Kauaʻi Economic Outlook published for first time since 2019

A Kauaʻi County Economic Outlook has been published for the first time since 2019.

The Kauaʻi County Office of Economic Development hired the University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization to conduct the study.

UHERO’s forecast project aimed to illuminate key sectors, emerging trends and potential challenges that influence Kaua‘i’s economic outlook.

The project focused on the interpretation and projection of data on the changing 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 finds itself at a critical juncture with the possibility of a U.S. recession looking increasingly likely due to tightening credit and rising interest rates constraining demand.

Kauaʻi is more vulnerable to an impending U.S. downturn than other Hawai‘i counties, according to UHERO’s forecast. But Kauaʻi’s tourism sector will remain resilient as the Garden Isle continues to be a sought-after destination with a strong sense of local attachment.

“We are happy to be able to provide this Kaua‘i-focused forecast to interested community members, businesspeople and our partners to help guide all of us as we continue to move forward out of the shadow of the pandemic and into the future,” said Nalani Brun, director of the Office of Economic Development.

An academic peer review of the Kaua‘i Economic Outlook also has been conducted. To read the forecast report, click here.