Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism

Hawaii State Film Commissioner Donne Dawson will be retiring from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism effective April 30, 2026, concluding 25 years of service managing the Hawaii Film Office and the state’s film program.

Total spending by visitors in March 2026 was $1.96 billion (measured in nominal dollars), a 1.6 percent decrease compared to March 2025, according to preliminary statistics from DBEDT.

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.