Informing the Legislature that on July 6, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB2583 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 183).

This bill establishes a state-supported credit enhancement program designed to help local lenders provide smaller-dollar loans to small businesses in Hawaii. By creating a loan loss reserve funded through borrower fees, lender contributions, and state matching funds, the program aims to reduce financial risk for lenders and encourage them to offer affordable capital to entrepreneurs who might otherwise struggle to secure financing. The initiative specifically targets startups, sole proprietors, and very small employers to keep financial activity within the state and support business growth in geographically isolated and high-cost areas.