The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, established under section 26-18 and specifically provided for under chapter 201, Hawaii Revised Statutes, works to support business, create jobs, and improve Hawaii's standard of living through diversifying the economy, expanding existing business, and attracting new economic activity. Headed by the Director of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, the Department pursues this task through an active program of business support and development, investment attraction, business and trade missions, tourism marketing and support of diversification initiatives, permit and licensing facilitation, statistical and economic research, and provision of core information to business and the community at large.
Examples are computer software development and financial services.
Diversification within tourism is promoted in the areas of sports, cultural, health, and educational tourism. The Division creates and manages programs to attract investment to Hawaii, to attract U.S. mainland companies to establish their Pacific regional functions in Hawaii, and to assist Hawaii firms interested in markets abroad. The Business Services Division promotes the formation and growth of small businesses through a wide range of programs directly helping new and existing enterprises. Programs include management, technical, and informational assistance, plus one-stop expediting of licenses and permits. A major activity is financial assistance through several loan and grant programs, and working with the private sector to develop new sources of venture capital.