#US Department of Commerce
Japan national sentenced to 12 months in prison for conspiring to export firearm components
United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Shota Yamamoto, 29, of Tokyo, Japan, was sentenced yesterday in federal court by United States District Court Judge Micah W.J. Smith to 12 months and one day in prison for conspiring to violate the Export Control Reform Act by exporting firearm components and tactical accessories to Japan. Yamamoto pled guilty on Jan. 22, 2026.
Schatz presses Commerce Secretary nominee on census, NOAA protection, AI safety
At Wednesday’s Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing for Secretary of Commerce nominee Howard Lutnick, US Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) pressed Lutnick on conducting a fair census count, protecting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration from Project 2025 threats, consulting with Hawai‘i leaders on Pacific fisheries decisions and strengthening artificial intelligence safety.
Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee panel members sought
Nominations are being accepted through Dec. 23 to fill vacancies on the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee. The committee advises the Secretary of Commerce on all marine life matters that are the responsibility of the US Department of Commerce.
Hawaiʻi Pacific Export Council honored with District Export Council of the Year award
The Hawaiʻi Pacific Export Council has been awarded the District Export Council of the Year Award by the US Department of Commerce. The honor recognizes the council’s contributions to supporting US exporters in Hawaiʻi and across the US Pacific Islands through innovative and impactful initiatives.
Federal spending bill includes provisions to assist Hawaiʻi small businesses and tourism
The recently passed $1.7 trillion Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill includes several initiatives to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s dominant tourism and small business economies and assist Hawai’i workers with their retirements.
National Marine Sanctuary System celebrating 50 years protecting the underwater world
The system includes the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
Hawaii Energy Lab Receives $3M Grant
The Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority has been given a $3 million federal economic development grant for alternative energy and biotechnology research.
WAILUKU PARKING GARAGE & KIHEI RENEWABLE ENERGY CENTER GET FUNDING
Two Maui projects are set to receive more than a million each in federal funding. Maui is set to receive a total of $2.2 million in federal funding for the design of a Municipal parking garage in Wailuku and the construction of a renewable energy resource center in Kihei. The grant awards were announced this […]