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Hawai‘i's Economy Stagnates: Urgent Action Needed for Growth

2/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization (UHERO) reports Hawai‘i's economy has stagnated for more than three decades.
Wages and productivity lag behind the national average, creating an affordability gap.
The report, Beyond the price of paradise: Is Hawai‘i being left behind?, contrasts Hawai‘i with distressed states such as West Virginia.
It argues that lifting income growth and productivity is essential, because focusing only on costs will not curb outmigration.

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Story summary

University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization (UHERO) reports Hawai‘i's economy has stagnated for more than three decades.
Wages and productivity lag behind the national average, creating an affordability gap.
The report, Beyond the price of paradise: Is Hawai‘i being left behind?, contrasts Hawai‘i with distressed states such as West Virginia.
It argues that lifting income growth and productivity is essential, because focusing only on costs will not curb outmigration.