🌺 Hawaiʻi’s Opportunity Zones 2.0 Summit is almost here! 🏗️✨
On June 1, 2026, leaders from across the islands — developers, investors, community partners, and national experts — are coming together to shape the next chapter of OZ 2.0.
Learn about new policies, investment strategies, and how updated census tracts can support housing, clean energy, and community-focused development.
📍 UH Cancer Center & JABSOM (virtual option available)
🎤 Featuring national experts from Urban Institute, Novogradac, EIG, Arctaris, Snell & Wilmer & HUD Region IX
Be part of Hawaiʻi’s future investment landscape.
👉 Register: business.cochawaii.org/events/details/opportunity-zones-2-0-market-activation-summit-1114846
#HawaiiOZ #OpportunityZones
#HawaiiEconomy #HawaiiBusiness
#SustainableHawaii
📊 Hawai‘i by the Numbers: Median Household Income
In 2024, Hawai‘i’s median household income was $100,745. That’s $19,141, or 23.5%, higher than the U.S. average.
Hawai‘i ranked 5th among all states, with the District of Columbia ranked 1st.
View the full data, READ link in bio.
#DBEDT #HawaiiByTheNumbers #HawaiiEconomy #IncomeData #StateOfHawaii
✨ Department Spotlight ✨
📈🌺 The State of Hawai‘i is proud to highlight the impactful work of the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (@hawaiidbedt )—the state agency dedicated to advancing Hawai‘i’s economic resilience, supporting local businesses, fostering innovation, and expanding opportunities for communities across the islands.
🌱 Our Mission 🌱
DBEDT works to diversify Hawai‘i’s economy, strengthen emerging industries, promote sustainable development, support entrepreneurs, and expand international partnerships. Through its divisions—including Business Development & Support, Creative Industries, Foreign-Trade Zone, Research & Economic Analysis, Energy, and Tourism—DBEDT helps build a thriving, future-focused Hawai‘i.
Key Priorities:
💼 Support local businesses, entrepreneurs, and workforce development to grow Hawai‘i’s economic opportunities
🌏 Expand global partnerships and promote Hawai‘i’s presence in international markets
🔋 Advance clean energy innovation and reduce Hawai‘i’s dependence on fossil fuels
📊 Provide data-driven insights to guide policy, planning, and responsible economic growth
🎨 Strengthen Hawai‘i’s creative industries and innovation ecosystem
📌 Join the DBEDT Team!
Be part of a department shaping Hawai‘i’s economic future while honoring community, sustainability, and innovation. Your work can help build a more resilient and prosperous Hawai‘i.
🔗 Explore opportunities at: dbedt.hawaii.gov/careers/
#hawaiiishiring #stateofhawaii #statejobs #jobopenings #recruitment #civilservice #publicservice #DBEDT #economicdevelopment #innovation #businessgrowth
History of FTZ9 | 1974 📜
In 1974, Hawai‘i Foreign-Trade Zone No. 9 marked another milestone with the operation of the first synthetic natural gas plant in a U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone. Operated by Enerco Inc., this development highlighted how FTZs could support energy production alongside trade and industrial activity.
By supporting energy-related operations, FTZ9 also played a role in efforts to help manage and lower the cost of energy in Hawai‘i.
This milestone further expanded the role of FTZ9 in supporting diverse industries across the state.
#FTZ9 #DBEDT #TradeHistory #FTZTimeline #HawaiiBusiness
📊 We want to hear from you!
What type of innovation would most strengthen Hawai‘i’s economy?
Cast your vote and share your perspective in the comments. 👇
#DBEDT #HawaiiEconomy #InnovationHawaii #CommunityInput #StateOfHawaii
📊 Hawai‘i by the Numbers: Hawai‘i’s Generational Economy
How do different age groups shape Hawai‘i’s economy?
This dashboard shows how people at different ages earn income, use resources, and rely on support systems. This data helps inform long-term planning for the state.
🔗 View the dashboard, READ link in bio.
#DBEDT #HawaiiByTheNumbers #HawaiiEconomy #PopulationData #StateOfHawaii
March Labor Statistics 📊
Hawai‘i’s unemployment rate was 2.4% in March. The latest report includes a county-by-county, industry-level look at employment trends across the state.
🔗 View the full March labor report, link in bio.
#DBEDT #HawaiiEconomy #LaborReport #WorkforceHawaii #HawaiiJobs
May is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
In Hawai‘i, AAPI communities are deeply connected to the state’s history, culture, and economy. Their contributions continue to shape and strengthen key industries and communities across the islands.
#DBEDT #AAPIHeritageMonth #HawaiiEconomy #StateOfHawaii
Earlier this week, over 1,000 students from nine Honolulu schools and universities gained first-hand experience meeting with local business leaders to explore careers and internships at the 2nd-annual Exposure Fair and Hiring Blitz presented by workforce development nonprofit ClimbHI, Chaminade University, and St. Louis School.
DBEDT was proud to support this collaborative community effort to help students prepare for success upon graduation. Mahalo to the event organizers and everyone that helped to make this possible! 👏
Lei Day celebrates the traditions, culture, and connection that make Hawai‘i unique.
Across the islands, lei represent stories, relationships, and a shared sense of place that continues to shape our communities today.
Happy Lei Day.
#DBEDT #LeiDay #HawaiiCulture #StateOfHawaii
📈 March Visitor Stats at a Glance
Hawai‘i welcomed 888,349 visitors in March. The latest data highlights visitor spending, average length of stay, and travel patterns across the islands.
See the full report, link in bio.
#DBEDT #HawaiiTourism #HawaiiEconomy #VisitorInsights #TourismUpdate #HawaiiData
Did you know? 📊
In 2024, Hawai‘i Foreign-Trade Zone No. 9 supported 4,047 jobs across 289 firms that rely on Hawai‘i’s hub of international trade.
FTZ9 plays an important role in connecting businesses, supporting operations, and strengthening Hawai‘i’s global trade network.
Learn more about FTZ9, link in bio.
#FTZ9 #DBEDT #HawaiiBusiness #DidYouKnow #GlobalTrade