DBEDT

In an effort to give local small business owners extra support during these times, the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism is holding a free business fair Saturday, Sept. 16 at Leeward Community College.

The director of the state Department of Economic Development, Business and Tourism said he is looking into Sen. Kurt Fevella's accusations of the state’s film office. Fevella, who represents the ʻEwa Beach area on Oʻahu, publicly called Wednesday for an audit of the Hawaii Film Office, which falls under DBEDT.

According to the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s latest economic forecast, the state’s yearly growth was revised from 1.7% to 1.8%.

The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority has awarded nearly $70 million to three vendors for destination stewardship services to market the islands to North American visitors. It’s the third time the state agency has awarded the contract since 2021. The last two contracts were rescinded after protests by the opposing bidder. HPR's Jason Ubay has more.

The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority was shaken to its core during the legislative session as it narrowly avoided being shut down and replaced by an office under the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. The Conversation talked to former state Rep. James "Jimmy" Tokioka who was just nominated to lead DBEDT.

Paul Brewbaker of TZ Economics joined The Conversation to share why he thinks Hawaiʻi should look at a new model for our number one economic engine — tourism.

During the 2023 legislative session, lawmakers stopped short of replacing the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority with an office inside the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism — where it used to be decades ago. Three local economists and tourism consultants propose rethinking the landscape for destination management.

James Kunane Tokioka replaces interim DBEDT director Chris Sadayasu who was rejected by state senators earlier this year for the position.

State lawmakers advanced measures in both chambers last week that would disband the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority and place some of its functions under a new office at the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

The Hawaiʻi State Senate rejected two of Gov. Josh Green’s cabinet-level appointees on Friday. Lawmakers did not confirm Scott Glenn in a split vote on the Senate floor. Senators also voted against Chris Sadayasu, Green's pick to lead the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Senators did confirm Kali Watson for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and Keith Regan for the Department of Accounting and General Services.