Facts and Insights Vol. 2

COVID-19 in Hawaii

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to devastate Hawaii’s economy, our latest study shows that economic hardships are deepening and anxiety is growing amongst residents across the Hawaiian Islands.

Building on the sobering findings of our baseline report published in July, Bank of Hawaii Foundation again commissioned Anthology Research to conduct a follow up survey to better understand the current effects of the pandemic on families and individuals.

COVID-19 in Hawaii

Facts and Insights Vol. 2

This COVID-19 in Hawaii – Facts and Insights, Vol. 2 report shares key findings of the recent survey conducted between October 22 and November 9.

COVID-19 in Hawaii: Facts and Insights Vol. 2

Of particular note are its revelations that the financial and emotional effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are reaching further into our communities, forcing tough choices for many families. Government programs have helped, but the financial hardships caused by this disease have continued to grow in reach and severity.

As tourism, the state’s largest industry, begins to slowly find its footing, we find broad public support for the original visitor-arrival pre-testing program, as well as for government plans allowing businesses to carefully reopen.

Despite the many challenges, Hawaii residents – even those hit hardest by the pandemic – are hopeful and optimistic.

We must all do our part to foster and grow such hope by keeping our communities safe while providing opportunities for people to get back to work.



Research Methodology:
A statewide online and telephone survey of full-time Hawaii residents was conducted from October 22 to November 9, 2020. A total of 944 completed surveys were collected, using a stratified sampling approach by county. The resulting overall margin of error is +/- 3.19% points at the 95% level of confidence.

Quick Insights

88 percent

worry that someone in the household will contract COVID-19, increase from 81% in May.

53 percent

have seen their household income decline since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, increase from 45% in May.

27 percent

has had issues with food security since the start of the pandemic, increase from 19% in May.

How we are helping

During the COVID-19 crisis, resilience is something our islands need more than ever. The resilience to lift each other up and, despite great challenges, keep from getting down. The resilience to stay strong and dig deep. That’s why Bank of Hawaii Foundation is proud to be a major sponsor of the Hawaii Resilience Fund, which provides essential health, food and economic assistance to people in our community who have been hardest hit by the COVID-19 crisis. 

Areas supported through the Hawaii Resilience Fund:

  • expanding regional test sites and screenings,
  • supporting self-quarantine measures, such as home visits,
  • distribution of food supplies to populations disproportionately impacted by the outbreak.

In addition, our participation in the Paycheck Protection Program resulted in processing over 4,500 applications totaling more than $562 million dollars in approved funding to support local businesses. For consumers, our loan deferment and forbearance programs provided families with financial options to ease their financial burden.

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