We use metropolitan area Consumer Price indexes (CPI) and the US CPI to calculate a CPI-based Regional Price Parity index (CPI-based RPP) for the 29 US cities with CPIs published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This CPI-based RPP can be used (along with the US CPI) to make fair comparisons of economic performance in […] The post Estimating a CPI-based regional price parity index for US cities appeared first on UHERO.| UHERO
This report evaluates the economic costs and benefits associated with biological control efforts targeting three invasive species in Hawai‘i: coffee berry borer (CBB, Hypothenemus hampei), erythrina gall wasp (EGW, Quadrastichus erythrinae), and fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis). Utilizing historical data, expert interviews, and cost-benefit analyses, the study quantifies potential economic impacts and returns on investment (ROI) for […] The post Economic Benefits and Costs of Biologica...| UHERO
By Conrad Newfield, Christopher Wada, and Kimberly Burnett Read the full report. Growing Threats to Hawaiʻi’s Forests and Industries Hawaiʻi’s native ecosystems and agricultural economy are under threat from invasive species. Each year, an average of 20 alien insects and 100 alien plant species arrive in the islands. This long and growing list of invasive […] The post Cost-Effective Invasive Species Management: Biocontrol in Hawaiʻi Delivers High Return on Investment appeared first o...| UHERO
Hawaii’s economic prospects remain poor. US trade policy is impacting key international visitor markets, and tariffs and uncertainty also weigh on the US economy. In Hawaii, visitor numbers are down, job growth has stalled, and housing activity remains weak. Inflation will rise over the next year as tariffs feed through to consumer prices. Construction remains […] The post UHERO Forecast for the State of Hawaiʻi: Deteriorating US outlook weighs on Hawaii prospects appeared first on UHERO.| UHERO
Tourism in Hawai‘i shapes the state’s economy, communities, and environment in ways that affect nearly every resident. While resident and visitor views are regularly measured through long-running Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) surveys, the perspectives of those who operate and invest in the industry are less visible, with the exception of a few regularly cited consultants […] The post Tourism in Hawai‘i: Industry Views and Stakeholder Comparisons appeared first on UHERO.| UHERO
Perspectives of the Hawaii tourism industry from industry leaders, residents, and visitors.| UHERO
By Byron Gangnes A little less than a year ago, I published a post explaining why the US economy was clearly NOT in a recession, despite contrary claims and the pain experienced by some families. Fast forward a year, and things look very different. Now there are signs that we may be flirting with a […] The post Recession watch: US data is softening—Is a downturn imminent? appeared first on UHERO.| UHERO
UHERO’s Colin Moore will be giving an informational briefing to the Senate Committee on Judiciary on September 18 at 10:00am. The presentation will be about the erosion of democratic norms in the United States and its impacts on the State of Hawai‘i. The post UHERO’s Colin Moore to present to the Senate Committee on Judiciary appeared first on UHERO.| UHERO
A data-driven look at the bills in Hawai‘i’s 2025 Legislature examining lobbying and identifying the issues that united or divided stakeholders.| UHERO
Despite the high cost of living, Hawaiʻi consistently ranks among US states with relatively lower levels of income inequality.| UHERO
University of Hawai’i Economic Research Organization (UHERO), Social Science Research Institute (SSRI), College of Social Sciences, University of Hawai’i at Manoa (Honolulu, Hawai’i) invites applicants for the position of Assistant or Associate Professor. This is a 9-month, full- time, permanent, tenure-track faculty appointment to begin as soon as January 1, 2026, subject to position clearance […] The post Work at UHERO: Assistant/Associate Professor (SSRI/UHERO) – Economic Forecas...| UHERO
Two years after the Maui wildfires, recovery remains uneven—many still face housing and income struggles while others regain stability.| UHERO