Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism

Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office — Federal approval was given this week to the state’s Digital Equity Plan, paving the way for federal funding to provide greater internet access statewide and addressing other diverse digital needs.

In February 2024, a total of 772,480 visitors arrived in the Hawaiian Islands and total visitor spending measured in nominal dollars was $1.66 billion, according to preliminary statistics from DBEDT.

DBEDT has established a Military and Community Relations Office which will focus on effective collaboration and transparency between the State of Hawaii, county governments, the community and the U.S. Department of Defense.

DBEDT today announced that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for February was 3.1 percent, the same as in January.

Hawaii Housing Finance & Development Corp. — HHFDC has selected two experienced homebuilding companies to master plan and develop up to 900 affordable rental and for-sale homes at one of the largest, remaining undeveloped properties in the Villages of Kapolei.

DBEDT today announced that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for January was 3.1 percent, compared to the revised rate of 3.0 percent for the prior four months.

DBEDT released its first quarter 2024 Statistical and Economic Report today.

In January 2024, total visitor arrivals to the Hawaiian Islands and total visitor spending measured in nominal dollars declined compared to January 2023.

DBEDT, in partnership with the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, will be presenting the Hawaii-Philippines Sister Province Symposium on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at the Hawaii Convention Center.

Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corp. — HHFDC clarified today several misstatements made by AARP Hawaii (AARP) in its Feb. 26 press release regarding the possible loss of the affordability of approximately 10,000 housing units in the state over the next 20 years.