Island Living, Island Leaving
Who leaves and who stays in Hawai‘i?
A digital brief of data highlights on perceptions of migrating from Hawai‘i
KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS STRATEGY & TRANSFORMATION GROUP
AUGUST 2019
BYJenna T. CaparosoWendy KekahioBrandon Ledward, Ph.D.Shawn M. Kanaiʻaupuni, Ph.D.
Native Hawaiians have always been natural explorers who voyaged across the seas in search for new lands.
Native Hawaiians have always been natural explorers who voyaged across the seas in search for new lands.
Courage and ingenuity in wayfinding and navigational techniques guided our ancestors to traverse to new and unknown spaces. But no matter how far we traveled or how long we stayed abroad, at the heart of our journeying resided deep connections to our ʻohana (family), ʻāina (land), and moʻokūʻauhau (genealogy)—sources of strength that continue to return us to ka pae ‘āina, Hawaiʻi, our home.
Courage and ingenuity in wayfinding and navigational techniques guided our ancestors to traverse to new and unknown spaces. But no matter how far we traveled or how long we stayed abroad, at the heart of our journeying resided deep connections to our ʻohana (family), ʻāina (land), and moʻokūʻauhau (genealogy)—sources of strength that continue to return us to ka pae ‘āina, Hawaiʻi, our home.
The Hawaiian islands are, and will always be, home.
The Hawaiian islands are, and will always be, home.
Hawai‘i is losing more residents rather than gaining new residents.
Hawai‘i is losing more residents rather than gaining new residents.
And it's not surprising for anyone familiar with island-living.
And it's not surprising for anyone familiar with island-living.
Polls, census data, news articles, blogs, and personal stories all call attention to more residents moving to the U.S. continent because of high cost-of-living. In the past two years alone, Hawai‘i's population has declined despite an increase in birthrates.
Polls, census data, news articles, blogs, and personal stories all call attention to more residents moving to the U.S. continent because of high cost-of-living. In the past two years alone, Hawai‘i's population has declined despite an increase in birthrates.
We must ask ourselves...
We must ask ourselves...
Are our island residents, like our ancestors, leaving the islands to explore or is it no longer an option to live in Hawaiʻi?
Are our island residents, like our ancestors, leaving the islands to explore or is it no longer an option to live in Hawaiʻi?
Movement of people in and out of Hawaiʻi play a key role in managing the delicate balance between our people, our lands, our ecosystems, and our economy.
Movement of people in and out of Hawaiʻi play a key role in managing the delicate balance between our people, our lands, our ecosystems, and our economy.
Hawai‘i’s human footprint has already drastically—and permanently—altered Hawai‘i’s landscape. This is evident in some of the many challenges we, as a state, wrestle with: the impact of millions of visitors coming each year, the repercussions of rapid infrastructure development, the presence of global warming in rising sea levels and hotter weather, increasing numbers of endangered species & dying coral reefs, and a host of growing economic, social, political, and cultural losses.
Hawai‘i’s human footprint has already drastically—and permanently—altered Hawai‘i’s landscape. This is evident in some of the many challenges we, as a state, wrestle with: the impact of millions of visitors coming each year, the repercussions of rapid infrastructure development, the presence of global warming in rising sea levels and hotter weather, increasing numbers of endangered species & dying coral reefs, and a host of growing economic, social, political, and cultural losses.
How we move forward involves understanding some of the reasons for and causes of out-migration.
How we move forward involves understanding some of the reasons for and causes of out-migration.
This digital brief highlights data about moving away from Hawai‘i from a 2018 statewide, randomized survey on well-being by 3,000 residents.
This digital brief highlights data about moving away from Hawai‘i from a 2018 statewide, randomized survey on well-being by 3,000 residents.
Few research studies have empirically explored the reasons behind why locals consider leaving.
Few research studies have empirically explored the reasons behind why locals consider leaving.
WHO IS CONSIDERING MOVING?
WHO IS CONSIDERING MOVING?
of respondents across the state have thought about or are planning to move from Hawai'i.
of respondents across the state have thought about or are planning to move from Hawai'i.
That means nearly two-fifths of all respondents have questioned whether it is time to leave the islands.
That means nearly two-fifths of all respondents have questioned whether it is time to leave the islands.
Specifically, 24% reported having "little" thoughts about moving, 9% reported having "serious thoughts" about moving, and 5% have made plans to move or are in the process moving. 62% reported not having any thoughts about moving.
More Honolulu county residents are likely to move.
More Honolulu county residents are likely to move.
Fewer Hawai'i county residents are likely to move.
Fewer Hawai'i county residents are likely to move.
A multitude of factors may influence these findings. Differences between Honolulu County and other counties exists in terms of population estimates, number of housing units, owner-occupied housing unit rates, number of households, average commute time to work, and the number of employed persons. These factors may contribute to higher rates in Honolulu County.
A multitude of factors may influence these findings. Differences between Honolulu County and other counties exists in terms of population estimates, number of housing units, owner-occupied housing unit rates, number of households, average commute time to work, and the number of employed persons. These factors may contribute to higher rates in Honolulu County.
Figure 1. Thoughts about Moving by County
Response categories have been collapsed into Planning to or Thought About Moving: "Yes, I have thought about it a little," "Yes, I have seriously thought about it," and "Yes, I am moving or planning to move".Figure 1. Thoughts about Moving by County
Most at-risk for leaving are younger people and those holding a high school or college degree.
Most at-risk for leaving are younger people and those holding a high school or college degree.
18-34 years old and high school or higher degree-earners are most likely to consider leaving, reflecting a phenomenon referred to as the brain drain—the departure of highly educated and trained residents for better opportunities elsewhere.
18-34 years old and high school or higher degree-earners are most likely to consider leaving, reflecting a phenomenon referred to as the brain drain—the departure of highly educated and trained residents for better opportunities elsewhere.
The loss of a talented workforce is a loss in the states' economic, political, social, and cultural potential. Consequences include a loss of innovation and thus, a shortage of skilled-workers and future entrepreneurs; loss of tax revenue; and decreased confidence in the economy.
The loss of a talented workforce is a loss in the states' economic, political, social, and cultural potential. Consequences include a loss of innovation and thus, a shortage of skilled-workers and future entrepreneurs; loss of tax revenue; and decreased confidence in the economy.
Figure 2. Thoughts about Moving by Age
Response categories have been collapsed into Planning to or Thought About Moving: "Yes, I have thought about it a little," "Yes, I have seriously thought about it," and "Yes, I am moving or planning to move".Figure 2. Thoughts about Moving by Age
Figure 3. Thoughts about Moving by Educational Background
Response categories have been collapsed into Planning to or Thought About Moving: "Yes, I have thought about it a little," "Yes, I have seriously thought about it," and "Yes, I am moving or planning to move".Figure 3. Thoughts about Moving by Educational Background
WHY ARE PEOPLE MOVING?
WHY ARE PEOPLE MOVING?
Hawai‘i's high cost of living* and lack of housing & employment opportunities are the top reasons people would consider moving out of the Aloha state.
Hawai‘i's high cost of living* and lack of housing & employment opportunities are the top reasons people would consider moving out of the Aloha state.
Figure 4. Top Reasons Why Residents Considering Moving by Age
Figure 4. Top Reasons Why Residents Considering Moving by Age
High cost of living is the main reason why residents, regardless of age, consider leaving. Hawaiʻi's families are struggling: 48 percent of households struggled to afford basic household necessities in 2015 according to ALICE: A Study of Financial Hardship in Hawai'i.
High cost of living is the main reason why residents, regardless of age, consider leaving. Hawaiʻi's families are struggling: 48 percent of households struggled to afford basic household necessities in 2015 according to ALICE: A Study of Financial Hardship in Hawai'i.
Findings reveal differences within their second reason: young adults move away due to insufficient employment opportunities; middle-aged adults move away due to lack of affordable housing; and elderly adults move away due to family reasons (e.g., moving to be closer with family).
Findings reveal differences within their second reason: young adults move away due to insufficient employment opportunities; middle-aged adults move away due to lack of affordable housing; and elderly adults move away due to family reasons (e.g., moving to be closer with family).
Figure 5. Top Reasons Why Residents Consider Moving by Educational Level
Figure 5. Top Reasons Why Residents Consider Moving by Educational Level
For those without a high school or college degree, family reasons is the primary reason to consider moving, followed by a high cost of living. Percentages do not equal 100% because respondents were able to choose more than one reason.
For those without a high school or college degree, family reasons is the primary reason to consider moving, followed by a high cost of living. Percentages do not equal 100% because respondents were able to choose more than one reason.
*Although findings revealed high cost of living as the primary reason people would consider leaving, there did not seem to be a clear relationship between income and having thoughts about or plans to move. This alludes to the complexity in studying mobility decisions and how a variety of conditions, including income, affect whether families want to or are able to move.
WHY ARE NATIVE HAWAIIANS LEAVING HAWAI‘I?
WHY ARE NATIVE HAWAIIANS LEAVING HAWAI‘I?
Native Hawaiians trace our genealogy to a legacy of brilliant navigators who voyage across vast ocean expanses using nature to guide the way.
Native Hawaiians trace our genealogy to a legacy of brilliant navigators who voyage across vast ocean expanses using nature to guide the way.
On the other hand, possibilities of "loss" also may have triggered migration in historic times. Early Native Hawaiian migration during the Hawaiian kingdom days began as an intentional strategy of leading a sovereign nation. As foreigners entered the islands, they sought control over land, property, and governance, ultimately seizing Native Hawaiians' cultural, native, and land rights. Hawaiian aliʻi acted proactively to travel far and wide to learn new processes and establish diplomatic ties with other nations.
On the other hand, possibilities of "loss" also may have triggered migration in historic times. Early Native Hawaiian migration during the Hawaiian kingdom days began as an intentional strategy of leading a sovereign nation. As foreigners entered the islands, they sought control over land, property, and governance, ultimately seizing Native Hawaiians' cultural, native, and land rights. Hawaiian aliʻi acted proactively to travel far and wide to learn new processes and establish diplomatic ties with other nations.
Taken altogether, Native Hawaiian migration is best understood within the context of historical and political events, cultural trauma, and a powerful lineage of exploration, curiosity, and native intelligence.
Taken altogether, Native Hawaiian migration is best understood within the context of historical and political events, cultural trauma, and a powerful lineage of exploration, curiosity, and native intelligence.
From a cultural perspective, the deep spiritual and emotional connection guiding this legacy of aloha ‘āina, or love for the land, remains paramount in linking Native Hawaiians to ka pae ʻāina Hawaiʻi in contemporary times.
From a cultural perspective, the deep spiritual and emotional connection guiding this legacy of aloha ‘āina, or love for the land, remains paramount in linking Native Hawaiians to ka pae ʻāina Hawaiʻi in contemporary times.
This context is critical when examining causes for modern day out-migration, as well as the impact on Native Hawaiians and their families who may choose or be pressured to make difficult decisions about leaving.
This context is critical when examining causes for modern day out-migration, as well as the impact on Native Hawaiians and their families who may choose or be pressured to make difficult decisions about leaving.
Almost 40% of Native Hawaiians have thought about or are planning to move from Hawai'i.
Almost 40% of Native Hawaiians have thought about or are planning to move from Hawai'i.
This reflects a similar pattern to statewide perspectives and makes sense given the reality that nearly half of Native Hawaiians no longer reside in Hawai‘i and now live in the U.S. continent or Alaska. Many Native Hawaiians live in the west-coast states, particularly in California and Washington, making it imperative to find innovative ways to retain strong connections to culture and community no matter where Native Hawaiians live.
This reflects a similar pattern to statewide perspectives and makes sense given the reality that nearly half of Native Hawaiians no longer reside in Hawai‘i and now live in the U.S. continent or Alaska. Many Native Hawaiians live in the west-coast states, particularly in California and Washington, making it imperative to find innovative ways to retain strong connections to culture and community no matter where Native Hawaiians live.
Figure 6. Native Hawaiians' Thoughts about Moving
Figure 6. Native Hawaiians' Thoughts about Moving
More Native Hawaiians in Honolulu County are likely to move.
More Native Hawaiians in Honolulu County are likely to move.
Reflecting a similar pattern as state data, this finding by may be influenced by Honolulu County having a larger population density and being more urbanized, therefore having less affordable housing units, higher commute times, etc.
Reflecting a similar pattern as state data, this finding by may be influenced by Honolulu County having a larger population density and being more urbanized, therefore having less affordable housing units, higher commute times, etc.
Native Hawaiians living in Maui County—which includes Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Kahoʻolawe—are least likely to move. These islands also have higher concentrations of Native Hawaiians living on these islands, relative the larger population. Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Kahoʻolawe are unique, too, in that total population counts are smaller than other islands, reflecting smaller communities. Lānaʻi, for example, has one school and one hospital servicing the entire island. How does community size (or closeness) impact decisions to stay?
Native Hawaiians living in Maui County—which includes Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Kahoʻolawe—are least likely to move. These islands also have higher concentrations of Native Hawaiians living on these islands, relative the larger population. Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Kahoʻolawe are unique, too, in that total population counts are smaller than other islands, reflecting smaller communities. Lānaʻi, for example, has one school and one hospital servicing the entire island. How does community size (or closeness) impact decisions to stay?
Figure 7. Native Hawaiians' Thoughts about Moving by County
Response categories have been collapsed into Planning to or Thought About Moving: "Yes, I have thought about it a little," "Yes, I have seriously thought about it," and "Yes, I am moving or planning to move".Figure 7. Native Hawaiians' Thoughts about Moving by County
of Native Hawaiians say high cost of living is a primary reason to consider moving.
of Native Hawaiians say high cost of living is a primary reason to consider moving.
This finding resonates with local residents across the state.
This finding resonates with local residents across the state.
Current research suggests Native Hawaiians experience challenges with homelessness and employment, which also top the list as reasons for moving. A recent report on housing needs revealed Native Hawaiians tend to work in lower-wage positions and are more likely to be unemployed, than others in the state. These households often include extended family, earners working multiple jobs, and travel farther to work because of the lack of affordable housing.
Current research suggests Native Hawaiians experience challenges with homelessness and employment, which also top the list as reasons for moving. A recent report on housing needs revealed Native Hawaiians tend to work in lower-wage positions and are more likely to be unemployed, than others in the state. These households often include extended family, earners working multiple jobs, and travel farther to work because of the lack of affordable housing.
How do these factors influence quality of life and opportunities for betterment?
How do these factors influence quality of life and opportunities for betterment?
Figure 8. Native Hawaiians' Reasons for Moving
Figure 8. Native Hawaiians' Reasons for Moving
Across counties, high cost of living is the biggest factor pushing or pulling Native Hawaiians away.
Across counties, high cost of living is the biggest factor pushing or pulling Native Hawaiians away.
However, some variation between counties exist. For example, there is a thirty-eight percentage point difference between the percentage of Honolulu county residents (73%) who reported "high cost of living" as a reason for moving, compared to Hawaiʻi county residents (35%) reporting this reason.
However, some variation between counties exist. For example, there is a thirty-eight percentage point difference between the percentage of Honolulu county residents (73%) who reported "high cost of living" as a reason for moving, compared to Hawaiʻi county residents (35%) reporting this reason.
This difference suggests region-specific conditions across counties also impact the decisions of island residents. Data from our future studies will follow up and explore these differences to better understand the factors influencing living and leaving choices.
This difference suggests region-specific conditions across counties also impact the decisions of island residents. Data from our future studies will follow up and explore these differences to better understand the factors influencing living and leaving choices.
Figure 9. Native Hawaiians' Top Reasons for Moving by County
Figure 9. Native Hawaiians' Top Reasons for Moving by County
THE BOTTOM LINE
THE BOTTOM LINE
More people are leaving Hawai‘i, especially those living in the City & County of Honolulu, younger residents, and degree-earners.
More people are leaving Hawai‘i, especially those living in the City & County of Honolulu, younger residents, and degree-earners.
Primary reasons for why most people leave are largely related to economics: it is too expensive, there is a shortage of affordable housing, and there is a non-diversified and non-competitive knowledge-based economy.
Primary reasons for why most people leave are largely related to economics: it is too expensive, there is a shortage of affordable housing, and there is a non-diversified and non-competitive knowledge-based economy.
But it also goes beyond economics: to be closer to family, to experience life in a different place, etc. Thus, strategies that promote healthy living conditions must be responsive and relevant to each community.
But it also goes beyond economics: to be closer to family, to experience life in a different place, etc. Thus, strategies that promote healthy living conditions must be responsive and relevant to each community.
A host of education, economic, political, cultural, health, and social factors appear to influence people's decisions to leave.
A host of education, economic, political, cultural, health, and social factors appear to influence people's decisions to leave.
These findings highlight the complexity of improving prospects for Hawaiʻi’s people by reversing brain drain and seeking solutions that encourage kama'aina (local residents) to want—or be able—to survive and thrive in the Aloha state.
These findings highlight the complexity of improving prospects for Hawaiʻi’s people by reversing brain drain and seeking solutions that encourage kama'aina (local residents) to want—or be able—to survive and thrive in the Aloha state.
Moreover, no one sector can solve the crisis created by increasing and extreme wealth divides in the state.
Moreover, no one sector can solve the crisis created by increasing and extreme wealth divides in the state.
Change demands collaborative efforts from multiple sectors to confront and take action to make Hawai‘i a more viable land and home base.
Change demands collaborative efforts from multiple sectors to confront and take action to make Hawai‘i a more viable land and home base.
More research and data are needed to better understand people's perceptions of living in Hawai‘i and their decision-making processes for staying, leaving, or returning.
More research and data are needed to better understand people's perceptions of living in Hawai‘i and their decision-making processes for staying, leaving, or returning.
This includes studying the wide array of factors that push or pull them away (and the interactions between and among the factors), as well as the cultural values & beliefs that influence choices; it is also important to understand differences across and within sub-populations. Lastly, we must continue to track the greater impact of out-migration on not only the economy, but on our people and future generations.
This includes studying the wide array of factors that push or pull them away (and the interactions between and among the factors), as well as the cultural values & beliefs that influence choices; it is also important to understand differences across and within sub-populations. Lastly, we must continue to track the greater impact of out-migration on not only the economy, but on our people and future generations.
Kamehameha Schools has embarked on a first-ever, large-scale, in-depth, mixed-methods study exploring Native Hawaiian migration patterns and the reasons why Native Hawaiians, and others, stay, move, or return to Hawai‘i. Findings will be available in Fall 2019. For more information, contact Wendy Kekahio at wekekahi@ksbe.edu.
Kamehameha Schools has embarked on a first-ever, large-scale, in-depth, mixed-methods study exploring Native Hawaiian migration patterns and the reasons why Native Hawaiians, and others, stay, move, or return to Hawai‘i. Findings will be available in Fall 2019. For more information, contact Wendy Kekahio at wekekahi@ksbe.edu.
Survey and Figure Notes
Data contained in this brief come from the 2018 Hawai'i Index of Well-Being conducted by SMS Research. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Liliu'okalani Trust, and Kamehameha Schools participated in a collaborative effort to contribute questions to better understand Native Hawaiian well-being. Out-migration was one area that was explored.
The 2018 Hawai'i Index of Well-Being was a statewide survey of over 3,000 Hawai'i residents. A mixed method approach of cell phone, landline telephone and web-based panel was used to collect the data. Stratified randomized sampling, by counties, was used with an over sampling conducted for Native Hawaiians. Statewide results have a margin of error of +/- 1.8 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level. The margin of error for subgroups varies and is higher (caution should be exercised regarding data disaggregated by education level due to sample sizes). Kaua'i County results did not have an admissible margin of error level and are not included in this brief.
Further analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between the question on having thoughts about or plans to move and demographic variables (i.e., county, age, ethnicity, education). For each figure, analysis also revealed statistically significant differences between response categories. This might be attributed to the large N and should taken into consideration when interpreting. The question on primary reasons for moving was not analyzed for statistical associations and differences.
References
Corey, K., Biess, J., Pindus, N., and Sitko, D. (2017) Housing needs of Native Hawaiians: A report from the assessment of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian housing needs. Retrieved from https://www.huduser.gov/portal/publications/housing-needs-native-hawaiians.html.
Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism. (2019). Hawaii population characteristics 2018. Retrieved from http://files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/census/popestimate/2018_county_char_hi_file/Pop_char_hi_2018_final.pdf .
Malo, D. (1903). Hawaiian antiquities: (Moʻolelo Hawaiʻi) (Vol. 2). Hawaiian Gazette Co., Ltd..
United Way. (2017). ALICE: A Study of Financial Hardship in Hawaiʻi. Retrieved from https://ihshawaii.org/documents/United-Way-ALICE-Report-Hawaii-2017.pdf .
U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (2018). Annual estimates of the resident population: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2018. Retrieved from https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?src=CF.
U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (2018). Estimates of the components of resident population change: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2018. Retrieved from https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=PEP_2018_PEPTCOMP&prodType=table.
Photo Credit
Hōkūleʻa Image ® Polynesian Voyaging Society. Photo © ʻŌiwi TV. Photographer: Nāʻalehu Anthony.
Recommended Citation
Caparoso, J. T., Kekahio, W., Ledward, B., & Kanaiʻaupuni, S. (2019). Island Living, Island Leaving: Who leaves and who stays in Hawaiʻi. Honolulu: Kamehameha Schools, Strategy & Transformation.