NEWS RELEASE: DBEDT Policy Forum Highlights Newly Released Hawai’i-Japan Economic Data

STATE OF HAWAIʻI

KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

JOSH GREEN, M.D.

GOVERNOR

KE KIAʻĀINA

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM

KA ʻOIHANA HOʻOMOHALA PĀʻOIHANA, ʻIMI WAIWAI A HOʻOMĀKAʻIKAʻI

JAMES KUNANE TOKIOKA

DIRECTOR

KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

DBEDT POLICY FORUM HIGHLIGHTS NEWLY RELEASED HAWAI'I-JAPAN ECONOMIC DATA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 29, 2026

HONOLULU - The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), in partnership with the Hawaiʻi Institute for Public Affairs (HIPA) and the Japan-America Society of Hawaiʻi (JASH), hosted a public policy forum yesterday to highlight findings from the newly released 2026 Hawai'i-Japan Economic Report, the first comprehensive analysis of its kind since 1998. The event brought together leaders from government, business and community organizations to discuss emerging opportunities and the future of Hawai'i's economic relationship with Japan.

The forum featured a presentation on updated data examining trade flows, investment trends, tourism impacts and sector-level economic activity that form the foundation of Hawai'i's long-standing partnership with Japan. Panelists then discussed key opportunities in tourism, clean energy, digital and creative industries, sustainable agriculture and education and workforce development.

"Updated data gives us a sharper view of how Hawai'i and Japan can deepen economic collaboration in the years ahead. It also shows where targeted partnerships can create shared value for both economies," said DBEDT Director James Kunane Tokioka.

"The generations-long cultural connection between Hawai'i and Japan continues to anchor our economic relationship," said Reyna Kaneko, president of JASH. "That foundation of trust makes it easier for communities and businesses to build meaningful partnerships."

Panelists also underscored the continued importance of sister-state and sister-city relationships in strengthening trade, investment and cultural exchange. These partnerships remain a central mechanism for building trust and piloting new projects between Hawai'i and prefectures across Japan.

B-Roll and photos:

Video footage and interviews from the event are available for media use here courtesy DBEDT:

• Remarks by DBEDT Director James Tokioka, panel session, B-roll and interviews with:
  • Perry Arrasmith, HIPA president
  • Jacob Vuillemin, DBEDT economist

About the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT)

DBEDT is Hawai'i's resource center for economic and statistical data, business development opportunities, energy and conservation information, as well as foreign trade advantages. The DBEDT mission is to achieve a Hawai'i economy that embraces innovation and is globally competitive, dynamic and productive, providing opportunities for all Hawai'i's citizens. Through its attached agencies, the department fosters planned community development, creates affordable workforce housing units in high-quality living environments and promotes innovation sector job growth.

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