“These are the most positive business-confidence results we’ve seen since 1989.” That was the glowing comment from Paul Brewbaker, chief economist for Bank of Hawai’i, as the state’s largest bank announced the results this week of its semi-annual survey of
“These are the most positive business-confidence results we’ve seen since
1989.”
That was the glowing comment from Paul Brewbaker, chief economist
for Bank of Hawai’i, as the state’s largest bank announced the results this
week of its semi-annual survey of business owners’ outlook on the Hawaiian
economy.
Of the 450 people statewide who responded to the survey, 55
percent expected sales by their companies will increase in the next 12
months-great news compared to the 1998 survey that found only 35 percent of
businesses forecasting sales gains.
There’s more glad tidings. Overall for
the next year, the bank believes the gross state product will grow 3 percent,
the job base will expand 1.5 percent, 3.5 percent more visitors will flock to
Hawai’i, and construction will rise 10 percent. As far as Brewbaker is
concerned, the numbers compiled by the bank indicate Hawaii’s economy is on a
steady and dependable upswing.
Such optimism-whether it’s cautious or
bright-is encouraging for the state and everyone who makes a home and a living
here. Here’s hoping the good vibes hang around for a long time.
