One in Six Children in Hawaii Live in Poverty

According to new data released by the University of Hawaii Center on the Family, approximately 51,000 children in Hawaii live in families which earn less than $22,811 per year, which is the federal poverty line for a four-person household.  This represents approximately 17 percent of the under-18 population in the state.  More concerning for state officials was that there was a 12.5 percent increase in total number of children under the poverty line as compared to a study conducted in 2005.  Center on the Family junior specialist, Ivette Rodriguez Stern, commented, "When you have those poor economic conditions in childhood, it has ramifications for childhood well-being throughout their development."

The national Kids Count reported stated, "The risks posed by economic hardship are greatest among children who experience poverty when they are young and among children who experience persistent and deep poverty.  Growing up in poverty is one of the greatest threats to healthy child development. Poverty and financial stress can impede children's cognitive development and their ability to learn. It can contribute to behavioral, social and emotional problems and poor health."

The Hawaii study also showed a slight increase of teenagers abusing alcohol and drugs.  Furthermore, more than 25 percent of high school students failed to graduate on time, as compared to the national average of 22 percent.  Hawaii ranked 25th in the nation for the well-being of children.

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 6-24-2013, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, REALTOR®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
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