Drinking beer contributes to Hawai'i's economy, according to new figures from a study commissioned by the Beer Institute and the National Beer Wholesalers Association.

The study found beer brewing, distributing and retailing directly and indirectly employs 7,251 people in the state and generates wages of $210.2 million.

The study found that nationally, the industry provides nearly 1.9 million jobs and generates about $62 billion in wages and benefits. The study conducted by John Dunham & Associates of New York covers data compiled in 2008.

One of Hawai'i's leading brewers, Maui Brewing Co., operates a brewpub and separate production facility on Maui and employs 44 workers, said Melanie Marrero, who owns the business with her husband, Garrett. Maui Brewing, which started out with a seven-barrel brewpub in the Kahana Gateway Center in 2005, later added a 25-barrel full-production brewery and canning facility in Lahaina.

"America's brewing industry continues to play a pivotal role in supporting this nation's economic viability," Tom Long president of MillerCoors and chairman of the Beer Institute, said in a press statement.

"Brewers in all 50 states have been a driving force in their communities for years by creating jobs and tax revenue."

The data show there were 4,525 people directly employed by the beer business in Hawai'i. That included 46 workers in brewing, 626 in distributing and 3,853 in retailing. In all, the workers were paid $119.1 million in wages.

Beer helped fill state and federal tax coffers, too.

This included business and personal taxes of $85 million, $29.6 million of which was paid to the state with the remainder going to the federal government.

Another $63.9 million was generated in consumption taxes.