Business Development and Support Division

The halls of the State Capitol were filled with students from around the world, as well as the educational institutions and programs that bring them here to study in Hawaii. “Study Hawaii Day” highlighted the positive impact that international students have on Hawaii’s economy and community, and showcased what Hawaii’s educational institutions and programs are doing to recruit and retain these students.

The event was organized by the Study Hawaii Educational Consortium in conjunction with the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, to support DBEDT’s request for $150,000 to increase outreach efforts to attract more international students. International students in Hawaii spend a total of $109 million which generated almost $16 million in tax revenues for the state. If we can increase the number of international students in Hawaii by a minimum of 200 in one year, it will have an economic impact of $4.9 million and result in additional tax revenue of $718,000.

A legislative briefing was also held for legislators and staff to raise their level of awareness about the impacts of this sector on Hawaii’s economy, and to hear directly from a few international students who are currently in Hawaii. Speakers included Dr. R. Anderson Sutton, University of Hawaii Assistant Vice Chancellor for International and Exchange Programs; Dr. Geoffrey Bannister, Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) President; Miina Huotari, HPU Student Body President; and Valerie Koki Jesus, Chaminade University student.