Department Summary
The Office of Economic Development (OED) is provided by law (c.20, HRS; Sec. 2-15. R.C.O.1976)
Department Mission
The Office of Economic Development works, in partnership with the community, to create economic opportunities towards the development of a healthy, stable and balanced economy for the residents of the County of Kauai.
The Office of Economic Development (OED), as a government entity, interfaces with business and community leaders as well as other government programs to enhance Kauai's economic development activities. OED is responsible to provide technical and financial support, as feasible, for both large and small business establishments or existing and emerging new industries which offer full employment for Kauai's residents.
Department Goals
The Office of Economic Development Departmental Goals are as follows:
- Foster and strengthen a well-qualified labor force consistent with local industry direction and workforce needs.
- Expand and strengthen well-balanced visitor industry promotions and businesses aligned with enhancing island-wide product development projects.
- Increase support and collaboration to ensure the continual growth and expansion of Kauai's agricultural project.
- Increase advocacy and coordination efforts for energy efficiency projects, energy emergency preparedness programs, and increase use of renewable resources.
- Increase high level film location productions and expand business development efforts to secure a major film studio complex on Kauai.
- Improve the facilitation of coordinated research, market analysis, and compilation of local industry/community-related data and statistics to support business and community development.
Announcements
July 15, 2024
Public invited to attend broadband info-sessions to help secure high-speed internet funding for Kaua‘i residents
The Office of Economic Development announces a series of informational sessions will be held from July to September to update and train the public on the upcoming Broadband Equity, Access, and Development (BEAD) Challenge Process.
Despite increasing reliance on the internet, some people still lack access due to cost, remote locations, or lack of digital literacy. To address this digital divide, the Federal Government allocated $149.5 million to Hawaiʻi through the BEAD Program to fund internet infrastructure buildout to locations with no or substandard access.
However, to secure this funding, Kaua‘i must identify and document all residents without internet access.
“Basically, there will be funds available to ensure that everyone on Kaua‘i has affordable access to high-speed internet,” said Nate Prescott, OED Business Specialist. “That’s why we are urgently trying to identify those without access, and make sure that they are counted as they could be eligible for assistance.”
During OED’s Challenge Process Trainings, participants will learn how to efficiently document the internet needs of their household, as well as those of their friends, family, and community. Residents might have a valid challenge to existing data if:
- Your home lacks wired internet;
- Your only internet options are cell phone providers or satellite;
- You live too far away from the main road and the internet service providers will only install internet if you pay to have the infrastructure put in place; or
- Your internet is too slow (video games lag, videos buffer, video calls freeze).
Join OED’s Challenge Training Sessions:
OED’s Challenge Training Sessions will be held from July to early September, as the state’s BEAD Challenge Process runs from August 19 to September 18, 2024. OED’s Challenge Training Sessions will be held islandwide. The following sessions in Kekaha, Waimea, Līhu‘e, and Hanalei have been scheduled at the time of this notice. Additional sessions in Hanapēpē, Kōloa, Kapa‘a, and Kīlauea will be announced when those details are confirmed.
- Kekaha Neighborhood Center
Address: 8130 Elepaio Road, Kekaha, HI, 96752
Date: July 17, 2024
Time: 6 – 7 p.m.
- Waimea Neighborhood Center
Address: 4556 Makeke Road, Waimea, HI, 96796
Date: July 18, 2024
Time: 6 – 7 p.m.
- Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall in Līhu‘e
Address: 4191 Hardy Street, Līhu‘e, HI 96754
Date: July 31, 2024
Time: 2 – 3 p.m.
- Hanalei Neighborhood Center
Address: 5-5358 Kūhiō Hwy., Hanalei, HI, 96714
Date: August 15, 2024
Time: 6 – 7 p.m.
For more information and to see a full and updated list of OED’s Challenge Training Sessions, please visit the following link: bit.ly/kauaibroadband.
“We recognize the vital importance of internet connectivity for our community and economy,” said Prescott. “High-speed broadband access enhances quality of life and fosters economic growth, innovation, and job creation. We look forward to working with our community on this opportunity to correct information and direct infrastructure buildout where the unserved and underserved truly are throughout our island.”
If you would like to attend a Challenge Training and you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, contact Nate Prescott at 808-241-4948 as soon as possible. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.
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June 5, 2024
UHERO has released their Kauaʻi Economic Outlook Summary for June 2024.
This report is prepared for the County of Kaua‘i as part of a community partnership.
UHERO states that Kauaʻi's economy will continue to grow, but more slowly than in previous years.
In the report, UHERO states that although impacted by inflation, high cost of living, and a shrinking labor force, Kauaʻi residents continue to diversify the economy with a growing manufacturing sector and thriving construction and transportation sectors. Other key insights include Kauaʻi tourism currently experiencing a weaker patch brought on by a weakening US visitor market, a tight labor market due to high cost of living, and inflation in Kauaʻi exceeding the national average. UHERO predicts that Kauaʻi's economic growth will be slower than we've seen in the past, but community resilience and economic diversification are crucial to navigating the balance between leveraging current economic strengths and preparing for future challenges.
Thank you to our community partners who met with UHERO to provide input and help refine the data outcomes.
For more information, please contact Dr. Carl Bonham at (808) 956-7605 or bonham@hawaii.edu.