By Sophia Compton – Reporter, Pacific Business News
June, 23 2023
“One of the first things business owners tell us is that regulations and red tape, such as high fees and slow permitting, hinder business growth and potential,” Chamber of Commerce Hawaii President and CEO Sherry Menor-McNamara said in a statement.
The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s Business Advocacy team recently launched the “Business Barriers” web portal, in which local businesses can submit feedback about rules and regulations that slow economic growth in Hawaii. Data will be used by the team to prepare a “Hawaii Business Barriers Report” for legislators before the 2024 State Legislative Session begins, according to an announcement from Chamber.
“One of the first things business owners tell us is that regulations and red tape, such as high fees and slow permitting, hinder business growth and potential,” Chamber of Commerce Hawaii President and CEO Sherry Menor-McNamara said in a statement. “Our advocacy team developed the Hawaii Business Barriers website to enhance our business advocacy strategy. This is a way for business to share information about their challenges and offer suggestions to fix these processes.”
The report will also be shared with local and regional government officials, and the Chamber may contact those who respond for additional information, but the identities of businesses and individuals will not be made public without approval, according to the announcement.
“The data we collect from business owners will be compiled and analyzed to share policy recommendations with state and county lawmakers, as well as relevant boards and commissions, with the goal to reduce and eliminate regulations that prevent Hawaii from reaching its full economic potential,” Menor-McNamara added.
Businesses interested in sharing their concerns and suggestions about state and county regulations can visit the Chamber’s Business Barriers website.