HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige has appointed Chung I. Chang to serve as deputy director of the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT). Chang has most recently served as coordinator for DBEDT’s Office of Aerospace Development. In addition, Chang was a bill researcher for the State Senate’s Ways and Means Committee, and senior business analyst, section supervisor and marketing coordinator at HMSA. He is also a small business owner/manager/consultant. Chang is

State agencies will outline efforts to prevent invasive species from entering Hawai‘i Honolulu – The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment, Chaired by Senator Mike Gabbard, the House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection, Chaired by Representative Nicole E. Lowen, and the House Committee on Agriculture, Chaired by Representative Richard P. Creagan, will hold a joint informational briefing to get an update on Hawai‘i's Interagency Biosecurity Plan. The bri

Business Owners or Managers, make your voices heard! The State of Hawaii, Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism is partnering with the Federal Reserve to conduct a Small Business Credit Survey for both start-up and existing businesses, and we’d like you to participate. This short survey will take approximately 10 minutes and will ask about business conditions, financing needs, and credit experiences. Summary results will be shared with you, and all responses

The Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) will host a two-day federal funding opportunities event featuring Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant programs and National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) contracting program. Open to small businesses, research and development, and innovation companies looking for funding outside of the usual venues, the program will feature presentations, one-on-one meetings and networking opportunities. The event will

Gov. David Ige has appointed Kymberly M. Sparlin as his new policy director. Sparlin most recently served as the Energy Program specialist, military and federal partner coordinator and legislative coordinator with the Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism’s (DBEDT) Energy Office. Previously, Sparlin worked in various capacities at DBEDT as executive assistant to the administrator and project manager, as well as a consultant. Sparlin also worked as an office

HONOLULU—This year’s Hawaii Green Business Program (HGBP) awards ceremony has been expanded to include a new “HGBP Alakai 10-Entry Level” category that encourages smaller restaurants and food service companies to take steps to become more sustainable while improving their bottom line. The awardees are among 35 businesses, organizations and events in several categories recognized today for adopting energy efficiency and sustainable business practices that will help them save m

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige announced today that he is seeking a motivated and forward-thinking leader to serve as the Chief Energy Office (CEO) and head the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office (HSEO). The CEO will be responsible for accelerating Hawaii’s energy security, guiding the state in reaching its clean energy goals and becoming a carbon neutral economy. Act 122 (HB852 HD1 SD1 CD1), which created the new position with the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige signed the following bills on June 7, 2019. Legislative leadership has been notified. BILLS SIGNED on June 7, 2019: ACT 37 HB172 Office of Hawaiian Affairs Budget ACT 38 HB510 Judiciary Package ACT 39 HB809 Chapter 42F - Grants ACT 40 HB1259 Capital Improvement Projects ACT 41 HB1319 Special Pu

Community Invited to Free Public Panels on Oahu and Kauai for Entertainment Industry Insights with Programs’ World-Class Mentors Creative Lab Hawaii (CLH), founded by the Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic, Development and Tourism (DBEDT)’s Creative Industries Division (CID), has announced the industry mentors and CLH fellows chosen for its competitive 2019 Immersive programs designed for screenwriters, motion picture producers and web-series developers. Additional

HONOLULU – The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) released its second quarter 2019 Statistical and Economic Report today with first quarter results. In this report, DBEDT kept its economic growth forecast (GDP) from the first quarter of 2019 unchanged at rates between 1.2 percent and 1.4 percent for the next few years. Economic data for the first few months of 2019 were mixed. The good news includes the following: Total value of private buildin

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige today recognized winners of the Governor’s Awards, designed to honor state Executive Branch employees, managers and work teams who exemplify the highest caliber of public service and dedication in serving the people of Hawai‘i. The statewide program is administered by the Department of Human Resources Development. “Public employees have consistently made important contributions to our continuing efforts to improve the efficiency and quality of govern