“Tourism Industry could be required to educate workers on human trafficking.”

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Accessed on 28 February 2026, 0136 UTC.

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Russ Roberts (https://hawaiinewsjournal.com).

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Tourism Industry Could Be Required to Educate Workers on Human Trafficking

Workers in the tourism industry could soon be getting mandatory education on human trafficking.A bill moving through the state Legislature would mandate a training program on how to spot possible trafficking victims, what to do, and who to contact.

Hawai‘i Public Radio.

Strong January Masks Uneven Tourism Outlook

Visitor spending jumped 19% to $2.26 billion and arrivals rose 10.4% to 874,358, driven almost entirely by powerful U.S. West and U.S. East markets that have now pushed the state past pre‑pandemic benchmarks, according to preliminary data released Thursday by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Business Magazine

How Regional and Ethnic Chambers of Commerce Elevate Businesses in Hawai‘i

While the statewide Chamber of Commerce Hawaii serves more than 2,000 members, dozens of smaller chambers across the islands offer specialized support for specific regions, communities, and industries.

High-Spending Visitors Help Drive Economic Gains

Hawai‘i’s overall tourism industry was dragged down by a downturn on Maui following the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfires, but a Maui resurgence is now driving the state overall, according to the University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization, which released its latest economic forecast.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Business Magazine

Peter Ho to Retire as Bank of Hawai‘i CEO

He will be succeeded by bank President James Polk. Ray Vara to take leading role on the bank’s board.

Does Hawaiʻi Have Room to Bring Back About 800 Men Incarcerated in Arizona?

Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Director Tommy Johnson maintains that the state would need to build a new medium-security prison to accommodate those who have been sent out of state. For 30 years, the state has sent incarcerated men to the continent to serve their sentences. However, the Hawaiʻi Legislature is weighing options to bring back hundreds who are currently held at the Saguaro Correctional Center, a private prison in Arizona.

Hawai‘i Public Radio.

Announcements

NEWS RELEASE: Olympian Sakura Kokumai – Free Community Karate Event TOMORROW February 28

The public is invited to a rare and inspiring opportunity tomorrow on Saturday, February 28, as world champion and Olympian Sakura Kokumai presents a live karate demonstration at the Konawaena High School gym.

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