Competing on Aloha—A Strategy for Hawai‘i’s Economic Future

Patricia Yu ()
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Patricia Yu: University of Hawai‘i - West Oʻahu, Economics

Chapter 8 in Economic Development in Hawai‘i, 2026, pp 265-291 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract This chapter presents a bold, values-driven framework for economic transformation rooted in Hawai‘i’s cultural heritage, ecological limits, and social priorities. Amid global and local crises such as climate change, housing shortages, outmigration, and economic inequity, it argues that Hawai‘i’s competitive edge lies not in scale or speed, but in its unique capacity to lead with meaning, coherence, and care. This chapter advances the idea of “competing on aloha”, grounding prosperity in mutual responsibility (kuleana), unity (lōkahi), and respect for people and place (aloha ‘āina). Rather than replicate extractive models, it calls for place-based economic systems that integrate cultural integrity, climate resilience, regenerative industries, inclusive innovation, and participatory governance. Strategic pillars include renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, broadband equity, Indigenous knowledge integration, housing reform, and civic inclusion. These are supported by new indicators such as housing affordability, ecological integrity, civic trust, local wealth, and talent retention that better reflect shared well-being than GDP alone. This chapter also reveals systemic risks such as political inertia, cultural commodification, and underinvestment, and offers structural responses including narrative resilience, policy reform, community-designed infrastructure, and equitable procurement. Through rigorous hope, Hawai‘i can transform crisis into opportunity, becoming a prototype of sustainable, just development. In redefining success through aloha, Hawai‘i offers a globally relevant model for economies that value people, place, and purpose in equal measure.

Keywords: Aloha economics; Regenerative economy; Place-based development; Cultural integrity; Indigenous knowledge; Climate resilience; Housing affordability; Inclusive innovation; Economic equity; Sustainable tourism; Participatory governance; Civic trust; Local wealth building; Ecological indicators; Future-ready Hawai‘i (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-032-15689-1_8

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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-15689-1_8

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