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INCOME AND POVERTY
AMONG NATIVE HAWAIIANS
Summary of Ka Huaka‘i Findings
Shawn Malia Kana‘iaupuni, PhD
Nolan J. Malone, PhD
Koren Ishibashi
September 2005
Publication 05-06:5
Copyright © by Kamehameha
Schools 2005. All rights reserved.
This publication is also available
online at www.ksbe.edu/pase.
Published by Policy Analysis &
System Evaluation (PASE)
567 South King Street, Suite 400
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96813
Tel: (808) 541-5372
Recommended Citation:
Kana‘iaupuni, S. M., N. J. Malone,
and K. Ishibashi. 2005. Income and
poverty among Native Hawaiians:
Summary of Ka Huaka‘i findings.
Honolulu: Kamehameha Schools–
PASE, 05-06:5.
Purpose of Our Study
This brief gives a broad overview of income and poverty as
key measures of the material and economic well-being of
Native Hawaiian families. The contents are primarily from
Ka Huaka‘i: 2005 Native Hawaiian Educational Assessment.
What We Learned
• Native Hawaiian families in Hawai‘i have the lowest mean
family income of all major ethnic groups in the state.
• Native Hawaiian families tend to be larger than average,
meaning that their comparatively low income must
support a higher number of individuals.
• Per capita income calculations confirm that Native
Hawaiians are socioeconomically disadvantaged.
• The cost of living in the state of Hawai‘i is among the
highest in the United States.
• When we adjust for differences in the cost of living, the
median and per capita income of the national Native
Hawaiian population is substantially lower than
comparable national figures.
• Poverty rates consistently show the high socioeconomic
need among Native Hawaiians in the state of Hawai‘i.
Key Implications
• Promote postsecondary education.
• Expand employment options for Native Hawaiians.
• Develop the socioeconomic capacity of Native Hawaiians.
• Build on community strengths