Hawaii’s economy is expected to show 2% growth in 2025, fueled by a booming construction industry and the continued recovery of tourism, according to the Department of Economic Business and Development. Construction, in particular, is expected to be a major driver of economic growth in the coming years, with numerous projects underway and upcoming, including a proposed replacement for Aloha Stadium and the rebuilding of Lahaina.
To meet the high demand in the construction industry, Pacific Resource Partnership is actively recruiting new workers and aiming to retain experienced journeymen. With the industry needing 10% more workers than usual, there are opportunities for teenagers right out of high school to become journeymen and potentially earn $100,000 in their early 20s. Additionally, workers in the construction industry do not have to pay college tuition, take on student debt, and have the earning power to stay in Hawaii and eventually buy a home.
At the same time, DBEDT reports that Hawaii’s overall economy has fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels, but some tourism-related industries are still struggling to reach pre-pandemic levels. Despite this, overall visitor arrivals have recovered to 92.8% compared to the same period in 2019.
As the state’s economy continues to rebound, it is crucial for local companies and crews to prioritize hiring unionized construction workers to ensure fair wages and treatment as outlined in the Project Labor Agreement signed by Governor Josh Green. With the construction industry leading the way, Hawaii’s economy is poised for steady growth in the coming years.
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