If you’ve been following the steady trend of more people moving out of Hawai`i than into Hawai`i annually (seven years straight now), you’ve probably heard some who suggest “…good, we could use fewer people here”. Really? Let’s look what this now-annual net emigration trend portends for Hawai`i. Keep in mind, this resident departure syndrome involves tax payers moving, not fewer tourists (as some dream about regularly).
Many who leave are retired (or retiring) and most have discretionary funds available, so when they leave, that’s a negative for our economy. When still-active workers leave, not only might that break up family units (eliciting emotional repercussions), but it also suggests a brain and brawn drain, a reduction in our day-in, day-out workforce. Who will handle vacated, vital jobs? We’re already short of teachers, doctors, nurses, retail clerks, hospitality industry workers, law enforcement personnel, etc.
If we continue to see net population losses, those who opt (or are forced to) ply their trade on the continent will take resources, kids, and wisdom with them. Our pool of future leaders, innovators, and even cultural ambassadors will dwindle, and it’s hard to put a positive spin on that likelihood.
Most of us enjoyed quieter beaches, shopping experience and less traffic during the dog years of COVID-19, but it’s not realistic to expect that solitude going forward without gaping economic pitfalls; and besides, some of that quiet was due to lack of visitors.
As we increase the affordability and availability of housing, we also need to assess what jobs/industries will keep people engaged locally at wages allowing them to be happily housed while not restricting them financially as prisoners of their living units without great hope of saving for their inevitable golden years here.
Beyond housing, when people talk about reducing the cost of living here, which retailer or manufacturers locally would you suggest cut prices? Everybody? Island living ensures limited options for products and services; you simply can’t drive a couple of hours to the next state to get what you need cheaper. Competition (and thus options) are limited and local costs are much higher in just about every area of business.
Based on the reality of local lifestyles, circa 2023, suggesting that simply having fewer people living here would be a good idea is a bit naïve, plus economically (and socially) a formula for future woes we don’t want or can’t handle.
Think about it…