Bizjournals has an interesting article up about how the diverse economy of the Big Island is helping it weather the recession than the other Hawaiian islands.

What do you think?

Economist Leroy Laney said the Big Island is helped by the vastly different economies on the east and west sides of the island.

“In times like these, the disparity between the two sides can be good news,” Laney said Tuesday at the 35th annual First Hawaiian Bank Economic Outlook Forums held at the Naniloa Hotel in Hilo and the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel in Kamuela.

“Hawaii County’s economic cycle is determined by what happens on the west side because that’s where the visitor industry and most construction are centered. The West Hawaii economy is thus more volatile, while East Hawaii acts as an economic stabilizer. That may not seem so good in boom times, but it looks a lot better in times like the present.”

…

He noted the contributions of the University of Hawaii at Hilo and the planned construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope at Mauna Kea, which will pump an estimated $1.2 billion into the economy over nine years, generating 300 construction jobs and 140 permanent jobs.

View Full Article