Hawaii Jobs Fueled by Construction
The construction industry is helping to create tens of thousands of Hawaii jobs.
Hawaii’s economy has continued to improve as of late, with the state’s unemployment rate decreasing to 6.6 percent during May and 592,800 workers holding down a job, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Part of the reason those numbers are so positive is the state’s booming construction industry.
At the end of May, Gov. Linda Lingle announced that Hawaii has begun more than $1.8 billion in capital improvement projects throughout the state, which is higher than a previous goal set by the administration.
The Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism estimates that every million dollars invested creates 12.9 direct and indirect jobs. As such, the $1.9 billion in projects has created about 23,884 direct and indirect jobs in the construction and other related industries throughout Hawaii.
“We remain focused on working collaboratively with the construction industry, trade unions and counties to help revitalize our economy and create jobs,” Lingle said. “This comprehensive and aggressive capital improvement plan is a key component of moving our state forward, and investing in the modernization of our public infrastructure, buildings and facilities.”
The state has opened bids for, awarded contracts for or started construction on 827 capital improvement projects totaling $1,851,513,340 during the last 16 months. These figures are higher than the original goal set by the administration’s 2008 plan to accelerate public infrastructure construction in an effort to stimulate the economy and create jobs.
The original plan called for 1,500 capital improvement projects totaling $1.8 billion over an 18-month period. The state has since expanded its plan to include 2,470 projects totaling $4,621,269,610.
Investing in capital improvement projects is a major part of Lingle’s five-point plan to stimulate the economy, which also includes: increasing tourism marketing and outreach; lowering business fees and providing tax relief; attracting private investment especially in renewable energy technology; and maximizing federal dollars and partnerships.