Governor Ige has delivered a booming economy that is ready for the 21st century.
Produced thousands of new jobs. Hawaiʻinow has the lowest unemployment rate in the country at 2.1%.
Maintaining Hawaiʻiʻs global position as a leader in tourism. In 2017, visitors contributed $16.8 Billion to the local economy and supported 204,000 jobs-- an all-time high.
Helping start-ups get a leg up. There are now seven start-up accelerators that provide high-paying jobs for talented young people. The state is now recognized for being at the center of innovation in clean energy, media and entertainment, and defense.
Ensuring Hawaiʻi keeps up with the future. Supports the Thirty Meter Telescope project for scientific advancement and future job creation while respecting concerns from Native Hawaiians.
Ensuring public servants get their pension. Has done more than any other elected official to make sure the state has the resources to pay pensions promised to teachers, firefighters, and other public servants.
Achieved an AA+ bond rating, the highest in the stateʻs history. This saves millions of taxpayer dollars in lower interest payments and a rainy day fund to ensure that the state has the resources to overcome the next economic downturn. Less money to the banks and more to invest here at home.
Protecting Hawaiʻi against recession. Moodyʻs Analytics named Hawaiʻi one of only 16 states nationwide with enough cash reserves to weather the ʻstress testʻ of another economic recession.
Updating Hawaiʻi airports. Launched a $2.7B investment program to upgrade the stateʻs airports and reestablished Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport as an international airport.
Lowering cost of living. Brought down the stateʻs cost of living by lowering transport costs through strategic infrastructure investments like the upgrade of Honolulu Harbor.
Started the largest public works project in Mauiʻs history. Began construction on the Consolidated Rent-A-Car facility at Kahului Airport.
Increasing efficiency in Hawaiʻi airports. Installed 32 automated passport control kiosks at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport to provide a more efficient and pleasant international arrival experience.
Expanding the U.S. Customs Pre-clearance Program to Narita International Airport (Japan) and Incheon International Airport (Korea).
Making travelling more pleasant. Delivered free WI-FI at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
Increasing flight access to Hawaiʻi. Welcomed more air carriers to Hawaiʻiincluding Jin Air, Scoot Airlines, and Southwest Airlines and expanded routes from the U.S. mainland and Asia.
Providing economic opportunity through our military. The U.S Military provides more than 100,000 jobs and contributes over $12 billion to our economy.
