Co pyr ight © Free Ve ctor Maps.com

More than half of study participants (60 percent) describe economic conditions here and afar as a major factor in their decision of where to live. Hawai‘i’s limited and difficult job market was specifically discussed, with participants saying there are “very little job opportunities in Hawai‘i” or “the job market

Economic conditions also do not impact everyone equally. More Native Hawaiian respondents (64 percent) take into account economic conditions when deciding where to live than nonHawaiians (52 percent), possibly due to more Native Hawaiians facing financial hardships. Native Hawaiians discuss their low wages, feelings of being overworked and underpaid, and perceptions of having a better chance of financial security in places outside of Hawai‘i. Non-Hawaiians generally spoke of perceived better pay elsewhere or promotions that offer higher salaries. This suggests that Native Hawaiians may view leaving Hawai‘i as a means of survival while migration among non-Hawaiians may be more connected to financial advancement.

Strategy consultant and study manager Ciera Pagud says many participant stories reflect her own experience: “It was easy to relate to what participants shared because I’ve asked myself the same question so many times. Will my family and I continue to be able to afford living here and what are we giving up by staying? We need to take into consideration all the factors that go into these decisions to create a Hawai‘i that meets the needs of Native Hawaiians and others who call this place home.”

This study captures perspectives prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, which altered the lives of Hawai‘i residents and reshaped the social and economic conditions in which we live. Overall study findings highlight many conditions vastly affected by the pandemic: the availability of jobs, high cost of living, digital and in-person educational and workforce opportunities, and the strength of social, cultural and family ties. Through understanding these critical aspects of our lives a better normal can be created in which Native Hawaiians, and everyone in Hawai‘i, have opportunities to thrive wherever they choose.

Difficultiy advancing in Hawai‘i’s workforce

For more information on this study and to access full reports, please visit: www. ksbe.edu/research/hawaii_in_ motion/ or scan the QR code with your mobile device.