For Immediate Release: August 17, 2004
DBEDT Release News 04-24

HONOLULU-- The Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) has released the 36th edition of the annual, State of Hawaii Data Book on the DBEDT web site at http://www2.hawaii.gov/dbedt/latest. It is the most comprehensive source of statistics on the social, economic, and political organization of Hawaii.

"The State Data Book is a fundamental resource for business and government alike,” said DBEDT Director Theodore E. Liu. “The Data Book provides businesses, organizations and individuals with a vast amount of data that can identify trends and suggest new program and marketing opportunities. Moreover, the hundreds of tables in the Data Book present a valuable, comprehensive picture of our State’s economic and social situation."

The State of Hawaii Data Book is produced by the Department's Research and Economic Analysis Division. The new 2003 edition features 743 tables. The following are just a few examples of the interesting information that can be found in the new State Data Book:

• Updated state population projections predict that real per capita income in Hawaii will grow from $28,354 in 2000 to $44,906 in 2030.
• Honolulu ranked 57th on a list of the most expensive cities to live worldwide in 2004. The most expensive U.S. city, New York, ranked 10th. Honolulu’s 2004 rank was down from 32nd highest in 2003.
• A record, 591,800 people were employed in Hawaii during 2003. State government jobs (outside of education) declined by 300 in 2003, partially countering an increase of 700 jobs in education.
• The Marine Corps Base Hawaii was the Water Board’s top user of water on Oahu, consuming nearly 57 million gallons per month from May 2002 to April of 2003. Chevron USA was second at 49 million gallons, followed by the State Department of Transportation with 24 million gallons.
• Oahu accounted for 72% of the state’s population in 2003, but just 68 percent of all housing units.
• The number of recipients receiving temporary assistance to needy families in the state declined by 44 percent from 1998 to 2003.
• The share of land held by the eight major landowners in Hawaii declined nearly 14 percent from 2002 to 2003.

The State of Hawaii Data Book 2003 is available only on the DBEDT Internet site, at http://www.hawaii.gov/dbedt/info/economic/databook. Tables may be viewed or downloaded. DBEDT's Research and Economic Analysis Division may be contacted at 808-586-2466.

For more information, contact:
Dave Young
Communications
Phone: (808) 587-1212
Email: dyoung@dbedt.hawaii.gov

Marsha Wienert, Tourism Liaison
Phone: (808) 586-2362
Email: marsha.wienert@hawaii.gov

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations, Office of the Governor
Phone: (808) 586-0043
Email: russell.pang@hawaii.gov