#Eugene Tian

Colby most recently served as the tax research and planning officer for the Hawai‘i Department of Taxation, where he oversaw the research for the state revenue system, fiscal impacts of proposed legislation and macroeconomic forecasting.

A resurgent construction industry in Hawaiʻi is building the state’s economy, even as tourism falters, and offers hope of boosting Maui’s recovery from the devastating August 2023 wildfires. This optimistic outlook comes from the Hawaiʻi state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s recent second-quarter statistical and economic report. “The growth in the construction industry […]

Maui County’s labor force increased (0.3%) in March 2025 after declining 19 months after the wildfires.

Maui’s labor market is generally improving, although the county’s post wildfire disaster labor force and employed people have been declining, Chief State Economist Eugene Tian said Wednesday. In November, Maui County’s not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.8%, down from 6.8% in November 2023.

Construction activity, including the rebuilding of wildfire devastated Lahaina town, will overcome relative weakness in tourism and help build a stable economic recovery, at a rate of 1.3%, for Hawaiʻi statewide, according to a forecast by economists with the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

More out-of-state residents bought Hawaiʻi houses in the first three quarters of last year compared with the same time in previous years, according to a state report.

The Fourth Hawai‘i Commercial Rent Survey, ending March 2021, of 790 business owners show more businesses are making full rent payments and expect to make full rent payments going forward, but there is still great need for a commercial rent relief program.