Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism

DBEDT, in partnership with the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu and the Hawaii Philippines Business & Economic Council, will present the Hawaii–Philippines Business Tradeshow, Symposium and Reception on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach.

The 2026 Hawaii-Japan Sister Summit will bring leaders from Hawaii and Japan to Honolulu on May 20 and 21 for discussions to strengthen long-standing ties and advance new opportunities for collaboration.

Agribusiness Development Corp. — The Hawaii State Senate has confirmed Governor Josh Green’s reappointment of current Board Chair Jayson M. Watts to the board of directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation, along with the appointments of David Hinazumi and Joshua Uyehara.

DBEDT today announced that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for February was 2.3 percent, compared to 2.2 percent in January.

Agribusiness Development Corp. — The state Agribusiness Development Corp. board of directors voted on two measures at its meeting today related to the state’s planned acquisition of the Wahiawa Dam and spillway and Wahiawa irrigation system.

DBEDT today announced that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for January was 2.2 percent, the same as in December.

Hawaii Community Development Authority — HCDA announces that the ocean access stairs at Point Panic, located near Kakaako Waterfront Park and Kewalo Basin Harbor, have been fully repaired and are now reopened to the public.

According to preliminary statistics from DBEDT, total spending by visitors in February 2026 was $1.91 billion (measured in nominal dollars), an increase of 10.3 percent compared to February 2025.

DBEDT released its first quarter of 2026 Statistical and Economic Report today. Following estimated growth of 2.6 percent in 2025, DBEDT projects Hawaii’s economy will grow 1.7 percent in 2026 and 1.8 percent for 2027.

Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority — With National Consumer Protection Week underway, DBEDT and Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, in partnership with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Office of Consumer Protection, is warning residents about deceptive and misleading claims made by solar door-to-door sales representatives.