Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism

Hawaii teachers were invited to learn more about career pathways and technical skills in digital design, fashion design, and media through a free Creative Industries Educator Externship on May 2, 2024.

According to preliminary statistics from DBEDT, total visitor arrivals and total visitor spending in March 2024 declined in comparison to March 2023.

Hawaii Housing Finance & Development Corp. — A new program offered by HHFDC sets aside funds for nonprofit community development financial institutions or other nonprofit housing development organizations who build self-help, for-sale housing for those in low- and moderate-income categories.

DBEDT's Foreign-Trade Zone No. 9 division last week honored M. Bowers & Co., Inc. with its annual excellence award, given to businesses and other organizations that have made valuable contributions to our local international trade industry.

Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority — HGIA will be awarded $62.45 million from the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

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

Hawaii Housing Finance & Development Corp. — HHFDC announced today that it closed on the purchase of the former Maui Sun Hotel in Kihei from Haggai International Institute for Advanced Leadership Training.

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.