Chamber of Commerce Hawaii
2030 Blueprint For hawaii
Led by the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, the 2030 Blueprint is a bold plan to invigorate Hawaii's economy and create a thriving future for kamaaina. Focused on boosting competitiveness and resilience, the Blueprint tackles key challenges with clear, actionable strategies—lowering taxes, streamlining regulations, expanding housing, and investing in our workforce. From growing STEM education and apprenticeships to reversing youth outmigration, this statewide effort champions innovation and economic diversification—strengthening the core of tourism, agriculture, defense and maritime, while fueling tech and startup growth.
Vision and Goals
Vision & Goals
Backed by a Collective Impact Model, the Blueprint brings together public, private, and civic partners. Progress is tracked through a public dashboard and annual reviews—ensuring we stay on course to build a vibrant, future-ready Hawai‘i.
Grounded in the 2023 CEDS vision, this blueprint aligns with six key goals:
1. Strengthen industry clusters
2. Grow emerging sectors
3. Invest in workforce and human capital
4. Support business climate
5. Drive innovation
6. Build economic resilience
Policy committees & Chairs
A diverse network of committees—composed of leaders from business, government, education, and the community—was formed to identify challenges, shape solutions, and drive the impactful strategies at the heart of the 2030 Blueprint.
Travel & Tourism
Tourism faces headwinds from unpredictable demand in Asia, rising competition for U.S. travelers and Hawaii’s reputation as a high-cost destination. Learn More >
Military & Defense
Potential federal cuts highlight the need to strengthen Hawaii’s defense sector and local companies, given the state’s strategic location in the Pacific. Learn More >
21st Century Agriculture
Hawaii’s farm income has plunged nearly 50% since 2011, exposing heavy reliance on imports and urgent need to rebuild local agriculture for true food self-sufficiency. Learn More >
Business Services
High overhead costs, limited local client bases, and difficulty attracting skilled talent due to the state’s high cost of living hinder growth and reduce competitiveness in an increasingly global market. Learn More >
Maritime
Hawaii’s maritime industry, crucial to our island economy, faces future challenges including aging infrastructure, rising fuel costs, stricter environmental regulations, and workforce shortages. Learn More >
Small Business
High operating costs, limited access to affordable commercial space, and a tight labor market are some of the hurdles that threaten growth and diversity of the local economy. Learn More >
Meet Our Blueprint Leadership Team
We ask you to please consider making a gift which can be fulfilled over the next five years. 100% of your donation will be dedicated to supporting the Blueprint initiative and driving change for Hawaii.
Data-informed Action Plan
The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s 2030 Blueprint is a bold, data-driven plan to strengthen the state’s economy, create jobs, and support local businesses. Focused on innovation, workforce development, and improving Hawaii’s business climate, the Blueprint outlines strategies to diversify key industries, retain talent, and build long-term economic resilience. Backed by statewide collaboration and aligned with the 2023 CEDS, it’s a forward-thinking vision for a more sustainable and prosperous Hawaii.
BENCHMARKS & METRICS
Healthiest States
Best State for Business
Cost of Doing Business
Cost of Living
Vision and Goals
To enhance overall economic competitiveness, the blueprint recommends reducing the state tax burden, promoting regulatory reforms to improve business friendliness, and expanding the housing supply. Workforce development is also a priority, with initiatives aimed at reducing the outmigration of young residents, expanding STEM education, and increasing apprenticeship opportunities in critical fields like technology and healthcare.
Diversification is essential for Hawaii’s economic resilience. The blueprint focuses on growing the tech sector, supporting key industries such as tourism, defense, agriculture, and water transport, and fostering a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem. By aligning with the CEDS goals, these actions aim to build greater local wealth and create a more diversified and resilient economy.
Travel & Tourism
Adopt new technologies, enhance attractions, and implement regional tourism strategies for faster transactions, better bookings, and improved customer experiences.
Military & Defense
Prepare a skilled local workforce for cybersecurity and tech fields, leverage AI for efficiency, use additive manufacturing for cost savings, and invest in space technology.
Small Business
Identify gaps in small business support, enhance entrepreneurial career pathways with work-based learning, and partner with organizations to boost local entrepreneurship.
Business Services
Adopt technology to streamline services, enhance quality-of-life improvements, and invest in parks, youth centers, and community spaces to attract and retain young professionals.
21st Century Agriculture
Support agricultural research and innovation in education, promote hands-on career paths, and back accelerator programs for value-added food manufacturers.
Maritime
Enhance maritime trades for shipbuilding and repairs, expand programs into community colleges and high schools, and partner with local and state agencies to expand harbor and marina facilities.
Case Study Feature
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Mahalo to our Sponsors
Together We Will Create a Stronger Hawaii
We ask you to please consider making a gift which can be fulfilled over the next five years. 100% of your donation will be dedicated to supporting the Blueprint initiative and driving change for Hawaii.