A 1971 Led Zeppelin song title has some relevance here today, as “Going To California” befits the migration pattern of late in Hawai`i. California was the #1 state for local re-locators in 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
58.078 people left Hawai’i, while 58,509 moved here in 2023. People moving here are not simply replacing those leaving. People are moving out due to the high cost of living, housing crunch, job and wage issues, and for personal/family reasons. Hard to imagine too many moving here because of a perceived “better” cost of living, pay scale, jobs, and housing opportunities. We’re probably seeing more retirees, second-home buyers, and remote workers arriving. And lest you think that 2023’s outrush was a fluke, 67,257 left Hawai`i in 2022; 56,209 moved in. The net effect was statistically manini perhaps, but the change in the make-up of our citizenry? Seismic.
Hawai`i is being not-so-subtly reshaped and must address its needs and goals in the near future- not 20 years from now. 2023 represented the eighth year in a row of net out-migration. That affects our workforce, tax base, medical needs, cultural base, plus many other societal factors.
In 2023, 8,094 Hawai`i residents said, “no mas” and moved to Cali; yup, they were “going to California”. Washington (6,548), Texas (5,273) and Nevada (4,441) were other top states for departing residents. Odds are, many (most?) won’t be coming back soon… if ever.
The stress of local costs causes many to seek or plan for greener pastures; green… as in opportunity and perhaps peace of mind (and retirement options). California is not a cheap state in which to live, but it apparently offers an attractive alternative for the gotta go guys. I guess a radically changing population base here will change the dynamics associated with that age-old, stereotyping “where’d you go high school?” question. “Not here”…
It’s encouraging to see an increase in (affordable) housing efforts and more than just redundant talk about tweaking short term housing rules. We need an infusion of micro-economic drivers and competitive job creation for thousands. These efforts require political will, incentives, givebacks, creativity, partnerships, and action. As the last few years have shown, there’s a sizeable population turnover taking place here that requires more focus, including serious talk about the cultural impact. As Led Zeppelin might’ve said, Hawai`i simply isn’t providing its forlorn departees a “Whole Lotta Love” nowadays.
Think about it…