Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism

As we begin 2026 and embark on the legislative session, DBEDT’s work continues to focus on building a strong, balanced economy that creates opportunity across Hawaii. This month’s newsletter highlights how that work shows up across industries, communities and careers. We are also sharing new tools and resources to support informed decision-making and public engagement.

This issue features the County Social, Business and Economic Trends report, the 2025 Fourth Quarter Statistical and Economic Report, and recent research on self-sufficiency budgets, economic diversification, and the film tax credit. You will also find READ’s regular updates on labor markets, tax revenues, construction, visitor activity, Maui recovery trends and monthly energy trends.

This has been a busy and productive year for DBEDT. Our team has worked across divisions and agencies to advance priorities tied to economic resilience, affordability and opportunity. This newsletter reflects strong collaboration with state and county agencies, community organizations, private sector partners and the many stakeholders who share their time, expertise and trust.

This month’s newsletter highlights how DBEDT and our partners are turning plans into results for Hawaii – strengthening local food systems, helping families and small businesses manage energy costs, and creating spaces for innovation in agriculture and energy. Mahalo for your continued support of DBEDT’s work to expand opportunities for Hawaii’s people, communities, and businesses.

In this edition, we’re spotlighting partnerships that create tangible benefits for Hawaii. Engagements with Taiwan are expanding work in culture, sustainability, biotechnology, smart agriculture, and tourism. In Japan, clean energy agreements and renewed ties with Okinawa align with our path to decarbonization. At home, we are investing in opportunities for small businesses, like the HI-CAP program. Mahalo for your continued support of DBEDT’s mission.

This issue features the Hawaii State Data Book, the 2025 Q3 Statistical and Economic Report, and our interactive Tourism Forecast dashboard. Regular updates track labor markets, tax revenues, construction, visitor activity, Maui’s recovery, and monthly energy trends. New work includes the Population by Race dashboard, ACS 2024 Hawaii Highlights, a brief on minimum wage impacts, and the report on the Research Activities Tax Credit for 2024.

September has been a month of connection, collaboration, and forward momentum for Hawaii’s economy. From food security to technology, planning, and tourism, the work of DBEDT and our partners continues to build resilience and opportunity for our communities.

The August newsletter highlights how DBEDT is advancing initiatives that support local entrepreneurs, strengthen our agricultural sector and grow Hawaii’s connections abroad. From the debut of the Hawaii Made Pavilion at the Made in Hawaii Festival to the launch of the Food and Production Innovation Network, DBEDT is helping businesses move from idea to export while creating new opportunities for local products to reach global markets.

This month’s stories highlight the many ways DBEDT and its partners are working to strengthen Hawaii’s economy and communities. From housing and entrepreneurship to innovation and regulatory support, each effort plays a part in shaping a more resilient future.

This issue features the latest research and statistical releases from the Research and Economic Analysis Division (READ), offering timely insights into Hawaii’s economy, labor market, population trends and building permitting impacts. READ remains committed to delivering relevant, data-driven resources to support informed decisions by policymakers, business leaders and the broader community.