Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism

On July 27 and 28, 2023, the Hawaii-Japan Sister State & Sister City Summit was convened by DBEDT, and the Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH).

According to preliminary visitor statistics released by DBEDT, a total of 889,274 visitors arrived in the Hawaiian Islands in June 2023, an increase of 5.5 percent from June 2022.

DBEDT today announced that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for June was 3.0 percent, compared to 3.1 percent in May.

Hawaii Housing Finance & Development Corp. — Field work for the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation’s 2024 Housing Planning Study was completed recently.

Hawaii Housing Finance & Development Corp — HHFDC announced today that rental units at the Kulia I Ka Nuu housing complex in Waianae will remain affordable through 2098 under an agreement reached with a private management company.

Hawaii State Energy Office — The Hawaii Green Business Program recognized its largest-ever cohort of Hawaii businesses and events today for their energy efficiency and sustainable business practices.

According to preliminary visitor statistics released by DBEDT, a total of 801,569 visitors arrived in the Hawaiian Islands in May 2023, a 3.2 percent increase from May 2022.

DBEDT Small Business Regulatory Review Board has announced its officers for fiscal year 2024 to 2025.

DBEDT was notified that it would receive a federal grant of $740,000 to conduct outreach for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) – the largest internet affordability program in our nation’s history.

DBEDT in partnership with the Japan-America Society of Hawaii, is convening the first Hawaii-Japan Sister State and Sister City Summit on July 27 and 28, 2023, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Honolulu, Hawaii.