Highlighted News Stories for June 2023.

Maui’s Visitor Count Falls Short, but Visitor Spending Rises in April as Hawaii Reports Strong Recovery.

In April, Maui experienced a decrease in visitor arrivals compared to pre-pandemic levels, but visitor spending increased. Statewide, Hawaii reported its highest recovery rate in visitor arrivals since the beginning of the pandemic. Maui received 243,245 tourists, 4.4 percent lower than the previous year and 1.9 percent lower than in April 2019. However, visitor spending in Maui reached $544.8 million, up 9.7 percent from April 2022 and 36.7 percent from April 2019. Statewide, there were 827,537 visitors, a 1.1 percent increase from April 2022 but 2.6 percent lower than April 2019. The recovery rate was 97.4 percent compared to April 2019. Visitor expenditures statewide were $1.72 billion, an 8 percent increase from April 2022 and a 30.7 percent increase from April 2019. Oahu saw the most significant increase in visitors, while Kauai and Hawaii Islands also experienced growth. Although overall visitor arrivals for the first four months of 2023 showed a 16.4 percent increase compared to 2022, it was down 3 percent from 2019. Tourism officials highlighted positive developments in the cruise ship industry, noting increased visitors from cruises.

Hawaii Urges Residents to Prepare for Above-Normal Tropical Cyclone Activity in 2023 Hurricane Season.

Hawaii residents are urged to prepare for an above-normal tropical cyclone activity during the upcoming Central Pacific hurricane season. The director of the National Weather Service, Central Pacific Hurricane Center, warned that previous quiet hurricane seasons have led to complacency, and this year is expected to be more active. The forecast predicts four to seven tropical cyclones, including tropical depressions, storms, and hurricanes. The number of cyclones making landfall in Hawaii is uncertain, but it only takes one impactful hurricane to cause significant damage. Residents are advised to review emergency plans, gather supplies, and be prepared for potential threats. The importance of preparedness was highlighted by recent incidents in Guam caused by Typhoon Mawar. The forecast is influenced by warming ocean conditions and the possibility of El Nino conditions, which historically correlate with higher-than-average cyclone activity in the Central Pacific. Authorities emphasized the need for residents to know evacuation routes, have enough food and medication, and be prepared for potential medical staff shortages due to the pandemic. The public is encouraged to stock up on water and food for at least 14 days, and those in need should seek assistance from friends, family, or local organizations. Emergency preparedness kits, personal emergency plans, and the safekeeping of important documents are recommended by the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.

Drought Concerns in Hawaii: Below-Average Rainfall Predicted, Urgent Conservation Measures Recommended.

The National Weather Service has expressed concern over Hawaii’s current and projected rainfall conditions. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center forecasts below-average precipitation from this month through September and into the wet season. Severe drought, and possibly extreme drought, is expected in leeward areas, particularly in Maui County and Hawaii Island. Nonirrigated agriculture, areas reliant on surface water diversions, and residents who rely on rainfall catchment will likely feel the most significant impacts. While below-average dry season rainfall is not typical during an El Nino onset year like this, it has occurred in the past, such as in 2009. There is concern that if below-average rainfall continues into the wet season, the effects of the drought may persist into 2024 due to the influence of El Nino.

Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks $17 Million Native Hawaiian Homestead Project, First of Many to Address Housing Needs.

Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for $17 Million Native Hawaiian Homestead Project in Waikapu. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) has begun constructing a $17 million project in Waikapu, marking the first development funded by the historic $600 million allocation to assist Native Hawaiians on the DHHL waiting list. The Puunani Homestead project, managed by Dowling Company Inc., will feature 161 residential lots, including road construction, utility improvements, and grading. The development will consist of turn-key homes and vacant lots, with completion estimated for the fourth quarter of 2024. The initial homes are expected to be offered by the third quarter of 2025, pending the completion of additional water infrastructure. The project’s funding is part of a broader effort to address the housing needs of Native Hawaiians on the DHHL waiting list, which currently exceeds 28,000 individuals. State officials anticipate more projects in the Maui Nui area using the remaining funds from the $600 million allocation.

Maui County’s Unemployment Rate Declines to 2.8% in April, Outperforming State Average.

Maui County’s unemployment rate in April decreased to 2.8 percent, down from 3.4 percent in March and 3.2 percent in April 2022, according to the Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism. On Maui Island, the unemployment rate also dropped to 2.8 percent in April, compared to 3.4 percent in March and 3.2 percent in April 2022. Molokai saw a decrease in unemployment to 4.6 percent, down from 5.1 percent in March and 5.6 percent in April 2022. Lanai’s unemployment rate in April was 2.5 percent, lower than March’s 2.8 percent but slightly higher than the 2.3 percent recorded in April 2022. The statewide not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for April was 2.7 percent. Honolulu, Hawaii County, and Kauai had unemployment rates of 2.6 percent, 3.0 percent, and 2.6 percent, respectively. Nationwide, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in April was 3.4 percent, down from 3.5 percent in March. In Hawaii, April’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.3 percent, slightly higher than March’s 3.5 percent. Hawaii’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in April reflected 656,400 employed individuals and 22,500 unemployed individuals, with a total seasonally adjusted labor force of 678,900 statewide.

Note: Parts of this post were written using ChatGPT, with stories gathered from Maui News.

Central Maui Market Update.

We offer many educational resources so that you can stay up-to-date with Maui Real Estate. If you are considering buying or selling in Kahului, Wailuku, Waikapu, and Maui Lani, take a look at the following market report.