The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism announced Hawai‘i has become the first statewide economic development district, designated by the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration.

This designation supports Hawai‘i’s mission in providing recovery initiatives and critical infrastructure for future economic prosperity.

“This designation comes at a time when our state needs it most and was made possible because of the partnership between the state and all four counties with our Congressional delegation,” said Gov. Josh Green. “Mahalo to the EDA, and especially the Biden Administration, for recognizing Hawai‘i’s unique economic needs and bringing this critical opportunity to our state. This will fund economic recovery efforts, key construction and infrastructure work and will support high-paying jobs for our people.” 

Hawai‘i’s designation occurred right after the EDA was reauthorized by Congress for the first time in 20 years in December 2024, with overwhelming bipartisan support.

“Hawai‘i’s designation as the first Economic Development District in the Pacific and the first statewide designation is a promising step toward building a more economically resilient Hawai‘i,” says Cristina Killingsworth, EDA acting assistant secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “This action will lead to success in attracting private capital investment and creating new and higher-skill, higher-wage job opportunities to the State of Hawai‘i.”