Governor Green Designates 25 Census Tracts for Opportunity Zones 2.0 in Hawaii
Governor Josh Green of Hawaii announced the designation of 25 census tracts under the federal Opportunity Zones 2.0 program. These designations include 19 tracts on Oʻahu, four on Hawaiʻi Island, and two on Maui, notably Lahaina’s Front Street census tract. The state successfully appealed to the U.S. Department of the Treasury to secure these designations, as some were not originally eligible. The Opportunity Zones 2.0 program provides federal tax incentives to investors who commit long-term capital to designated low-income communities, with additional benefits for eligible rural areas. According to Governor Green's office, this initiative aims to attract private capital to construct affordable homes for local families and fund energy projects that reduce costs, create local jobs, and advance Hawaii's clean energy objectives. The state also seeks to strengthen and diversify its economy through investments in healthcare, tourism, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, broadband, and film.