The University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization (UHERO) is proud to announce the publication of a Kaua‘i County-focused Economic Outlook, providing crucial insights into the economic landscape of the region for the first time since 2019.
Commissioned by the County of Kaua‘i’s Office of Economic Development (OED), UHERO’s comprehensive study aimed to illuminate key sectors, emerging trends, and potential challenges influencing Kaua‘i’s economic outlook. Our project focused on analyzing and projecting data related to the evolving economic and business environment in Kaua‘i and the state of Hawai‘i.
Following a modest recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, Kaua‘i now stands at a critical juncture as the possibility of a U.S. recession looms due to tightening credit and rising interest rates constraining demand. However, despite being relatively more vulnerable to an impending U.S. downturn compared to other Hawai‘i counties, our forecast indicates that Kaua‘i’s tourism sector will remain resilient. The allure of Kaua‘i as a sought-after destination, coupled with a strong sense of local attachment, will continue to drive its tourism industry forward.
“We are pleased to present this Kaua‘i-focused economic forecast to community members, business leaders, and our partners, empowering them to navigate the path ahead as we emerge from the shadow of the pandemic,” said UHERO economist Steven Bond-Smith. “We express our gratitude to Director Nalani Brun of the Office of Economic Development, Professor of Economics Dr. Carl Bonham, and the entire UHERO team for their invaluable collaboration and guidance throughout this project.”
Furthermore, the Kaua‘i Economic Outlook underwent rigorous academic peer review, ensuring its robustness and accuracy. We are delighted to make the forecast project available online at kauaiforward.com, providing easy access for all interested parties to explore and leverage its insights.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact UHERO at uhero@hawaii.edu.
About UHERO: The University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization (UHERO) is a renowned economic research institute dedicated to analyzing and forecasting economic trends in Hawai‘i. With a multidisciplinary team of experts, UHERO conducts cutting-edge research, informs policy decisions, and empowers communities with knowledge to foster a resilient and sustainable economy.
