75% of Hawaiʻi’s Workforce May Leave - Depth of Affordability Crisis Revealed
News Release from Holomua Collective, November, 2025
The results of our 2025 Hawaiʻi Affordability Survey are in, and they paint a stark picture of the economic pressures facing local working families.
Conducted across the islands, the survey of over 3,200 local workers from across industries shows the cost-of-living crisis affects families across the economic spectrum — challenging the stability of not just the most vulnerable, but also middle and upper-middle-income families. While the pressures are real, the data also show us where targeted solutions can make a difference — and where hope still lives for Hawaiʻi’s working families.
Explore our interactive survey dashboard to see how different industries and household incomes are experiencing Hawaiʻi’s affordability challenges — and where the greatest opportunities for impact lie.
(Dive into the dashboard →)
UNLESS WE ACT, AN EXODUS IS IMMINENT
A staggering 75% of local workers say they believe they will—or are unsure if they will—relocate in the coming years due to economic pressures. This number, which includes thousands of long-time residents satisfied with their jobs, is up from 70% just a year ago and is a threat to our community stability.
LIVING PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK
61% of respondents earn at least $100,000 per household, yet the struggle to stay afloat is intensifying. Nearly 3 out of 4 survey respondents (73%) say it is either somewhat difficult or very difficult to save money from their paychecks (up from 63% in 2024).
THE TOP PROBLEMS: HOUSING AND WAGES
The survey confirms the top priorities for change: Housing affordability, wage disparity, and overall economic instability are the main factors pushing residents away.
THE SOLUTIONS: HOLOMUA’S PATH FORWARD
Across income levels, job types, and islands, our working families need hope they can stay, and these survey results show us exactly where change is most needed and where solutions can make the greatest difference.
Guided by the voices of Hawai‘i’s working families, Holomua is focused on building the systems that allow people to stay and thrive — right here at home.
In 2025–2026, we’re working to:
Make housing truly local — homes for the people who live and work here.
Strengthen pay and career pathways across industries.
Build a business environment that rewards local innovation and community investment.
Connect Hawai‘i’s talent to new opportunities across the islands.
Together, these changes form the foundation of hope for a sustainable, thriving Hawai‘i economy.
AFFORDABILITY SURVEY ON HAWAII NEWS NOW SPOTLIGHT
To help get the word out, last week I stopped by the Hawaii News Now studio to appear on Spotlight Now.
Watch and share the clip below!
(c) Hawaii News Now, 2025
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL 2025 HAWAIʻI AFFORDABILITY SURVEY: https://holomuacollective.org/survey-25/