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Kona Low Recovery Grants Available for Oʻahu Businesses
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Oʻahu small businesses affected by the March 2026 Kona Low storms may be eligible for recovery grants through a $3.35 million program from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, administered in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii.
Eligible microenterprises with less than $250,000 in annual gross revenue may receive $5,000, while small businesses with annual gross revenue between $250,000 and $5 million may receive $10,000. Businesses must have operated on Oʻahu before March 10 and experienced storm-related economic or physical harm.
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Applications are open through Nov. 15, 2026, or until funds are exhausted. Eligible businesses are encouraged to apply early.
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Hawaiʻi Economy Expected to Grow Through 2029
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DBEDT’s latest Statistical and Economic Report projects continued growth for Hawaiʻi’s economy over the next several years, with real gross domestic product expected to increase 1.3% in 2026, 1.6% in 2027 and 1.8% in both 2028 and 2029.
The 2026 forecast is slightly lower than projected last quarter, reflecting higher inflation, fewer visitor days and modest job growth. Construction and health care continue to support the economy, while Hawaiʻi’s labor market remains tight. Visitor spending is forecast to increase 2.3% to $22.4 billion in 2026, despite a decline in the average length of stay.
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DBEDT expects inflation to average 4.4% in 2026 before easing to 3.1% in 2027. The latest report provides updated forecasts for economic growth, employment, visitor activity, personal income, inflation and other key indicators.
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$250,000 Released for Tropical AgTech Center in Hilo
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The state has released $250,000 in Capital Improvement Program special funds to advance the Tropical AgTech Center at the Hilo Foreign-Trade Zone on Hawaiʻi Island. The funding will support the design and construction of a greenhouse nursery for tissue culture and expand agricultural technology resources for local farmers.
The Tropical AgTech Center is being developed by Foreign-Trade Zone No. 9, a division of DBEDT, in partnership with the Hawaiʻi Island Agricultural Partnership. The project aims to strengthen small-farm profitability, increase food security and support high-wage agricultural technology jobs on Hawaiʻi Island.
Senate Vice President Lorraine R. Inouye announced the funding and highlighted the project’s potential to give farmers greater access to technology and resources while supporting the future of agriculture on Hawaiʻi Island.
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51 Hawaiʻi Businesses and Events Honored for Sustainability
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The Hawaiʻi Green Business Program recognized 51 businesses and events across five islands for their efforts in energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, pollution prevention, community involvement and the preservation of cultural and natural resources. The honorees were recognized at an awards ceremony hosted by the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office and program partners.
Together, the 2025-2026 awardees saved 493 million gallons of water and 2.9 million kilowatt-hours of electricity, diverted 237 tons of green waste, and recycled 349 tons of solid waste. Honorees included hotels and resorts, breweries and distilleries, offices, venues, events and participants in the program’s entry-level category.
The Hawaiʻi Green Business Program recognizes organizations that adopt practices supporting the state’s clean energy, conservation and sustainability goals.
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State of Hawaiʻi Opens Overseas Office in the Philippines
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The State of Hawaiʻi Overseas Office in the Philippines (SHOP) marked its soft opening Sept. 3 with a blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Dap-Ayan Commercial Complex in Laoag, Ilocos Norte. Ilocos Norte Gov. Cecilia Araneta-Marcos joined SHOP Executive Director Benson Peralta and other representatives for the event.
The office will serve as a platform to strengthen government and business relationships between Hawaiʻi and the Philippines, with a focus on economic development, trade, investment, tourism, education, workforce development, agriculture and cultural exchange. Its opening builds on Hawaiʻi’s longstanding relationship with Ilocos Norte, including the reaffirmation of the two governments’ sister-state relationship in May.
The new office is already supporting workforce connections. During the opening, a Hawaiʻi Department of Education representative used the SHOP office to share information with prospective J-1 teachers about opportunities at public schools statewide.
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2026 Hawaiʻi Tourism Conference Looks Ahead to the Future of Tourism
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More than 700 visitor industry, community and government leaders gathered Sept. 24-25 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikīkī Beach Resort for the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority’s 2026 Hawaiʻi Tourism Conference. This year’s theme, “Ke Kahu o Ka Mālamalama, Guardians of the Light: Honoring Our Stories, Advancing Knowledge, Inspiring a Path Forward,” focused on the shared responsibility to strengthen tourism while supporting Hawaiʻi’s communities and quality of life.
The two-day program addressed issues shaping Hawaiʻi’s visitor industry, including destination competitiveness, crisis management, resident sentiment, regenerative tourism, workforce development, global travel trends and artificial intelligence. Sessions also explored opportunities to strengthen connections between tourism and Hawaiʻi’s agriculture and creative industries.
DBEDT Director James Kunane Tokioka, Creative Industries Division Administrator Georja Skinner and Tourism Research Director Jennifer Chun were among the DBEDT leaders participating in the conference, bringing the department’s economic development, research and creative industry perspectives to the discussions.
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Hawaiʻi Businesses Showcase Products at Tokyo International Gift Show
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The trade show is part of BDSD’s Go Global! program under the Hawaiʻi State Trade Expansion Program, which helps Hawaiʻi businesses pursue sales opportunities in international markets through trade shows and other export activities. Twenty-eight Hawaiʻi companies participated in the 2026 Tokyo International Gift Show, generating more than $750,000 in projected export sales.
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DBEDT Meets with Chinese Consulate Officials
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DBEDT welcomed Peng Jing, commercial counselor, and Dong Huichao, vice consul, from the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Los Angeles, for a discussion on strengthening economic ties between Hawaiʻi and China. The meeting focused on expanding trade, tourism and business connections, including pathways for Hawaiʻi companies interested in the Chinese market.
The discussion also highlighted Hawaiʻi’s coffee industry and ways to increase awareness of Hawaiʻi-grown coffee in China. Consulate representatives offered to facilitate introductions to commerce officials, organizations and business contacts in China, providing potential avenues for Hawaiʻi companies to develop partnerships and pursue new business opportunities.
The meeting helped identify areas for continued collaboration and future engagement between Hawaiʻi and China.
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DBEDT Team Member Spotlights
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Oct. 2026 SBRRB Meeting – Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, 10 a.m.
Next month's Small Business Regulatory Review Board (SBRRB) meeting will review several Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules. The public is welcome to attend in person or virtually. For more information and the full agenda, visit sbrrb.hawaii.gov/meetings.
2026 Hawaiʻi SBIR Conference – Nov. 4-6, 2026
Join the Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation for the 2026 Hawaiʻi SBIR Conference, connecting small businesses with federal funding opportunities, program managers and resources to support technology commercialization. Events will be on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Island and Maui. Learn more and register.
5th Annual Hawaiʻi AI & Cloud Innovation Summit – Nov. 5, 2026, Hilton Waikiki Beach Resort
The Hawaiʻi AI & Cloud Innovation Summit brings together leaders from business, government, academia and technology to explore practical applications of AI and opportunities to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s economy and workforce. The summit is presented by TRUE Initiative in partnership with DBEDT/HTDC and the Hawaiʻi Executive Collaborative. Learn more and register.
13th Annual Hawaiian Airlines Made in Maui County Festival – Nov. 6-7, 2026, Maui Arts & Cultural Center
DBEDT is pleased to collaborate with the Maui Food Innovation Center to provide select new brands the chance to sell at the MIMCF. Attendees can shop products from more than 140 Maui County businesses at the annual festival, featuring locally made food, art, jewelry, fashion, gifts and more. Friday features an exclusive shopping preview for wholesale buyers, followed by the main festival day, Saturday, with shopping, food trucks and live entertainment. Tickets go on sale Oct. 1.
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For more on DBEDT and its divisions and attached agencies, please visit dbedt.hawaii.gov.
Below are links to more news from DBEDT’s core divisions, attached agencies and related programs:
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