Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism

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.

A robust production slate is in focus for Hawaii’s creative industries as the state ushers in a new comedy, a new season of supernatural thrills and the next installment of a beloved franchise, all being filmed here.

Small Business Regulatory Review Board — DBEDT's Small Business Regulatory Review Board will conduct its next monthly meeting on Maui on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

According to preliminary statistics from DBEDT, total spending by visitors in January 2026 was $2.26 billion (measured in nominal dollars), up 19.0 percent compared to January 2025.

Agribusiness Development Corp. — Local food and product vendors gathered today to show off their goods at the inaugural Food and Product Innovation Network Day at the Capitol.

Hawaii Housing Finance & Development Corp. — Up to $3,000 more in funding is now available to each of the first 35 homebuyers in the Hale Kamaaina Mortgage Program, a state initiative aimed at offering first-time homebuyers below-market rate mortgages.

According to preliminary statistics from DBEDT, total spending by visitors in December 2025 was $2.12 billion (measured in nominal dollars), a 3.7 percent increase compared to December 2024.

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

DBEDT will debut the Hawaii Pavilion at the 2026 Winter FancyFaire* taking place January 11–13 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California.