A new University of Hawaii survey shows islanders are more satisfied with their lives than last year, yet far more are thinking about leaving — a warning sign for the state's economy.

• Nearly nine in ten residents said they are satisfied with life in Hawaii, up from last year.
• At the same time, 46% considered moving out of state in the past year, up from 40%.
• The cost of living is the main reason people want to leave.
• Younger adults, lower earners, and people with less education are hit hardest.
• State officials point to new laws on medical debt relief and a higher minimum wage as fixes; critics call the jump in people eyeing the exit a wake-up call.

Outlook: Unless living costs come down, Hawaii risks losing more of its young workers and families even as overall happiness stays high.