EDITORIAL
Reversing 'brain drain' takes sustained effort

The latest report out of the U.S. Census tells us what we already knew, at least anecdotally and intuitively.

Hawai'i has seen a flood of out-migration over the past decade as economic conditions here stagnated and prices and opportunities looked better elsewhere.

But as reported by staff writer Tim Hurley, the numbers are perhaps even more striking than we might have imagined. Between 1995 and 2000, more than 201,000 residents left the state. That was a national record. Only about 125,000 moved to Hawai'i during that time, creating a substantial net loss of population.

As almost any extended family can tell you, those who left tended to be among the most productive members of society: younger people who have skills and want good jobs to go with them.

So the impact on the economic vitality of our state was probably even greater than the aggregate numbers would tell us.

There is a public policy challenge in those numbers that requires focused attention from everyone — the state, the counties, the various economic development groups, our universities and others.

There are signs that our economy is beginning to turn around. New industries and economic opportunities, ranging from high tech and advanced agriculture to diversified forms of tourism, have begun to emerge.

But that won't be enough to lure back the "brain drain" unless we do a better job of reintroducing ourselves and the opportunities to be found here. There have been some efforts along those lines, particularly among Island refugees working in high tech on the West Coast.

But much more can be done. Just as we know we have to sell Hawai'i as a place to visit, we must also sell the Islands as a place for young, ambitious, well-educated people to set down roots and make a home.

What's needed is a comprehensive and collaborative economic development strategy by both private and public sectors in business, government and education to create an environment where existing and new private enterprise can flourish.

Hawai'i has potential, but it must adopt an entrepreneurial culture that will generate the high-paying jobs that will bring our best and brightest home.