The Real Cost of Surviving in Hawaiʻi

Hawaiʻi's labor force continues to shrink, raising fears of a deeper workforce crisis as the population ages and younger workers leave for more affordable states.

Higher education is often the pathway to a fulfilling career, but that path can be long and expensive. Quicker, more direct routes are launching many young adults into rewarding careers with fewer financial risks.

Policymakers and media outlets often point to Hawaiʻi's high cost of living when discussing why people leave the state. But a new study argues there's another, equally important factor: a lack of high-paying jobs.

Enrollment in career and technical education pathways has surged in Hawaiʻi, but the programs aren't serving boys and girls equally across the state.