Just a year ago, I was faced with the most difficult decision of my 22-year-old life: whether to stay on the mainland after graduating from college or to come home to Hawaii where good job opportunities are few and far between. You can go home again,
but in Hawaii it’s difficultThe decision for me was gut-wrenching and, after many hours of soul searching, I decided to "try my luck" at home. The desire to be near my parents to help care for them weighed heavily in my decision. My parents have always been there for me and now I want to be here for them.
Coming home to the prospect of earning a much lower salary compared to what I could have made on the mainland, coupled with the high cost of living in Hawaii, was a sacrifice I was willing to make. Though I anticipated having a hard time finding a job in my chosen profession (health policy and management) once I returned to Hawaii, my first-generation American parents (Dad emigrated from Portugal, Mom from the Philippines) had taught me that with hard work, determination, self-reliance and faith, one can accomplish anything...anywhere!
Despite the "brain drain" afflicting Hawaii, many people my age want to give back to Hawaii what we've learned in college to make our island home a better place to live for ourselves and our neighbors.
Yet there is no denying that Hawaii sorely lacks professional jobs for my generation. I believe the reasons are a bloated state government, a stagnant economy held back by too high taxes, and a lack of alternative industries (e.g., health care, technology, engineering). This combination has led to Hawaii being near the bottom when it comes to economic growth among all 50 states.
The recent Forbes magazine article chastising Hawaii's ruling elite for failing to act on the economy is right on target. I find it ironic that the same people whose mismanagement, self-regard and lack of vision brought us to our present sad state of affairs now deny there is even a problem.
To hear those in power repeatedly reject any criticism of Hawaii's situation demonstrates either how out of touch with reality they are (they've got theirs!) or their blatant refusal to admit to what they know is true (because they're responsible for it). Either alternative is distressing because my fellow Generation Xers and I will have to live tomorrow under the burdens caused by the policies they implement today.
Until Hawaii's policymakers realize that a friendly economic environment toward businesses and the private sector, coupled with reduced taxes for its citizens, is absolutely essential to create economic growth and increase job opportunities for all of Hawaii's people, many of Hawaii's best and brightest will continue to say "aloha" to their friends, families and Hawaii.
Those who remain will likely continue to say "aloooooha" to Hawaii's visitors as the tourism industry will remain the primary source of income for Hawaii's workers.
Francisco "Chico" Figueiredo found a job
in the health care industry after looking for a year. He is a
member of the Manoa Neighborhood Board and graduated from
St. Louis High School and Providence College in Rhode Island.