This Week's Latest Tech News in Honolulu, HI - Sunday April 13th 2025 Edition

Recent tech developments in Honolulu showcase remarkable growth in the innovation ecosystem. ThriveHI's newly secured $300,000 federal grant is energizing Hawaii's tech sector, while the upcoming Hawaii Data & AI Summit is drawing global attention.

The Hawai'i Angels' recent $600,000 investment in Thrive Smart Systems demonstrates strong financial backing for innovative solutions.

Tech employment is surging, with projections indicating a 12% job market growth and 5,000 new positions in 2025. Major players are investing heavily, with Google committing $1 billion to undersea cables and Amazon creating 750 jobs at a new 14-acre delivery station.

The Hawaii Technology Development Corporation's recent initiatives, including a $1.67 million contract for microgrid development at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, further strengthen the infrastructure.

• Sustainability advancements: Notable developments in sustainability include Hawaii ranking third among America's Greenest Cities, with significant progress in green software development and energy-efficient operations.
• AI integration in renewable energy: The integration of AI in renewable energy solutions and the establishment of the Hawaiʻi Green Growth Local2030 Hub are positioning Honolulu as a leading tech hub in the Pacific.
• Challenges in tech roles: Challenges remain in meeting the 35% surge in demand for data scientists and 32% increase in cybersecurity roles.

Additionally, reports from industry experts like Jennifer Brown illustrate the enthusiasm and anticipation surrounding these shifts, highlighting the city's promise as a growing tech community.

Hawaii's tech scene is heating up in 2025 with multiple high-impact conferences transforming the islands into a Pacific innovation hub. The East Meets West (EMW) 2025 Summit and Conference, running from April 15-16, leads the charge by bringing together over 4,000 attendees, including 750+ startups and 150+ venture capitalists from Asia, Hawaii, and North America.

The event features notable speakers like Chris Yeh from Blitzscaling Ventures and Susan Wilson, discussing cutting-edge developments in tech and entrepreneurship.

Meanwhile, the PTC'25 Conference connects global telecom leaders, focusing on ICT trends and professional development through their Beyond Program.

These events coincide with the TRUE Initiative's efforts to accelerate technology adoption across Hawaiian organizations, creating higher-wage opportunities and sustainable economic growth.

The conference series includes deep-dive learning sessions, pitch competitions, and networking events at iconic venues like the Prince Waikiki Hotel and Ko'olau Ballrooms.

With a 25% increase in attendance from previous years, these gatherings showcase Hawaii's emerging role as a bridge between Eastern and Western tech ecosystems.

Participants can expect practical insights on AI applications, renewable energy solutions, and opportunities for cross-Pacific collaboration.

The conferences also feature regional startup showcases, where companies compete for significant investment opportunities, including a shot at the $1 million Startup World Cup prize.

Hawaiian Electric's renewable energy initiatives hit a major milestone in 2024, achieving a 36% consolidated renewable portfolio standard, marking an 8% surge from the previous year.

The company's solar expansion continues to accelerate in 2025, with over 114,000 rooftop solar systems now installed across their service areas. This growth is particularly impressive on Oahu, where 43% of single-family homes now have rooftop solar installations.

Recent additions to the grid include several major projects, such as AES West Oahu Solar (12.5 MW), Kupono Solar (42 MW), and Hoohana Solar I (52 MW), all featuring substantial battery storage capabilities.

Looking ahead, Hawaiian Electric has contracted two new solar and storage projects - the Kuihelani Solar Phase 2 on Maui and Keamuku Solar on Hawaii Island - which will add another 126 MW of solar capacity and 504 MWh of battery storage by 2030.

This expansion is crucial for meeting Hawaii's ambitious goal of 40% renewable energy by 2030, ultimately working toward 100% renewable energy by 2045.

Honolulu's startup ecosystem is experiencing unprecedented growth in 2025, with projected 15% tech sector growth driving innovation across the islands.

The scene is particularly energized by standout companies like Holomua Technologies in edtech and WaveRider Ventures in behavioral health tracking. Local accelerator Blue Startups, recognized among the top 20 US accelerators, offers investments ranging from $25,000 to $300,000, while Elemental Excelerator invests up to $500,000 per startup in climate-focused ventures.

The ecosystem's diversity is evident in emerging players like Gidens, which launched its AI-powered administrative solution at Honolulu Tech Week, and Lehua AI, specializing in customized Microsoft AI implementations.

Support systems like XLR8HI and Hawaii Investment Ready continue to foster entrepreneurial growth through networking events and strategic resources.

• Holomua Technologies: Leading in edtech innovation, helping to energize the local tech scene.
• WaveRider Ventures: Specializes in behavioral health tracking, offering new insights in mental health.
• Gidens: Launched an AI-powered administrative solution at Honolulu Tech Week, showcasing innovation.
• Lehua AI: Focuses on customized Microsoft AI implementations, enhancing tech usability.
• Kalo Innovations: Provides digital health solutions to over 50,000 users, impacting healthcare delivery.
• Hana Robotics: Develops AI-powered agricultural solutions, increasing crop yields by 20%.

This robust foundation, backed by accelerators and incubators, positions Honolulu as an emerging leader in the Pacific tech scene, with particular strength in sustainable technology, AI applications, and healthcare innovations.

The University of Hawaii is taking major steps to boost cybersecurity education with their 2025 GenCyber camps program, funded by the National Security Agency and National Science Foundation.

Since 2015, they've run 44 student camps engaging over 1,000 students and trained more than 750 teachers. The latest initiative includes virtual pre-camps and in-person summer camps across six locations in Hawaii, making cybersecurity education more accessible than ever.

Jodi Ito, UH Chief Information Security Officer, sees these camps as game-changers for both students and educators. The university is also launching a Tech Days of Spring 2025 series, designed to connect students with real career opportunities in the cyber sector.

Building on last year's success, where over 400 students participated, this year's program includes:

• Resume reviews: Helping students refine and improve their professional presentation.
• Career fairs: Providing students with direct access to potential employers and networking opportunities.
• Hands-on workshops: Offering practical experience in cybersecurity under expert guidance.

The initiative has gained serious backing from CyberHawaii, a community organization dedicated to developing educational pathways and

workforce development in cybersecurity.

They're especially focused on increasing participation from high school students, recognizing the importance of early exposure to cybersecurity concepts. The comprehensive approach includes:

Specialized training for teachers ensures they're equipped with the latest knowledge in ethical hacking, AI, and packet tracing.

With cyber threats evolving daily, these programs are crucial in developing Hawaii's next generation of cybersecurity professionals while addressing the growing demand for qualified experts in the field.

Verizon's expansion of 5G connectivity in Hawaii showcases major progress in military and civilian infrastructure development. The company's recent contract to upgrade 4G/5G infrastructure at 35 Air Force bases across the US demonstrates their commitment to enhancing network capabilities.

In Hawaii specifically, Verizon has launched the "Dragon Tower" project at Helemano Military Reservation, investing $1 million to provide 5G coverage for approximately 2,000 service members and their families.

This initiative marks the first of 13 planned towers across military bases in Hawaii, addressing longstanding connectivity challenges in the region. Beyond military applications, Verizon has secured a significant $11.5 million contract to deploy a private 5G network at Pearl Harbor-Hickam, supporting aircraft maintenance operations and enhancing base communications.

These developments combine advanced C-Band carriers, macro builds, and small cells to create a robust network infrastructure. The implementation of 5G technology enables critical applications including flight line test equipment, AR/VR simulation training, high-definition telemedicine, and AI-powered biometric identification.

For civilians, these upgrades mean faster speeds, improved coverage, and enhanced reliability across the island, positioning Honolulu as a leading tech hub in the Pacific region.

The 2025 Hawaii Data & AI Summit is leading Honolulu's tech transformation this May, featuring public sector IT leaders and industry experts exploring AI innovations and data management.

The event, hosted at Prince Waikiki, brings together key figures like State CIO Nancy Taylor and Chief Data Officer Robert Gonzalez to shape Hawaii's tech future.

The summit's focus on data governance and AI implementation aligns perfectly with the state's digital transformation goals, while registration numbers already suggest record *attendance*. Local tech initiatives are gaining momentum, with the International Conference on Computer Science, Cybersecurity and Information Technology scheduled for December, showcasing Honolulu's growing influence in the tech sphere.

The city's commitment to renewable energy integration through AI has caught attention, with projects demonstrating tangible results in optimizing grid performance and reducing waste.

• Collaborative efforts: Recent efforts between public agencies and tech companies have resulted in innovative solutions for environmental monitoring and resource management.
• Advanced technologies: The Pacific Ocean Data Analysis Project continues to evolve, incorporating machine learning algorithms for improved oceanic data collection and analysis.
• Talent attraction: These developments are attracting both local and international talent, with Hawaiian startups showing significant growth in AI patent filings.

The convergence of AI, renewable energy, and oceanic data technologies is positioning Honolulu as an emerging Pacific tech hub, where

sustainability meets innovation.

State initiatives supporting these advancements have created a fertile ground for tech development, while maintaining focus on environmental responsibility and cultural values.

Honolulu's tech startup ecosystem is hitting its stride in 2025, with 65 active startups driving innovation across multiple sectors.

The city has jumped 24 spots in global rankings, now standing at 313th globally, with particular strength in social & leisure, energy & environment, and hardware & IoT industries.

Leading accelerators like Blue Startups and Elemental Excelerator are providing crucial support, with Blue Startups offering up to $100K in funding for promising ventures.

The tech job market is equally dynamic, with data science roles growing by 35% and cybersecurity positions increasing by 32%, offering average salaries above $120,000.

Emerging startups like Gidens, which launched at Honolulu Tech Week, are tackling business automation, while Lehua AI is leveraging Microsoft's tools to deliver customized AI solutions.

The ecosystem is strengthened by a network of 15 accelerators and incubators, including Hawaii Investment Ready and Mana Up, which provide specialized support for different sectors.

Local success stories are multiplying, with companies like Holoholo App and Zingipop Sodaworks demonstrating the diversity of Honolulu's startup landscape. The ecosystem particularly excels in sustainable technologies and social impact ventures, with many startups focusing on environmental solutions and community development.

This growth is supported by major tech companies establishing presence in the region, including Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, creating a robust environment for startup development and innovation.

Hawaiian Electric is seriously crushing it with their renewable energy goals! According to their latest renewable energy report, they've hit a 36% consolidated renewable portfolio standard (RPS) in 2024, jumping three percentage points from the previous year.

The company's renewable project status board shows they're not slowing down, with major projects like the Hale Kuawehi Solar (30 MW) and Kupono Solar (42 MW) already up and running.

They've got nearly 114,000 rooftop solar systems across five islands, which is pretty mind-blowing when you think about it. However, recent challenges have caused some setbacks, with several developers pulling out of new projects due to financial concerns.

Despite these hurdles, Hawaiian Electric keeps pushing forward with their clean energy mission, aiming to hit 40% renewable resources before 2030.

• Main idea: Hawaii Island's renewable energy leader: Hawaii Island is at an impressive 59% RPS, leading the pack in renewable energy usage.
• Main idea: Rooftop solar adoption growth: About 43% of single-family homes now have rooftop solar, showing widespread adoption among regular people.
• Main idea: Solar-plus-battery projects boost: The inclusion of four major solar-plus-battery installations is helping Hawaii stay on track toward its 100% renewable energy goal by 2045.

As cybersecurity threats escalate in Hawaii in 2025, the demand for robust cyber solutions has surged. Tech Partners Hawaii reports that AI-powered cyberattacks and quantum computing threats are reshaping the security landscape, particularly impacting small and medium-sized businesses.

The CyberHawaii initiative is responding by developing educational pathways and workforce solutions, while supporting innovation in the state's growing cybersecurity startup ecosystem.

Recent data shows that cyber risks now significantly impact critical infrastructure, including utilities, healthcare, and financial services. The Hawaii Office of Homeland Security has implemented a comprehensive Cybersecurity Program Plan focusing on three key areas:

1. Governance: A comprehensive framework ensures all agencies comply with standard security protocols.
2. Protection: Advanced measures safeguard against evolving cyber threats.
3. Workforce development: Training programs equip professionals with critical cybersecurity skills.

State officials emphasize that every aspect of modern life, from communication to medicine, relies on secure technology infrastructure.

Local businesses are adopting zero-trust security frameworks and diversifying their security providers to avoid single points of failure. The state's unique geographic position and strong military presence have catalyzed its emergence as a cybersecurity hub, with organizations implementing advanced threat detection systems, employee training programs, and regular security audits.

The University of Hawaii's integration of cybersecurity modules into IT curricula is preparing professionals to address these evolving challenges.

By prioritizing these strategies, Hawaii's tech scene is building resilience against cyber threats while fostering innovation in the Pacific region.

In summary, through strategic initiatives and collaborations, Hawaii is reinforcing its cybersecurity posture to protect its critical infrastructure and foster a thriving tech environment.

Honolulu's tech scene is buzzing with activity as HTDC awarded a $1.67 million contract for the development of a microgrid project at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, marking a significant step in Hawaii's tech infrastructure development.

The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii is fostering collaboration through Capitol Connect events, bringing together IT leaders, educators, and policymakers to strengthen the state's technology ecosystem.

Innovation in sustainable tech continues to thrive, as demonstrated by Hawai'i Angels' $600,000 investment in wireless irrigation technology, showing the state's commitment to both technological advancement and environmental sustainability.

The University of Hawaii is taking bold steps in incorporating indigenous knowledge into AI development, while simultaneously hosting artificial intelligence bootcamps to build local talent.

ThriveHI's recent $300,000 federal grant is set to boost Hawaii's technology ecosystem, providing crucial support for emerging startups and tech initiatives. The focus on cybersecurity and clean energy technologies positions Honolulu as an emerging leader in sustainable tech solutions.

With HTDC's continued support of over 300 companies and the creation of 3,000+ jobs, Honolulu's tech sector shows promising growth.

• Convergence of Traditions and Technology: The convergence of traditional Hawaiian values with modern technology creates unique opportunities for innovation, particularly in areas like renewable energy and smart agriculture.
• Sustainable Innovation: As we look ahead, Honolulu's tech landscape is transforming into a hub where sustainability meets innovation, supported by strong government backing and private sector investment.

Honolulu's tech sector is experiencing unprecedented growth in 2025, with over 5,000 new tech positions projected and a robust 12% job market expansion.

The city's average tech salary of $92,000 reflects its competitive edge, particularly in software development, cybersecurity, and data science.

Major employers like Hawaii Pacific Health, Bank of Hawaii, and tech giants Microsoft and Amazon are actively expanding their presence, with Amazon alone creating 750 new jobs.

The Hawaii Tech Days of Spring 2025 initiative demonstrates the city's commitment to developing local talent, connecting students with industry professionals through events like the IT Pathways Summit and Resume Review Day.

The tech landscape is further enriched by the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation's strategic investments, which have secured $62 million in federal funding and assisted over 300 companies, creating 3,000+ jobs.

This growth is complemented by innovative climate action initiatives, including the electrification of TheBus fleet and enhanced bicycle infrastructure, showcasing Honolulu's commitment to sustainable tech development.

The city's unique position as a bridge between North American and Asian markets, combined with its unmatched quality of life, continues to attract top talent and investment, solidifying its status as an emerging Pacific tech hub.