Economic Impact of the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services on the State of Hawai‘i in Fiscal Year 2024

from UHERO, October 21, 2025

The Department of Environmental Services (ENV) provides essential wastewater and solid waste services for the City and County of Honolulu, and its operations and capital investments contribute significantly to the local economy. This analysis estimates the economic impact of ENV’s fiscal year 2024 expenditures using the Hawai‘i State Input-Output multipliers published by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

--$461 million in local ENV expenditures generated a total of $937 million in statewide output of goods and services.

--ENV’s spending supported approximately 4,300 jobs across the state.

--The $283 million in household earnings generated by ENV’s activities benefited workers across multiple industries.

--State tax revenues grew by over $52 million as a result of ENV-related activity.

--In the area of Construction, ENV activities resulted in 1932 jobs, $442 million in output, $144 million in labor income, and $26 million in state tax revenue.

These figures highlight more than just short-term economic activity. They underscore ENV’s role as a local engine of employment and income, while also investing in infrastructure that protects public health, safeguards natural resources, and supports O‘ahu’s future growth.

PDF: UHERO Report