No credit card binge, but burdens are rising
By Byron Gangnes Credit card balances broke the $1 trillion mark recently, but their share of disposable income remains moderate by historical standards. And as
September 28, 2023
Economy
UHERO Forecast for the State of Hawaiʻi: Wildfires deliver heavy blow to Maui economy
The tragic Maui wildfires have inflicted deep pain and loss on the affected communities, and sorrow among all of Hawaii’s residents. There are also economic
September 22, 2023
Economic Perspective of Maui’s Devastating Wildfires
By James Mak, Paul Brewbaker, and Frank Haas Lahaina is a very special place with so much deep, rich history. Over time, it’s evolved. It’s
September 8, 2023
Jobless claims reveal staggering employment cost of Maui wildfires
By Byron Gangnes Jobless claims for the week ending September 2 have been released. At the national level, new claims ticked down for the fourth
September 7, 2023
After the Maui wildfires: The road ahead.
By Steven Bond-Smith, Daniela Bond-Smith, Carl Bonham, Leah Bremer, Kim Burnett, Makena Coffman, Peter Fuleky, Byron Gangnes, Rachel Inafuku, Ruben Juarez, Sumner La Croix, Colin
August 31, 2023
Are stock investors crazy?
By Byron Gangnes Stock prices are at a very high level, and yet investors have not pulled back. What gives? How should we think about
July 21, 2023
How high are interest rates really?
By Byron Gangnes The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates sharply over the past fifteen months, and Fed officials have signaled that perhaps two more
July 13, 2023
Diversifying Hawai‘i’s Specialized Economy: A Spatial Economic Perspective
Abstract: Specialization in tourism exposes the economy of Hawai‘i to external shocks that trigger collapses in tourist numbers. Furthermore, Hawai‘i’s economic growth has diminished for
July 7, 2023
Hawaii’s long-term economic recovery after COVID-19
By Steven Bond-Smith The following is adapted from a speech I recently gave at the Western Regional Science Association meetings on the Big Island. My
July 6, 2023