Hawaii’s Business Climate: Opportunities and Challenges

Bill Spencer, President of Hawaii Venture Capital Association and Dr. Akina discuss the current climate for business entrepreneurship and investment in Hawaii.  Spencer sees both opportunities and challenges.  The opportunities may be found in the creativity and resourcefulness of many start-up ventures and small businesses.  But serious challenges arise for businesses facing a difficult regulatory environment at both the local and federal levels.  Despite many emerging success stories, especially in the hi-tech arena, the specter of the failed investment in the SuperFerry clouds Hawaii’s attractiveness as an investment destination, particularly for capital-intensive projects.  Undaunted, Spencer’s own firm, Hawaii Oceanic Technology, is pioneering a new business model with Hawaii-driven technologies that can help feed the planet.  Watch the entire discussion below.