HONOLULU (KHON2) – “Priced out of paradise” captures the struggle of many local residents who leave Hawaii due to high living costs. But efforts are underway to help more families continue calling the islands home.
Today, Oct. 25, industry professionals gathered at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center for the Priced into Paradise Expo. The event aimed to help residents become homeowners and learn more about affordable options in Hawaii.
More than 80 booths offered resources and workshops on buying homes, renovating, and even finding higher-paying jobs.
Organizers say they’re dedicated to helping local families find ways to stay in the islands.
“The story for so many people here is you have to have a million dollars to buy a home in Hawaii, and that’s simply not true,” said Suzanne Young, CEO of the Honolulu Board of Realtors.
The Board of Realtors added that last year’s inaugural event helped at least three families achieve homeownership, with even more expected this year.