New factbook released by state details economic impact of military in Hawai‘i

Hawai‘i Military and Community Relations Office has released the Military in Hawai‘i Economic Impact Factbook.

It is a comprehensive, community-focused resource outlining the military’s role in Hawai‘i’s economy, workforce and everyday life.

This is also the office’s first statewide factbook dedicated to presenting defense economic data in a clear, accessible format to the public.

The factbook — designed for residents, policymakers and business leaders — includes easy-to-read charts and explanations covering personnel spending, contracting, federal assistance, community programs and the broader economic effects of defense activity throughout all of the state’s islands.

Factbook key highlights

• $10.2 billion in total defense spending flowed into Hawai‘i in 2023, ranking the state 21st nationally.
• $9.62 billion in personnel spending statewide, including $5.6 billion in Honolulu County alone.
• Military supports 73,072 total personnel in Hawai‘i, including 43,118 active-duty service members.
• Small businesses received $1.3 billion in U.S. Department of Defense contracts including:
  • $190 million to woman-owned businesses.
  • $199 million to veteran-owned businesses.
  • $233 million to Native Hawaiian Organization-owned firms.
• Defense activity accounts for an estimated 9.2% of Hawai‘i’s gross domestic product, or GDP, with $16.6 billion in statewide economic contributions when direct, indirect and induced effects are included.
• An estimated 17% of all jobs in Hawai‘i are tied — directly or indirectly — to defense spending.

Tool for public understanding

The factbook arrives as the state and the federal governments continue to engage in dialogue about military land use, modernization, economic diversification and the well-being of civilian and military families throughout the islands.

“This factbook is meant to support informed, community-centered conversation,” said Hawai‘i Military and Community Relations Office Executive Director Laurie Moore in an announcement about the new resource. “It provides a clear, factual foundation for Hawai‘i’s communities, leaders and partners to understand what the military means for our economy and for the people who live here.”

She said beyond the spending figures are tens of thousands of service members, veterans, civilian workers, educators, small-business owners and families whose lives are interwoven with Hawai‘i’s story.

“This resource helps illuminate that broader picture,” Moore added.

The factbook also highlights how defense spending supports essential programs beyond direct economic contributions, including public school impact aid, environmental and cultural stewardship programs and small-business growth initiatives.

These community benefits — visible throughout installations statewide — help sustain local service and opportunities for civilian and military families.

“This is one of the most consequential planning periods in decades,” Moore said. “Shared facts help us build trust. They strengthen relationships. And they help ensure that community voices play a meaningful role as Hawai‘i navigates important decisions, modernization needs and long-term economic diversification.”

The Military in Hawai‘i Economic Impact Factbook is available now online.

Printed copies also will be distributed to partner organizations, community groups and elected officials statewide.