Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has awarded the Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) $525,000 to continue the Hawaiʻi State Trade Expansion Program (HiSTEP). This funding will provide small businesses with the vital tools and resources needed to succeed in export-related activities, ensuring Hawaiʻi companies can effectively compete in the global marketplace.

The survey is open to businesses currently in operation, those recently closed and those about to launch. The survey takes 10-12 minutes to complete and is open to for-profit businesses with fewer than 500 employees. The survey closes on Friday, November 1, at 3:00 p.m. Hawaiʻi time.

DBEDT today announced that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for September was 2.9 percent, the same for the fourth consecutive month.

Hawaii Housing Finance & Development Corp. — HHFDC has received recognition from national housing experts for standing up the Hawaii Fire Relief Housing Program just days after last year’s wildfires that destroyed much of Lahaina and other parts of Maui.

Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office — In recognizing the work of individuals and organizations who help provide internet access and close the digital divide across the state of Hawaii, 18 recipients of the first-ever Digital Equity Innovation Awards (DEIA) were honored today.

August 2024 total visitor arrivals represent an 88.4 percent recovery compared to pre-pandemic August 2019 and total visitor spending was higher than August 2019.

Hawaii-based television series Rescue: HI-Surf is TV’s highest rated fall drama to debut in six years, with its September 22 premiere on FOX television network reaching 4.7 million viewers per Nielsen’s fast national ratings.

DBEDT today announced that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for August was 2.9 percent, the same for the third consecutive month.