Commonwealth Economic Development Authority credits 2021 law and new marketing packet for surge in investor interest

Derek T. Sasamoto, Executive Director of the Commonwealth Economic Development Authority (CEDA), told members of the House at a legislative forum that a June 2021 law expanding the agency's mandate and a new investment-marketing packet produced "a lot of momentum" and generated multiple investor leads since May 2025.

Sasamoto said CEDA's statutory change transformed the agency from a development bank into the primary lead for economic development and promotion. "The purpose of the Commonwealth Economic Development Authority is to be the primary agency tasked with economic development of the Commonwealth," he said, describing the 2021 law as the legal basis for new marketing and outreach efforts.

The agency continues to offer development finance, including infrastructure loans and small-business lending, but Sasamoto emphasized its…