DBEDT: Hawaii's economy is beating expectations

Hawaii’s economy is expected to see continued growth and gradual recovery, according to a report issued Nov. 18 by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. The department’s report on the fourth quarter includes projected increases in visitor arrivals and a gradual recovery that will continue into 2013.

Hawaii’s 2010 real gross domestic product is expected to grow 1.4 percent, up from the previously forecasted 1.2 percent. Total visitor arrivals are expected to increase 7.7 percent this year, up 3.1 percentage points from the previous forecast, and visitor expenditures are expected to rise 14.8 percent, or 6.6 percentage points higher than earlier forecasted.

Meanwhile, total wage and salary jobs are expected to decline 0.4 percent this year, which is still better than the previously forecasted 0.6 percent decline, according to the report.