HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-04-06OEDprovidesmoreeconomicrecoverydatatothepublicDEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: April 6, 2021
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
NALANI BRUN, DIRECTOR
(808) 241-4946
Office of Economic Development provides more economic recovery data to the public
LĪHU‘E – The County of Kaua‘i Office of Economic Development (OED) has recently
expanded the data resources it offers to island residents and businesses.
“Gone are the days when data is found in static reports and updated annually,” said
OED Director Nalani Brun. “The pandemic has highlighted the need for economic data and
visualizations that we can update very frequently.”
The office recently began sharing their Economic Recovery Data Dashboard online at
www.kauaiforward.com/kauai-econ-data.
The dashboard displays a variety of key economic indicators from various sources,
consolidated in one location and designed specifically for Kaua‘i audiences. Some sources, like
building permit data and local government electricity consumption, are directly from the
County. Other visualizations are from different sources such as the State Department of
Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT), and the Hawai‘i Department of Health.
Links are provided to the external data so that users can dig deeper on a particular subject area
if they wish.
“Access to factual data and information forms the foundation of making sound
decisions, especially during challenging times,” said Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami. “I am grateful
to the Office of Economic Development for working diligently to provide this valuable tool for
our leaders and our community. As we continue to navigate the future unknowns of the
pandemic, this dashboard will help us analyze past and present statistics so that we can better
protect and serve our island and people.”
A survey link at the bottom of the dashboard page lets site users inquire about other
data sources they would like to see on the dashboard or ask questions they have about the data
presented.
“These new tools provide a means for more people to have the same information when
making decisions, or discussing broader policy options that impact the Island,” said Brun. “We
plan to continue improving on the visualizations provided, and are very interested to hear from
local businesses about what might be most useful for them.”
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