This is good news for Hawaii small business owners looking for practical help adopting AI without the cost or confusion.

• The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii is running hands-on AI workshops for small businesses, keeping groups small (about 20 at a time) so training stays practical.
• The goal is to help businesses cut repetitive tasks and boost productivity, using AI tools suited to each business rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
• Business owner reactions are mixed: some feel overwhelmed by the number of AI tools out there, while others are eager to adopt them.
• On job-loss worries, the Chamber's message is that AI should make employees more productive, not replace them, by freeing up staff for work that needs personal connection and experience.
• A bigger event is planned for December 8, featuring a Scale AI public affairs executive, paired with a holiday celebration.

Outlook: Expect more workshops through the rest of the year and into next year as funding from the U.S. Chamber Foundation continues to support the program.