#inflation
Volcano Watch: Maunaloa has lessons to teach during quiet times
Maunaloa’s Volcano Alert Level is at Normal and Hawaiian Volcano Observatory expects to see changes such as increased seismicity or gas emissions before any future eruption; keeping a close eye on the volcanoes even during quiet times can teach important lessons that will inform interpretations and decisions as conditions change.
UHERO: Hawaiʻi economy turns a corner, moves beyond recession with modest growth
Hawaiʻi’s economy is moving beyond last year’s mild recession, but the recovery will be gradual, according to the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization’s first quarter forecast for 2026 released on Feb. 27. Maui is the standout, as ongoing recovery from the disastrous 2023 wildfires will continue to propel rising tourism activity, if at a slower pace than last year.
DBEDT forecasts gradual growth, stronger recovery by 2027
Rising tariffs and heightened policy uncertainty are expected to add to one-off inflationary pressures by late 2025 and into 2026, with the Honolulu Consumer Price Index projected to increase during this period. These conditions are expected to weigh on economic activity, keeping growth subdued through 2026.
Lava fountains reach 1,000 feet during Episode 23 of ongoing Kīlauea eruption
Lava fountains reach more than 1,000 feet, volcanic plume soars at least 5,000 feet before most recent phase of eruptive activity — that teased for several days — abruptly ends after just 6 hours and 10 minutes Sunday night.
Volcano Watch: Kīlauea’s continuing summit eruption
Kīlauea summit has shown little net change in pressurization since the eruption began Dec. 23, 2024, indicating the summit has been in some level of equilibrium. As long as that equilibrium is maintained, the episodic eruption at the summit is likely to continue.
Schatz urges focus on soaring prices, air safety, public health
US Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) spoke on the Senate floor on Wednesday, underscoring congressional Republicans’ efforts to cut taxes for billionaires. He said this comes while working families are footing the bill as they struggle with soaring prices from inflation, air safety concerns, and threats to public health.
Young Brothers requests rate adjustment to sustain vital interisland shipping
Young Brothers, LLC has filed a rate case with the Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission, requesting approval of a $26.3 million increase in revenue – or an average 20% increase in rates for the majority of cargo – to cover significant increases in the cost of service, support critical investments to upgrade equipment and infrastructure, and sustain the vital interisland shipping service that connects the state’s island communities.
Growth, recovery forecast for Hawaiʻi, but Maui County expected to lag behind
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.
Unrest continues beneath Kīlauea as number of quakes doubles during past day
There were about 50 quakes beneath the volcano’s summit and 100 under the upper East Rift Zone compared with 20 and 50 the day before.
Home Maid Bakery to stay open after potential buyers express interest
After receiving overwhelming community support and interest from potential buyers, Home Maid Bakery will remain open indefinitely and not close at the end of this month as previously announced.
HVO reports elevated unrest, increased seismicity to the south of Kīlauea summit
The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory issued an information statement on Friday evening reporting elevated unrest and increased seismicity to the south of Kīlauea’s summit. The HVO reports that Kīlauea is not erupting, but that the increased unrest started at around 1:10 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023, and is continuing.
Hirono introduces bipartisan bill to help adjust military life insurance for inflation
The Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act seeks to help ensure life insurance packages for servicemembers and veterans account for increases in cost of living and inflation.
Maui Now Survey Results: majority report increase in household expenses, 67% believe the quality of public education declined
In September 2022, only 5% of Maui Now survey respondents reported that the quality of public education in Hawaiʻi has improved, 29% said the quality stayed about the same, and 67% said that quality declined.
Whatʻs in the Appropriations Committeeʻs $29.8 billion financial services and general government bill for Hawaiʻi?
The US House Committee on Appropriations recently approved $29.8 billion for the FY 2023 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill, which includes funding for financial programs to help small businesses and middle class families struggling with the high costs of inflation.
AARP highlights prescription drug price increases using the example of a loco moco
AARP is highlighting how much prescription drug prices have risen above inflation using the example of a loco moco.
State Economic Indicators Show Growth
In its second quarter 2012 economic report, the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism is projecting higher growth rates for most economic indicators in Hawai‘i.
