Kapulena Hamakua EA PBR Final TMK No. 4-7-005 and 006

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KAPULENA AGRICULTURAL PARK FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Table 3. Employment Status Subject Honoka`a CDP Hawaii County Number Percent Number Percent Population 16 years and older 1,766 100 114,647 100.0 In labor force 1,001 56.7 70,791 61.7 Employed Civilian Population 942 100 64,797 100 Service Occupations 350 37.2 14,403 22.2 Management and Professional Occupations 193 20.5 19,607 30.2 Sales and Office Occupations 180 19.1 16,309 25.1 Farming, Fishing and Forestry Occupations 31 3.3 2,449 3.8 Construction, Extraction and Maintenance 94 10.0 6,454 9.9 Occupations Production, Transportation and Material 94 10.0 5,757 8.9 Moving Occupations Median household income $41,964 — $39,805 — Of the residents aged 16 years or older recorded for Honoka`a CDP in the 2000 census, approximately 57 percent were in the labor force (DBEDT 2005). Of the employed civilian population over the age of 16, 37.2 percent worked in service occupations, 20.5 percent in management and professional occupations and 19.1 percent in sales and office occupations. Smaller numbers worked in production, transportation, and materials moving (10 percent); construction (10 percent); and in farming, fishing and forestry (3.3 percent). Median household income was $41,964 for the Honoka`a CDP. This compares with a median income of $39,805 for Hawaii County and $49,820 for the state (DBEDT 2005). For the year 2009, the Hawaii County unemployment rate was reported to be 10.3 percent in August, with a statewide unemployment rate of 7.2 percent for the same month. Thus, the employment status of those in Kapulena and surrounding areas may have been affected by the recent economic downturn. Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures The future potential agricultural use of the lands can only enhance the agricultural economic base of the Hamakua area. The potential increase in agricultural activity would likely create long term agricultural related jobs. In light of the economic impact of the closing of Hamakua Sugar, returning the site to agricultural use consistent with its agricultural zoning would benefit the local economy. 4 -10