HONOLULU (KHON2) — Every generation faces its own obstacles, but for some of Hawaiʻi’s young adults today, the path forward feels especially steep. Our youthful years are supposed to bring opportunity, growth and direction. Instead, for too many in Hawaiʻi, these years are marked by instability, limited access to work and rising hardship.
A new report examines at-risk youth in Hawaiʻi and lays out a troubling picture. It compares all 50 states and the District of Columbia across key markers like education, employment and health.
According to the report, Hawaiʻi has tied with Washington D.C. for the highest percentage of homeless youth in the United States. We also ranked 35th overall for youth risk to place us in the bottom third nationwide.
Homeless youth rates reveal a crisis
The report’s data shows that Hawaiʻi is tied for the highest share of homeless youth alongside the District of Columbia, Oregon, New York and Alaska. In comparison, Mississippi had the lowest percentage with a 34-times difference between the them and us.
Youth homelessness was only one of 15 indicators used in the study.
“A high share of youth who are not working, not getting education and generally stagnating in life can spell trouble for the future,” said Chip Lupo, an analyst for the report.
Labor force and education gaps
Hawaiʻi had the fifth-lowest youth labor force participation rate in the U.S. That means fewer young people are working or actively looking for work in our state. Hawaiʻi ranked 20th in education and employment combined to place us above average in that category.
Still, there was one area where Hawaiʻi led the country: the percentage of youth without a high school diploma. Hawaiʻi ranked 51st in that category, the lowest in the U.S. That means we had the smallest share of youth lacking a high school diploma.
Health concerns add complexity
Hawaiʻi placed 46th in health, one of its weakest areas in the overall rankings. Health indicators included youth obesity, drug use and other physical and social health risks. The state’s low ranking suggests major challenges remain in supporting youth health and well-being.
Despite having one of the lowest youth poverty rates in the U.S. — we were ranked 48th — Hawaiʻi still faced severe issues with homelessness and youth health that really brings down our ranking.
Broader picture of youth risk
Nationally, Louisiana ranked as the state with the most at-risk youth overall, followed closely by Oklahoma and New Mexico. New Jersey had the least at-risk youth based on the total score.
Lupo said, “States that are most impacted by this problem, as well as related issues like high youth poverty rates, widespread drug use and low test scores, need a wake-up call to invest more into improving conditions for young residents.”
You can click here to read the full report.
As we move through the 20s, Hawaii has a great deal to do to ensure that our youth, who are the future of our islands, have the support and opportunity needed to flourish. Will we do it?