The Small Business Regulatory Review Board has announced its officers for fiscal year 2025–2026. Jonathan Shick of O‘ahu was re-elected as chair. He represents Pono Consulting Group LLC and has served on the board for five years. Sanford Morioka of O‘ahu, president of Edward Enterprises, Inc., was named vice chair. Mary Albitz of Maui, owner of Island Art Party, was appointed second vice chair, according to the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.
The Small Business Regulatory Review Board includes James (Kimo) Lee and Leelen Park from Hawai‘i Island, Tessa Gomes from O‘ahu, Nikki Ige from Kaua‘i, and Jennifer Salisbury from Maui. The board follows rules that require at least one member from each county and limit the number of members from the same type of business. Leelen Park was recently appointed by Governor Josh Green, M.D. In a statement from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, Director James Kunane Tokioka said, “Mahalo to the SBRRB members for their dedication and commitment to improve Hawaii’s small business landscape.” Small Business Regulatory Review Board Administrator Dori Palcovich said, “I fully believe that the SBRRB is very committed to improving the regulatory climate in the state for the benefit of small businesses.” Monthly meetings are open to the public and are held in person and online.
The Small Business Regulatory Review Board was created in 1998 through the Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Act. Its main purpose is to help improve the rules and regulations that affect small businesses in Hawai‘i. The board reviews small business impact statements, looks at how current rules affect businesses, suggests changes, and reviews complaints and petitions related to business regulations. The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism works on statewide economic growth. It provides economic and statistical data, supports business development, encourages job growth in innovation-related areas, and promotes community development.
