HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaii consistently ranks near the bottom of just about every list documenting how easy it is to do business in the state.
Recently, CNBC ranked the Aloha state last and those difficult realities aren’t likely changing anytime soon.
But, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii is hoping to slowly help the state’s economy create a different, brighter future.
“It’s about thinking differently, how do we integrate technology and how do we invest more in education and workforce development?” said Sherry Menor-McNamara President and CEO of Chamber of Commerce Hawaii.
Menor-McNamara is excited to imagine a new economic reality for Hawaii in a new campaign the chamber recently launched called 2030 Blueprint for Hawaii.
“The way plan came about was quantitative and qualitative, meaning we went through all the research, the data, everything else to determine what are the barriers of improving the business climate here in Hawaii and then on the qualitative side, did town halls, focus groups, interviews, surveys and put that information together to come up with this economic action plan that identifies 17 steps to make sure that we can move Hawaii’s economy?” added Menor-McNamara.
The 2030 Blueprint calls on state lawmakers to reduce the state tax burden and promoted reform to regulations across many different sectors. It also aims to improve business friendliness, and expand the housing supply.
“Workforce development is also a priority, with initiatives aimed at reducing the outmigration of young residents, expanding STEM education, and increasing apprenticeship opportunities in critical fields like technology and healthcare,” said Menor-McNamara.
The idea of diversifying the state’s economy is certainly not a new one but there is support and optimism from Hawaii’s business community.
“There is a comprehensive plan and there is an initiative and really good data backed ideas behind this plan and it really will require an alignment of our policyholders,” said Monica Toguchi Ryan, owner of Hawaii Inn restaurant.
Ryan says she is hopeful that stakeholders can finally come together from the business community, government, agriculture, education and others to finally make real change that will benefit not only business owners but everyone in the state.
“We have something very concrete in a way that’s comprehensive and helps to start to connect the dots of how everything else to create a vibrant and thriving economy for everyone,” added Ryan.
There is a wealth of information on 2030 Blueprint for Hawaii with digestible pieces of information that is useful for understanding the plan.
Learn more by clicking here.
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