How many of your family members and friends have left Hawaii for the Mainland in search of job opportunities/careers, affordable housing and better climates to launch businesses?

The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii last week pointed out that Hawaii has the third-fastest population decline per capita in the nation.

During the last four years, Hawaii’s population has dropped by more than 22,000 people, equaling the third-fastest population decline per capita in the U.S.

Why?

Institute President Keli’i Akina noted, “It’s the same story being told over and over again.

“A recent poll showed that the biggest reason people leave is the high cost of living. The second reason, which is somewhat related to it, is better career opportunities and the ability to make it on the Mainland.”

Grassroot Institute of Hawaii (grassrootinstitute.org) has been studying this important issue through its “Why we left Hawaii” series.

“For some time now, our neighbors, family and friends have been moving away to states such as Idaho, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and Texas, which have lower taxes and fewer regulations, and offer residents more freedoms and opportunities,” Akina explained.

“As we’ve documented… there’s no mystery about why they feel compelled to go: it’s a matter of the state’s high cost of living and better job opportunities in other states.”

If the Maui County Council is serious about advancing sustainability and economic diversification and resilience, this is a topic they need to discuss.

Akina pointed out that the exodus of Hawaii residents results in lower tax revenues and the loss of vital workers and professionals.

“The people of Hawaii are our greatest resource,” Akina said, “and we must work to make the state a more competitive place to live through policies that will reduce the cost of living and improve the economy.”