Last week, we celebrated Tourism Day at the State Capitol, recognizing the people and partnerships that keep one of Hawaiʻi’s most vital industries moving forward.
From students and workforce leaders to hotels, airlines and small businesses, this industry is powered by our people. With over 222,000 kamaʻāina jobs rooted in tourism, these are the local families who uplift our communities and drive our economy every single day.
Beyond the workforce, the industry’s impact is felt in every corner of our state. Last year, the tourism industry paid $3.04 billion in state taxes, accounting for 30% of all general fund revenue. These resources are what allow us to care for our communities, funding the essential services that all residents rely on.
We also convened a roundtable with industry and government partners to discuss our path forward — especially in the wake of the recent Kona Low storms. History shows that in times of crisis, our tourism partners are consistently among the first to kōkua. We are committed to building a visitor industry that is resilient, responsible, regenerative and rooted in our values.
... See MoreSee Less
We’re moving into recovery, but I want to be clear, the impacts from this storm are still being felt across our state.
We’re seeing damage ranging from flooding to infrastructure challenges, including rockfalls on the North Shore that forced closures along Kamehameha Highway at Waimea Bay. Crews are actively working to clear debris and stabilize the area so we can safely reopen and protect our communities moving forward.
I’ve been in close coordination with our county, state, and federal partners, and I want to thank our first responders, crews, and community members who are stepping up to help with cleanup and recovery.
If you need support — whether it’s housing assistance or disaster case management — please call 211. For the latest updates and resources, visit ready.hawaii.gov.
We’re not just getting through this — we’re going to recover together.
... See MoreSee Less
Mahalo nui to everyone who showed up today and made our Chili & Rice Fundraiser such a success!
We’ve partnered with the Hawaiʻi Foodbank again this year, and because of your extraordinary generosity, we are providing more than 10,700 meals for local families who need it most. The Foodbank plays a critical role in supporting our communities and making sure families across our state have access to food.
Mahalo as well to our staff and volunteers who made this all possible — I am truly grateful for the heart and hustle behind the scenes to make today happen.
... See MoreSee Less
As we continue to monitor the April Severe Weather event, we are expecting 4–6 inches of rain, with some areas potentially seeing up to 10–12 inches and winds that could reach up to 30–50 mph. With the ground already saturated from our recent Kona Low storms, we are monitoring carefully for any localized flooding.
Out of an abundance of caution, I have directed schools and state offices to close today. The safety of our keiki, our families and our communities always comes first. We will continue to monitor conditions throughout the day and provide updates as the situation develops.
I also want to reassure everyone that our recovery efforts from the previous two storms are well underway, backed by the Presidential Major Disaster Declaration. Please stay safe, look out for one another and exercise caution on the roads and in your communities. Mahalo.
... See MoreSee Less
Governor Green announced the closure of all state departments and the release of employees not considered disaster response and preparedness workers on O‘ahu due to severe weather.
The National Weather Service forecasts a period of heavy rain and potentially damaging winds that could begin approaching dawn and continue through midday or later Friday with possible flash flooding and moderate to strong south/southeasterly winds.
For preparedness guidance and additional information, visit ready.hawaii.gov
... See MoreSee Less
