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The state has significant potential for tropical aquaculture production but the industry needs more investment and less bureaucratic red tape.

Measures that won preliminary approval in the House Finance Committee would increase standard deductions and adjust tax brackets for inflation.

The state will retain a 20% ownership interest in the interisland network, which will compete with Hawaiian Telcom.

Some senators say moving aquaculture to another state agency is the answer. Others say it’s about providing the necessary resources.

Traditionally Hawaii residents eagerly applied for safe government jobs but particularly difficult jobs now have vacancy rates of 40%.

Six months into the fiscal year, tax collections are running more than 7% ahead of last year’s pace.

Housing is shaping up to be a much-debated issue this coming legislative session with ideas focusing on increasing urban density.

The island state has too few homegrown construction workers to handle the coming surge in government projects, so labor must be imported.

Growing Hawaii’s economy is a critical issue that should not be ignored, notwithstanding the problems facing Maui, economists say.

The current hourly wage of $12 is expected to grow to $18 in four years.