Policymakers and media outlets often point to Hawaiʻi’s high cost of living when discussing why people flee the state for greener economic pastures. But a study by economists at the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization argues there’s another, equally important factor: a lack of high-paying jobs.

The doctor shortage in Hawaii has not only persisted, but worsened, according to the most recent report tracking the numbers.

College enrollment in the U.S. continued to rise last fall, surpassing prepandemic levels, new figures out on Thursday show.

The results of a new survey show that almost half of middle-income workers are unsure if they will have to leave Hawaiʻi to go to a less expensive state.

While higher education is always valuable, and often the pathway to a prosperous, fulfilling life, that path can be long, winding and expensive. Quicker, more direct routes are launching many of Hawai‘i’s young adults into rewarding careers, and with fewer financial risks – a big advantage in uncertain times.

Reposted from West Hawaiʻi Today: Hawaii’s labor force continues to shrink, leading to fears of an even bigger workforce crisis ahead as the population ages, retires and dies and younger employees continue to leave for more affordable states.

From civilbeat.org:

The number of students enrolled in CTE pathways has exploded in Hawaiʻi in recent years, amid debates about how to help students secure high-paying jobs after graduation and combat the state’s high cost of living. Nearly two-thirds of the class of 2023 participated in a high school CTE program. 

But the programs aren’t serving boys and girls equally across the state. 

From the report:

Of the 170,000 youth entering Hawaiʻi’s workforce over the next decade, nearly 30% will face a lack of viable opportunities to build a sustainable future here. The consequences of inaction are clear: continued loss of local talent, stagnant economic growth, and an inability to meet the evolving needs of Hawaiʻi’s communities.

From civilbeat.org:

The federal poverty level for a family of four in Hawaiʻi is just under $36,000. What Aloha United Way’s ALICE Initiative refers to as the household survival budget — enough to cover basic necessities such as housing, child care, food, transportation, health care, taxes and smartphones — is more than that for a single adult and $107,795 for a family of four. 

From civilbeat.org:

Only 1 in 5 households in Hawaii can afford to buy a single-family home — a dramatic drop from just three years ago, according to a grim housing report released by the University of Hawaii on Monday.

From civilbeat.org:

Hawaii state economists foresee a time a decade from now when the state’s demographic trends will turn an ominous corner, and there will be more people dying than being born.

But a retired university demographer living in Hilo has found that the future is now, at least for Hawaii Island.

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