Hawaiʻi’s Cost Of Living Is High. But There’s Another Huge Problem

Economists at the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization have identified a lack of high-paying jobs as a key factor driving people away from Hawaiʻi. The study highlights that it's not just the high cost of living but also low wages that make it difficult for residents to get by. The report compares Hawaiʻi to economically distressed areas like West Virginia, rather than prosperous cities like San Francisco. Despite efforts to address housing costs, the study suggests that without addressing income stagnation, the affordability gap will continue to widen, leading to more outmigration.