Kauai may have the smallest population of the four major counties of Hawaii, but it has the fastest-growing population over the past three years. The population grew 3.6 percent, to 69,512 in 2013 from 67,090 in 2010. “It’s difficult to
Kauai may have the smallest population of the four major counties of Hawaii, but it has the fastest-growing population over the past three years.
The population grew 3.6 percent, to 69,512 in 2013 from 67,090 in 2010.
“It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly, but we can speculate that Kauai’s recent population growth might be attributable to a combination of a higher birth rate and in migration due to the attractiveness of the island and its environment,” said Beth Tokioka, county spokeswoman. “In addition, the cost of housing on Kauai compared to comparable units on Oahu and Maui is relatively lower.”
All four major county populations increased during that period with a state growth average of 3.2 percent to 1,404,054 in 2013. Maui increased 3.5 percent to 154,835. Honolulu County saw a 3.2 increase to 983,429, while the Big Island rose by 3.1 percent to 190,821.
Dr. Eugene Tian, economic research administrator for the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, said that between 2000 and 2010, Hawaii and Maui counties experienced higher population growth than Honolulu and Kauai. But between 2000 and 2013, all the counties are growing at a similar rate.
“Kauai County led the population growth in 2013 at 1.6 percent,” Tran said. “The increase in population will lead to more demand on housing, electricity, food and other goods and services. If the supply of the goods and services cannot catch up with the demand at the short time, there will be upward pressure on prices such as housing price.”
The report found the growth of the residential population between 2010-13 was mainly due to a natural increase after recording births, deaths and migrations.
The total population change for Kauai from 2010-13 was 2,422.
This includes 2,860 births, or an average of 887 per year, between 2010-13, and an average death rate of 584, totaling 1,913 during the same period.
It also includes 1,100 new residents from outside the United States from 2010-13. The domestic migration to Kauai was 338 during that time.
Kauai Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Randy Francisco said Kauai’s population growth was spurred by new international residents at nearly twice that of domestic migration, he said. This includes people from the Philippines and the greater Micronesia area.
Many went to Oahu first and then moved to Kauai to reunify entire families and begin new lives together, he said.
“From a policy and planning perspective, we need to reach out to the new immigrant communities as well as long-time residents and ensure that there is an adequate pool of employees,” Francisco said. “Furthermore, as our population continues to age and live even longer, we need to provide programs to help members of our community to enjoy a rich and meaningful Kauai lifestyle that meets and or exceeds their retirement needs.
