Economic experts say many people are worse off than they were before the pandemic and a lower unemployment rate is simply masking deeper problems.

The state had 10,000 fewer retail trade jobs at the end of 2020 than it had in 2019.

The state's largest private employer has said it will delay plans for a large lay off, even as changes to Hawaii's travel policy remain in limbo.

But economists say state officials need to do more to help the economy recover, including better messaging and loosening tight travel rules.

Government projects and demand for housing have kept the construction industry going during the pandemic. Honolulu's new planning department director hopes to give it an even bigger boost.

The governor's economic development leaders say they want to carefully craft a plan that will hold up for the long term. But legislative leaders aren't convinced.

A work-from-home economy could help Hawaii reverse the brain drain and offset tourism industry losses.

Amid pandemic, state and local government leaders do not defer to the state's major industry.

A wholesale shift to employees working from home amidst the COVID-19 pandemic has softened the office market but there's been no mass exodus from office space.

Even after the pandemic passes, some industries may need fewer workers, business excecutives say.