Hawaii rebounding from recession despite storm, lava

Despite Tropical Storm Iselle and the threat of the June 27 lava flow, Hawaii Island is expected to continue its recovery from the Great Recession in the coming year, according to economist Dr. Jack Suyderhoud.

Source: westhawaiitoday.com

Economist Dr. Jack Suyderhoud, speaking before the 40th annual First Hawaiian Bank Hawaii Business Outlook Forum in Hilo, based his upbeat economic forecast on several June 2014 interviews with representatives of various industries on Hawaii Island.  Despite the possible impact of lava flows on lower Puna, Dr. Suyderhoud said people around Pahoa Town will make difficult, but necessary adjustments, including longer commutes via the Chain of Craters Road and the relocation of businesses to safer areas. He also noted that because Puna is the state’s lowest income district, “residents there will be harder hit by the economic impacts of the lava.” A number of East Hawaii projects will “bolster the economy”–among them the new interisland cargo facility at Hilo’s Pier 4 and the “widening demolition of parts of Pier 1 and widening of Kumau Street.”  Keaau and Puna will also see significant activity in the months ahead, including the widening of Highway 130 and HMSA‘s new facility at the Keaau Town Center.  Aloha, Russ.

See on Scoop.it – PRG HAWAII NEWS WITH RUSS ROBERTS