astronomy a Hawaii supports the employment of 1,313 residents and, according to a university Hawaii Economic Research Institute (UHERO) update released on January 30, 2022. The update revealed that astronomy generated $110 million in direct spending in Hawaii—Purchases from local businesses, salaries and wages, and student and visiting researcher expenses. The total economic impact of $221 million, which also accounts for indirect and induced impacts, is almost as high as the statewide agriculture.
“The numbers are not surprising as they build on that 2012 UHERO Reportbut the economic impact is only part of the story,” he said Gregory ChunManaging Director of AH Hilo Center for Maunakea Stewardship. “This type of impact is only occurring because people’s lives are being affected in a real way. Astronomy provides educational and employment opportunities for the people of Hawaii“>Hawaiisupports hundreds of Hawaii families and is one of the few established industries that has nothing to do with tourism or the military. And its greatest advantages are obvious Hawaii Island.”
The UHERO update found that the entire economic impact comes from astronomy Hawaii Iceland accounted for US$102 million in 2019 (46% of the country’s astronomy-related impact), while 611 jobs (46% of the country’s astronomy-related employment) were preserved.
“This is an important snapshot of the benefits astronomy is bringing to our communities, particularly through the creation of many high-tech jobs,” he said AH Institute of Astronomy director Doug Simonswho worked in astronomy Hawaii Island since 1990 including as the canada franceHawaii telescope Managing Director (2012–21) and Director of the Gemini Observatory (2006–11). “It’s a sustainable sector with career paths available to our local residents, including native Hawaiians. Astronomy job opportunities include engineers, technicians, administrators, outreach specialists and many more. Most of these jobs are held by Hawaii Residents at time of hiring, many of whom were born and raised there Hawaii.”
In the rest of the state, astronomy generated $87 million and supported the employment of 517 people Oahu“>Oahu and $31 million and 176 people in Maui County, according to the UHERO update. Statewide, astronomical activities generated $68 million in earned income and $10 million in state taxes.
The full UHERO report on the economic impact of astronomy is expected to be completed by mid-year and will also look at how astronomy is embedded in local communities Hawaiiwhich is unique compared to many high-tech industries, and the knock-on effect of publicly funded research.
Astronomy is only a small part of the overall economic impact AH 10 campus system has the state. According to a 2021 UHERO report covering fiscal 2020, HawaiiThe public higher education system has had a $3.6 billion impact on the state economy and supported more than 22,500 jobs.
UHERO is housed in AH Manoas College of Social Sciences.
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