affordability Crisis: 325% Rate Hike Threatens Viability

A proposed 325% water rate increase by Olowalu Water Company threatens the agricultural viability of the region, potentially forcing crop failures and impacting real estate values. Farmers and…