Hawai'i residents, both natives and long-time residents, are making their voices heard through impressive data. A new partnership between the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and the Governor’s Office has led to the release of the 2024 Hawai‘i Quality of Life and Well-Being Dashboard. This dashboard, based on a survey of over 8,000 residents, offers a detailed look into their experiences and is the largest health-focused survey in Hawai‘i so far. The survey draws from the CDC’s Worker Well-Being Questionnaire and is available for review at health-study.com.
The dashboard reveals that 40% of Hawai'i residents are considering leaving for more affordable living, a number that jumps to 47% among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. These same groups are also facing health disparities, experiencing higher stress levels and more unhealthy days compared to White and Asian residents. Additionally, 19% of Hawai'i residents are burdened by medical debt over $500.
The survey also highlights the strong community resilience and the Aloha spirit that define Hawai'i. About 67% of residents feel their neighborhood is safe, and a similar number believe their neighbors are ready to help. Hawai'i’s workplace culture is a bright spot, with 83% of employees feeling respected by their employers and 78% feeling their work is truly valued.
Employees are increasingly seeking jobs that offer flexible schedules, telework options, and paid family leave. Meanwhile, those staying with their current employers are still focused on traditional benefits like health insurance and retirement plans. This data provides valuable insights into the evolving mindset of Hawai'i's workforce and serves as an important note for businesses aiming to retain talent in today’s changing landscape.
