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Natural calamities and a “no growth” local economy are not stopping Hawaii’s governor from posting strong approval ratings numbers as he heads into the completion of his first term in office. Josh Green makes no secret of his interest in serving a second four years as the state’s Democratic governor. This comes while he and state economists agree that Hawaii is in the midst of an economic recession. Green recently said Hawaii is in a “mild recession” because tourism, the state’s major industry, along with rising inflation and the impact of U.S. trade policies and tariffs, are hurting local economic projections. The University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization (UHERO) says those estimates could slow job growth as costs for consumers increase with low-income households taking most of the brunt of the decline. Economists say the construction sector remains a source of strength. The result for Green is that he can say, “I’m fighting hard to make sure that Hawaii comes out much better than anyone would expect given the current political landscape.” At the same time, the public is also noticing and rewarding the 55-year-old Democrat with strong job approval numbers. A new survey earlier this month by Morning Consult shows Green with a 64% job approval rating. That puts him in the top four governors across the nation in the latest rating. Surveys were conducted July to September among registered voters in each state. The survey adds that, “For the first time since late 2023, Josh Green of Hawaii is the most popular Democratic governor in the country, edging out Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Ned Lamont of Connecticut and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, who all join him in the top 10.” While Green is proud of his ranking, he noted in an interview with me that Hawaii fits into the national political picture. “Hawaii’s geopolitical importance is clear to the current administration and I always emphasize the need to support our state in a way that’s consistent with our values,” Green said in an email. “We have deep disagreements over some policies but I don’t let that become a conflict that will damage our priorities like housing and affordability, homeless solutions or land use. “It is a very delicate situation, to say the least, but I am told that Hawaii is considered important to the administration and our leadership team is respected in D.C. Big issues on the near horizon include the military land leases and a major benefits package for Hawaii if they choose to condemn any land for national security reasons, health care funding and energy support,” Green said. As of press time, Green was in Washington, D.C., for a series of national meetings. “Green is expected to meet with the U.S. secretaries of Energy and the Interior, as well as top officials at the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as well as top military officials,” according to a news release from the governor’s office. When Green returns, expect a new round of news if not actual progress on whatever the state is going to do about a new stadium. Green said Hawaii’s New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District will play host to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), but not until at least March 2029, when the new multipurpose stadium is slated to be open for business. Green met with UFC President Dana White and UFC BMF champion and Waianae’s own Max Holloway last week on Maui for a donation to assist wildfire survivors, and discussed hosting a UFC event in the Aloha State for the first time, according to a report in the Star-Advertiser. Richard Borreca writes on politics on Sundays. Reach him at 808onpolitics@gmail.com.
