Information gives executives and decision makers a clear view of the strengths and weakness of our workforce, emerging industries, and maturing sectors of the economy. It defines the goals of our economy and promotes cooperation between the public and private sectors. It makes Hawaii more resilient to disruptions to our fragile, import-dependent economy
Food Security: The State of Hawaii imports 85-90% of its food. This heavy reliance on imported foods makes Hawaii extremely vulnerable to many external factors, as any disruption to the state’s import chain would leave Hawaii with a severely limited food supply. These bibliographies provide background research regarding Hawaii’s agricultural land and water, and level of food security. HIPA is currently developing a project that will focus on the marketing and value-added aspects of the state’s food security, with the goal of creating a plan that will replace 10% of imported goods with local products.
Food Security Important Ag Lands Overview July 2010 (pdf)
Food Security Bibliography Water July 2010 (pdf)
Food Security Bibliography Land July 2010 (pdf)
Venture Capital in Hawaii. This is the first independent evaluation of the supply and demand for venture capital investment in Hawaii. Venture capital funds are critical to grow the high tech, lifesciences and renewable energy sectors of the state’s economy, which provide high-paying and challenging careers for residents. Through a comprehensive survey of venture capital firms doing business in our Islands, the report conservatively projects a doubling of qualified demand for the next three years – good news for Hawaii’s economy. Click here to download PDF report
A Strategic Plan for the Dual Use Technology Sector in Hawaii. Dual-use technologies – which have both military and civilian applications – are the foundation of Hawaii’s high tech industry. However, the dual use sector is intensely competitive nationally and Hawaii’s window of opportunity is narrow. This plan assesses the current state of dual use in Hawaii and makes recommendations for the public and private sectors to move the industry forward. Click here to download PDF report
Hawaii’s New Economy Initiative. Knowledge based industries are one of the driving forces of the 21st global economy. Does Hawaii the educated and technically trained workers needed to compete? HIPA examined workforce development, technology infused industries, high tech products and services, entrepreneurial culture and globalization. The original report was produced in 2003 and updated in 2005.
Hawaii Jobs Initiative. Hawaii’s construction industry is a major provider of jobs for Island families and revenue for the state. HIPA, in coordination with the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and Pacific Resource Partnership, conducted research and analysis on labor demands that large upcoming military construction projects will have on Hawaii’s construction industry. Additionally, HIPA’s efforts included assessment of other workforce, health, socio-economic, and housing impacts of increased demand and importation of construction labor to Hawaii. The growing demand for skilled construction workers was described in the Hawaii Construction Workforce Action Plan publication.
Hawaii Fisheries Initiative. As an island state, Hawaii’s culture, history and economy are linked to the oceans. HIPA has conducted a comprehensive statewide study on Hawaii’s fisheries and seafood industry, including its economic impact on Hawaii; workforce status; import and export characteristics; seafood processing, marketing and quality control; conservation and marine resource management; cultural and historic aspects of fishing; policy and regulatory framework; industry support and data collection mechanisms; as well as the identification of opportunities, challenges and issues facing the industry. This project is funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce and DBEDT Community-based Economic Development.
Hawaii Food & Biotechnology Initiative. HIPA received a national grant from the Pew Food & Biotechnology Initiative, a project of the Pew Charitable Trust, to serve as a neutral convener amongst key stakeholder groups on the use of genetically engineered (“GE”) crops in Hawaii. With competing interests and objectives between organic and GE farmers, businesses, environmentalists, policy makers and consumers, HIPA will facilitate a statewide policy dialogue to resolve major policy and regulatory issues on food & biotechnology in Hawaii.
Hawaii Energy Policy Forum. HIPA is partnering with the University of Hawaii Public Policy Center to develop an implementation plan to develop policy efforts to encourage alternative energy and energy efficiency strategies in Hawaii. The Hawaii Energy Policy Forum consists of about fifty policy and energy stakeholders who gather to evaluate, formulate and effectuate energy policy for Hawaii.
Cluster Analysis of Niche Markets on Oahu. HIPA was requested by the Oahu Workforce Investment Board to conduct a cluster analysis of viable niche industries, including an assessment of Oahu’s capacity and infrastructure for economic development. The report will be used as the baseline for workforce development in Hawaii.
State Impact on Nonprofit Corporations. HIPA was requested by the Hawaii Community Services Council and the Department of Business Economic Development & Tourism to conduct a study on the impact of State regulations, policies and practices on Hawaii nonprofit corporations. This policy report reviews the roles of State government and nonprofits as a planner, customer and regulator.
