MEDIA ADVISORY: DBEDT to Highlight Comprehensive Hawai’i-Japan Economic Data at Public Policy Forum

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 TO HIGHLIGHT COMPREHENSIVE HAWAI'I-JAPAN ECONOMIC DATA AT PUBLIC POLICY FORUM
2026 Report Provides Comprehensive Look at Trade, Investment and Economic Ties

MEDIA ADVISORY

What: The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), Hawaiʻi Institute for Public Affairs (HIPA) and Japan-America Society of Hawaiʻi (JASH) will host a public policy forum examining the economic relationship between Hawaiʻi and Japan.

DBEDT recently released new 2026 data on economic activity between Hawaiʻi and Japan, the state's first comprehensive report on the relationship since 1998. The forum will highlight the report's findings and provide an updated look at the key sectors and economic activity that form the foundation for trade, commerce and collaboration between Hawaiʻi and Japan.

Following the data presentation, government and private-sector leaders will discuss:

• Economic sectors with potential opportunities for Hawaiʻi and Japan
• Opportunities for Hawaiʻi companies and Japanese companies
• Government actions that could support greater trade and commerce
• Economic initiatives and areas for potential investment
• The role of sister-state and sister-city relationships in supporting economic activity

Who/Available for Interviews:

• Paul Yonamine, chairman emeritus, Central Pacific Bank
• James Tokioka, director, DBEDT
• Jacob Vuillemin, economist, DBEDT
• Reyna Kaneko, president, JASH
• Erik Montague, vice president, JERA
• Perry Arrasmith, president, HIPA

Note: Media interested in attending should contact Laci Goshi at [email protected] or 808-518-5480. Interviews and b-roll will be distributed after the event.

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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