#Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Application deadline extended to May 15 for FY27 OED grants
The County Office of Economic Development is extending the application deadline to 5 p.m. May 15, 2026, for its Fiscal Year 2027 Grant Program that supports projects, programs and events that create a positive, sustainable economic impact across Maui County.
Understanding flood insurance coverage as stormy weather continues
With more severe weather in the forecast, the Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Division encourages residents to know what their policies cover so they can efficiently recover any losses after the storm passes. Flood insurance is separate from homeowners insurance and generally not required unless the property is in a designated high-risk […]
DCCA: review insurance policies before impacts of kona storm
As severe weather from a powerful Kona storm begins blanketing the state, the Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Insurance Division is encouraging residents to review their insurance policies and take steps now, that can make the recovery and insurance claims process easier after the storm passes.
Gov. Green appoints Jon Itomura as Chair of the Public Utilities Commission
Gov. Josh Green has appointed Jon Itomura to serve as Chair of the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission.
Mercedes-Benz pays states nearly $150 million in emissions cheat settlement
The state of Hawaiʻi will receive $263,356 as part of a $149.7 million multistate settlement with Mercedes-Benz over allegations the automaker used “defeat devices” to bypass emission standards. The Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Office of Consumer Protection joined a coalition of 50 attorneys general in the settlement with Mercedes-Benz USA LLC and […]
State annual business reports due Dec. 31
The state of Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ Business Registration Division reminds businesses to file their annual business reports. To avoid a late filing fee, reports for businesses registered October through December are due Dec. 31 online at https://hbe.ehawaii.gov/annuals. Fees for filing Hawaiʻi annual business reports online are: LLCs, profit corporations and LLPs: $12.50; […]
State regulators sanction Maui activity desk company, Ohana Fun! Hawaii
A Maui activity desk company — Ohana Fun! Hawaii — has been sanctioned by the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs after investigators found the company was paid for booked activities but didn’t pass the payment on to the activity operator, despite the receipt of invoices.
Hawaiʻi residents encouraged to review insurance policies ahead of hurricane season
The state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Division reminds consumers to evaluate their insurance policies before hurricane season, which starts June 1.
Vegetation removal bill cut back after concerns raised about letting utilities off the hook
Two state House committees have decided to defer action on a Senate bill that would, among other things, require private and public property owners to trim grass within certain proximities of public rights of way and utility lines.
Marijuana legalization bill alive in Senate
Two Senate committees voted Thursday to recommend passage of a bill to legalize adult personal use of cannabis Hawaiʻi and establish taxes on its retail sale and medical use.
Recreational cannabis use passes House committees, with public safety protections
After a nearly three-hour hearing, members of the House committees on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs and Agriculture & Food Systems voted Tuesday afternoon to recommend passage of a bill to legalize adult recreational marijuana use.
Bill to legalize marijuana for recreational adult use set for public hearing
A bill to legalize adult recreational marijuana use beginning Jan. 1, 2026, will be heard at 2 p.m. today by the House committees on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs and Agriculture & Food Systems.
Senate bill would continue licensing for certified midwives
A bill to make it easier for expectant mothers to give birth at home is under consideration by state lawmakers.
Maui County’s public access network Akakū fighting to prevent significant cuts to its funding
A decision made under the 2019 Trump administration could impact the fees cable companies pay to the state for public programming.
DCCA warns of scam calls targeting licenses of medical professionals
The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is warning the public about phone scammers impersonating state officials and government agencies to target medical professionals, particularly those in the dental field. These scammers make false threats of investigations in an attempt to obtain sensitive personal information.
Q4 Hawaiʻi annual business reports due before the new year
The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Business Registration Division (BREG) reminds businesses to file their annual business reports.
DCCA to host weekend mortgage assistance event for homeowners, businesses impacted by wildfires
The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Division of Financial Institutions is hosting a mortgage assistance event to provide support for homeowners and business owners who have been impacted by the Maui wildfires.
State gets $79.9K from Wireless Carriers in settlement over deceptive and misleading advertising practices
The state of Hawai‘i will receive $79,928.66 in a settlement with Wireless Carriers, announced the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Office of Consumer Protection on May 10.
Senate and House money committees approve state budget bill for FY25
On Tuesday night, State legislators approved a final version of the State’s Supplemental Budget. This measure includes operating, capital improvement projects (CIP), and grants-in-aid monies for fiscal year 2024-2025 (FY25).
OCP urges Hawai‘i consumers to seek refunds for Outback Steakhouse gift cards
The Office of Consumer Protection is urging Hawai‘i consumers who purchased and are holding unredeemed Outback Steakhouse gift cards, to seek refunds.
