UH Manoa Athletics Pumps $188M Into Hawaii's Economy
A new study finds UH Manoa's athletics program is a major economic engine for Hawaii, and state leaders are rallying behind it.
- The Rainbow Warriors and Wahine sports teams generated over $750 million for Hawaii's economy over the past four years, averaging about $188 million a year.
- Athletics supported more than 1,200 jobs across the state.
- The money comes from four areas: visitor spending on hotels and restaurants, spending by athletic staff and student athletes, athletic revenue like scholarships and media rights, and private donations.
- Hawaii's governor and top business and labor leaders publicly backed the program, signaling continued investment ahead.
Outlook: With strong public and business backing, UH Manoa athletics is likely to keep drawing investment and visitor spending into the state.