Look for a booming year ahead for the Kaua’i economy, but watch out for criminals. That’s the prediction from two reports released this week, the former from the University of Hawai’i’s Economic Research Organization, and the latter from the state
Look for a booming year ahead for the Kaua’i economy, but watch out for criminals.
That’s the prediction from two reports released this week, the former from the University of Hawai’i’s Economic Research Organization, and the latter from the state Attorney General.
The UHERO report showed that more than 70 percent of 39 local businesses surveyed are optimistic about the future and have shown an improvement in the business climate on Kaua’i.
For the next six months, 68 percent of the businesses are saying business activity will rise, with 32 percent saying they expect business to stay flat.
Not one business expected their income to decline.
“More than half of surveyed firms report an increase in both sales and profits compared with six months ago, and nearly 40 percent now report they are getting higher product prices,” the report states.
However, even with the gains in revenue, additional hiring isn’t expected by most firms.
“The labor market continues to stand out as an area of relative weakness, with only 21% of firms reporting higher employment or plans for hiring in coming months,” was the report from UHERO.
While the world of business is improving, crime is increasing on Kaua’i, according to a report released Friday by the state Department of the Attorney General – Crime Prevention and Justice Assistance Division.
In its “Semi-Annual Crime Summary,” the Attorney General’s office is showing a 35.4 percent increase in violent crimes, up to 107 over the first six months of this year. Aggravated assault was up over 38 percent.
Property reported stolen was up 45.8 percent compared to the same period in 2002, up to over $1.3 million, with on about $347,000 recovered.
On the Web:
University of Hawai’i’s Economic Research Organization – http://www.uhero.hawaii.edu
State of Hawai’i Semi-Annual Crime Summary, Department of the Attorney General, Crime Prevention and Justice Assistance Division – www.cpja.ag.state.hi.us
Kaua’i’s Economic Health
What is your evaluation of the level of general business activity?
Improvement/Increase 68.4% Same 31.6% Decrease 0%
What is your evaluation of the level of general business activity in your industry?
Improvement/Increase 65.8% Same 34.2% Decrease .0%
Profits
Improvement/Increase 46.2% Same 48.7% Decrease 5.1%
Sales
Improvement/Increase 51.4% Same 48.6% Decrease 0%
Number of Employees
Increase 21.1% Same 73.7% Decrease 5.3%
Prices
Increase 46.2% Same 53.8% Decrease .0%
Source: University of Hawai’i’s Economic Research Organization
Note: Figures may not sum to 100% because of rounding.
Reported Index Crimes and Value of Property Stolen and Recovered, Counties
January-June 2003 (Percent Change From January-June 2002)
Kaua’i County
Total Index Crimes 1,475 (3.7) • Violent Crimes 107 (35.4)
Murder 0 (-100.0) • Forcible Rape 15 (36.4)
Robbery 9 (28.6) • Aggravated Assault 83 (38.3)
Property Crimes 1,368 (1.9) • Burglary 316 (-12.0)
Larceny-Theft 987 (6.4) • Motor Vehicle Theft 65 (16.1)
Value of Property Stolen $1,331,224 (45.8)
Value of Property Recovered $347,669
(Percent of Stolen Value Recovered) (46.5)
Source: State of Hawai’i Semi-Annual Crime Summary, Department of the Attorney General – Crime Prevention and Justice Assistance Division
