You might have seen the recent report about the 2020 Census which showed that just 47% of the total population of Native Hawaiians or part-Hawaiians now live in Hawai`i, down from 55% who lived here in 2010. With the redundant talk (and we do a lot of talk) about the cost of living locally, the lack of affordable housing and the lack of higher-wage job opportunities necessary to provide a reasonable living and realistic opportunities for an affordable retirement here, we’ve seen worrisome net out-migration statistics become the norm every year over the past six years (and surely in 2023, too).
We also know that this affordability problem affects not only Native Hawaiians and part-Hawaiians. Plenty people are picking up and leaving. Some are retirees opting to move closer to family and/or to ensure that they have the financial wherewithal to see out their golden years without undue angst. But the loss of those departing these shores during their vibrant, working years- these potential leaders, the possible soul of our very community and what defines it- that is a redundant problem that we cannot afford to just keep talking about.
More Native or part-Hawaiian people now live in Clark County, Nevada (Las Vegas’ home) than the total number of people who currently reside in Mililani Mauka, Makakilo, Wailuku, Wahiawa, Ewa Beach or Waianae. The very fabric of our community spirit is ingrained in the people, so if that mix changes (due to emigration and immigration), what then happens to Hawai`i as we know it, or knew it?
One of the reasons people move to Hawai`i is because of what these islands represent, in large part due to the cultures established here. Of course, many of those moving here can also afford to live here, which is reflected by the changing nature of our population bouillabaisse. We can sit in judgment of what this means for Hawai`i, but if we care, what we can’t do is simply talk about it.
While conversations about expanding the economy and providing affordable housing come up repeatedly, we’ve seen a dozen new high-rise, living quarters constructed in Kaka`ako, but how come we only have two Century Park Tower-like buildings in Pearl City? Oh, zoning rules were changed. As land is so expensive, we might just build upwards, not out. Re-zone some fallow ag land into urban land. Meanwhile, we slowly lose our people and identity here.
Think about it…