Jonathan Shick, chair (O‘ahu) – Mr. Shick works for Pono Consulting Group LLC. A board member for five years, this is Mr. Shick’s second year as the Chair; he was previously the SBRRB’s second vice chair.
Sanford Morioka, vice-chair (O‘ahu) –...
Read more... Small Business Regulatory Review Board elects 2025-2026 officers]]>
(DBEDT) Small Business Regulatory Review Board (SBRRB) has announced its officers for fiscal year 2025 to 2026.
Jonathan Shick, chair (O‘ahu) – Mr. Shick works for Pono Consulting Group LLC. A board member for five years, this is Mr. Shick’s second year as the Chair; he was previously the SBRRB’s second vice chair.
Sanford Morioka, vice-chair (O‘ahu) – Mr. Morioka is president of Edward Enterprises, Inc. and has been a member since 2022.
Mary Albitz, second vice chair (Maui) – Ms. Albitz is the owner of Island Art Party, a paint and sip studio located in Kīhei. She has been a member since 2018 and most recently served as the vice chair of the SBRRB.
About Small Business Regulatory Review Board (SBRRB)
The SBRRB was established on July 1, 1998 with the passage of the Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Act. The responsibilities of the SBRRB include:
Other board members are James (Kimo) Lee (Hawai‘i), Tessa Gomes (O‘ahu), Nikki Ige (Kauaʻi), Jennifer Salisbury (Maui) and Leelen Park (Hawai‘i), who was recently appointed by Governor Josh Green, M.D.
“Mahalo to the SBRRB members for their dedication and commitment to improve Hawai‘i’s small business landscape,” said DBEDT Director James Kunane Tokioka.
“These collaborative efforts encourage and support the vitality of small businesses in Hawai‘i.”
“The SBRRB oversees rules and regulations for Hawai‘i small businesses promulgated by both state and county agencies,” said SBRRB Administrator Dori Palcovich.
“Navigating government agencies at various levels – federal, state, county and city – is very difficult for our small businesses. However, in my 23 years as its administrator, I fully believe that the SBRRB is very committed to improving the regulatory climate in the state for the benefit of small businesses.”
The SBRRB meets monthly both in-person and by electronic means. We encourage those small businesses that may have specific regulatory concerns with Hawai‘i Administrative Rules to learn more about the monthly meetings at sbrrb.hawaii.gov.
1) Commentary on small business impact statements to the rule-drafting agencies.
2) Identification and commentary on business impact of existing administrative rules.
3) Recommendations to the Governor’s Office, state agencies or the legislature, on any proposed new or amended administrative rules or changes in legislation.
4) Recommendations to the mayors or county councils regarding county rules; and
5) Review of small business petitions and complaints on business impact.
The SBRRB comprises 10 volunteer members who are current or former owners or officers of businesses from across the state, as well as the director of DBEDT or the director’s designated representative, who serves as an “ex officio” member. Three members are appointed by the Senate President, three members by the Speaker of the House, two members by the SBRRB, and two are appointed by the Governor.
Further, the appointments reflect a representation of a variety of businesses in the state with no more than two members from the same type of business and at least one representative from each county.
The 12th annual Hawaiʻi Small Business Fair was held on Saturday, September 16, 2023, from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM., Leeward Community College. More than 25 classes led by professional experts were offered, from how to start a business, to organizing and strengthening your finances, to expanding your markets beyond Hawaiʻi.
The SBRRB had the opportunity to engage one on one with small business owners and help provide information about the SBRRB and our mission. We are honored to connect with many of Hawaii’s entrepreneurs!
Mary Albitz, chair (Maui) – A member since 2018, Ms. Albitz is the owner of Island Art Party, a paint and sip studio located in Kīhei.
Robert Cundiff, vice chair (O‘ahu) – Mr. Cundiff has been a board member since...
Read more... Small Business Regulatory Review Board elects 2023-2024 officers]]>
Mary Albitz, chair (Maui) – A member since 2018, Ms. Albitz is the owner of Island Art Party, a paint and sip studio located in Kīhei.
Robert Cundiff, vice chair (O‘ahu) – Mr. Cundiff has been a board member since 2015 and served as the SBRRB chair for the last four years. He is a principal of Lokama Group, a business/management consulting service.
Jonathan Shick, second vice-chair (O‘ahu) – Mr. Shick works for Pono Consulting Group LLC and has been an SBRRB member since 2019.
Other board members include Nancy Atmospera-Walch (O‘ahu), Garth Yamanaka (Hawai‘i), James (Kimo) Lee (Hawai‘i), Will Lydgate (Kaua‘i), Stanford Morioka (O‘ahu), and Tessa Gomes (O‘ahu).
“The SBRRB oversees rules and regulations for Hawai‘i small businesses promulgated by state and county agencies. I believe that the SBRRB is very committed to improving the regulatory climate in the state for the benefit of small businesses. We appreciate the board members for giving their time and expertise to this program,” said DBEDT Director James Kunane Tokioka.
“The SBRRB is ‘open for business’ and continues to meet monthly via electronic means,” stated SBRRB Administrator Dori Palcovich. “We encourage those small businesses that may have specific regulatory concerns with Hawai‘i Administrative Rules to join the monthly meetings.”
For more information on SBRRB meetings, please visit sbrrb.hawaii.gov.
About Small Business Regulatory Review Board (SBRRB)
The SBRRB was established on July 1, 1998 with the passage of the Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Act. The responsibilities of the SBRRB include:
1) Commentary on small business impact statements to the rule-drafting agencies.
2) Identification and commentary on business impact of existing administrative rules.
3) Recommendations to the Governor’s Office, state agencies or the legislature, on any proposed new or amended administrative rules or changes in legislation.
4) Recommendations to the mayors or county councils regarding county rules; and
5) Review of small business petitions and complaints on business impact.
The SBRRB is comprised of 10 volunteer members who are current or former owners or officers of businesses from across the state, and the director of DBEDT or the director’s designated representative, who serves as an “ex officio” member. Three members are appointed by the Senate President, three members by the Speaker of the House, two members by the SBRRB, and two appointed by the Governor.
Further, the appointments reflect a representation of a variety of businesses in the state with no more than two members from the same type of business and at least one representative from each county.
]]>Redesign simplifies information gathering and regulation updates
HONOLULU – The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s (DBEDT) Small Business Regulatory Review Board (SBRRB) is pleased to announce enhancements to the SBRRB website that will make it simpler for small business owners and other users to navigate government regulations.
“Small businesses want to succeed, generate income, and grow, but sustainability may be impacted by rules...
Read more... Small Business Regulatory Review Board Website Enhancements]]>
Redesign simplifies information gathering and regulation updates
HONOLULU – The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s (DBEDT) Small Business Regulatory Review Board (SBRRB) is pleased to announce enhancements to the SBRRB website that will make it simpler for small business owners and other users to navigate government regulations.
“Small businesses want to succeed, generate income, and grow, but sustainability may be impacted by rules and regulations,” said Robert Cundiff, SBRRB chair. “If you are a small business and a state or county government rule or regulation is negatively impacting your business, we want to hear about it.”
Enhancements include:
- A redesigned homepage with specific actions for that small business, business intermediaries such as trade groups and associations, and government can take;
- Enhanced filtering for meeting information so users can quickly see which departments are being discussed during each meeting;
- A directory of business and trade organizations;
- A redesigned rulemaking process graphic that more clearly defines all steps of the process;
- A redesigned email newsletter template and updated signup page that allows recipients to select the specific agencies they’d like to receive email updates for;
- An area highlighting SBRRB success stories, member accomplishments, press, and more.
SBRRB is an eleven-member board comprised of small business owners and officers from across the State of Hawai‘i and the Director of DBEDT. Its main activities include reviewing and making recommendations to state and county agencies on any proposed new or amended administrative rules and responding to small business requests for assistance with administrative rules. The Board meets monthly and is administratively attached to DBEDT.
Visit us at https://sbrrb.hawaii.gov
About Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT)
DBEDT is Hawai‘i’s resource center for economic and statistical data, business development opportunities, energy and conservation information, and foreign trade advantages. DBEDT’s mission is to achieve a Hawai‘i economy that embraces innovation and is globally competitive, dynamic and productive, providing opportunities for all Hawai‘i’s citizens. Through its attached agencies, the department fosters planned community development, creates affordable workforce housing units in high-quality living environments, and promotes innovation sector job growth.
And a HUGE congratulations to the SBRRB’s very own Ex Officio, Mark Ritchie, for receiving the 2022 DBEDT Manager of the Year award.
]]>And a HUGE congratulations to the SBRRB’s very own Ex Officio, Mark Ritchie, for receiving the 2022 DBEDT Manager of the Year award.
]]>Read the full story: Hawaii Wedding Industry Rebounds.
]]>Read the full story: Hawaii Wedding Industry Rebounds.
]]>Both Cundiff and Yamanaka have been board members for several years. Cundiff worked as senior vice president of Rengo Packaging, Inc. while Yamanaka works at Yamanaka Enterprises Inc. in Hilo with residential and commercial sales and property management.
See the PBN article...
Read more... Three questions with the new chairs of the Small Business Regulatory Review Board]]>
Both Cundiff and Yamanaka have been board members for several years. Cundiff worked as senior vice president of Rengo Packaging, Inc. while Yamanaka works at Yamanaka Enterprises Inc. in Hilo with residential and commercial sales and property management.
See the PBN article with Cundiff and Yamanaka discussing their upcoming term and the issues facing businesses in Hawaii.
]]>Read more... Small Business Regulatory Review Board elects 2022-2023 officers]]>
- Robert Cundiff, chair (O‘ahu) – Mr. Cundiff has been a board member since 2015 and the SBRRB chair for the past three years. He is a principal of Lokama Group, a business/management consulting service.
- Mary Albitz, vice-chair (Maui) – A member since 2018, Ms. Albitz is the owner of Island Art Party, a paint and sip studio located in Kihei.
- Jonathan Shick, second vice-chair (O‘ahu) – Mr. Shick works for Pono Consulting Group LLC and has been an SBRRB since 2019.
Other board members are Nancy Atmospera-Walch (O‘ahu), Garth Yamanaka (Hawai‘i), James (Kimo) Lee (Hawai‘i), Will Lydgate (Kaua‘i) and Taryn Rodighiero (Kaua‘i), and newly appointed board members Sanford Morioka (O‘ahu), and Tessa Gomes (O‘ahu).
“The SBRRB oversees the more than 105,000 small businesses in Hawai‘i for rules and regulations promulgated by state and county agencies. I believe that the SBRRB is very committed to improving the regulatory climate in the state for the benefit of small businesses. We appreciate the board members for volunteering their time and expertise to this program,” said Mike McCartney, DBEDT director.
“The SBRRB is now at full capacity and remains open for business”, stated SBRRB Administrator, Dori Palcovich. “Stay tuned for some innovative changes to the site in the next few months.”
Stated Chair Cundiff, “We encourage those small businesses that may have specific regulatory concerns with Hawaii Administrative Rules to join the monthly meetings.”
Meetings are held at 250 S. Hotel Street, Conference Room 436, Honolulu, as well as remotely on:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88945374966?pwd=cDhqWEEzZGZHYmJLM05tMHU5Mm5HQT09
For more information on SBRRB visit the website at https://sbrrb.hawaii.gov.
About the SBRRB Board
The SBRRB was established on July 1, 1998 with the passage of the Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Act. The responsibilities of the SBRRB include:
- Commentary on small business impact statements to the rule-drafting agencies.
- Identification and commentary on business impact of existing administrative rules.
- Recommendations to the Governor’s Office, State Agencies or the Legislature for the need for an administrative rule or legislative change.
- Recommendations to the Mayors or County Councils regarding County rules; and
- Review of small business petitions and complaints on business impact.
The SBRRB is comprised of ten (10) volunteer members who are current or former owners or officers of businesses from across the state, and the Director of DBEDT or the Director’s designated representative, who serves as an “ex officio” member. Three members are appointed by Senate President, three members by Speaker of the House, two members by the SBRRB, and two appointed by the Governor.
Further, the appointments reflect a representation of a variety of businesses in the state with no more than two members from the same type of business and at least one representative from each county.
About Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT)
DBEDT is Hawai‘i’s resource center for economic and statistical data, business development opportunities, energy and conservation information, and foreign trade advantages. DBEDT’s mission is to achieve a Hawai‘i economy that embraces innovation and is globally competitive, dynamic and productive, providing opportunities for all Hawai‘i’s citizens. Through its attached agencies, the department fosters planned community development, creates affordable workforce housing units in high-quality living environments, and promotes innovation sector job growth.
]]>Read the full story: Going to work is a ‘party’ for this business owner – Pacific Business News (bizjournals.com).
]]>Read the full story: Going to work is a ‘party’ for this business owner – Pacific Business News (bizjournals.com).
]]>Read more... Small Business Regulatory Review Board elects 2021-2022 officers]]>
- Robert Cundiff, chair (O‘ahu) – Mr. Cundiff has been a board member since 2015 and the SBRRB chair for the past two years. He is a principal of Lokama Group, a business/management consulting service.
- Mary Albitz, vice-chair (Maui) – A member since 2018, Ms. Albitz is the owner of Island Art Party, a paint and sip studio located in Kihei.
- Jonathan Shick, second vice-chair (O‘ahu) – Mr. Shick works for Pono Consulting Group LLC and has been an SBRRB since 2019.
Other board members are Nancy Atmospera-Walch (O‘ahu), Garth Yamanaka (Hawai‘i), James (Kimo) Lee (Hawai‘i), Will Lydgate (Kaua‘i) and Taryn Rodighiero (Kaua‘i).
“The SBRRB oversees the more than 105,000 small businesses in Hawai‘i for rules and regulations promulgated by state and county agencies. I believe that the SBRRB is very committed to improving the regulatory climate in the state for the benefit of small businesses. We appreciate the board members for giving their time and expertise to this program,” said DBEDT Director, Mike McCartney.
“The SBRRB is “open for business” and continues to meet monthly via electronic means,” stated SBRRB Administrator, Dori Palcovich. We encourage those small businesses that may have specific regulatory concerns with Hawai‘i Administrative Rules to join the meetings on https://zoom.us/j/3082191379.
About the Board:
The SBRRB was established on July 1, 1998 with the passage of the Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Act. The responsibilities of the SBRRB include:
- Commentary on small business impact statements to the rule-drafting agencies.
- Identification and commentary on business impact of existing administrative rules.
- Recommendations to the Governor’s Office, State Agencies or the Legislature for the need for an administrative rule or legislative change.
- Recommendations to the Mayors or County Councils regarding County rules; and
- Review of small business petitions and complaints on business impact.
The SBRRB is comprised of ten (10) volunteer members who are current or former owners or officers of businesses from across the state, and the Director of DBEDT or the Director’s designated representative, who serves as an “ex officio” member. Three members are appointed by Senate President, three members by Speaker of the House, two members by the SBRRB, and two appointed by the Governor.
Further, the appointments reflect a representation of a variety of businesses in the state with no more than two members from the same type of business and at least one representative from each county.
]]>