Many small businesses have left for the Mainland.
One would be crazy to stay in Hawaii for economic reasons if one could leave. Unless you are renting beach chairs to tourists...
The weather is great, but is that enough ?
The taxes are not only large, but there are indirect taxes or "unfunded mandates" like full health insurance coverage for part time staff.
Hawaii is wonderful to visit and they do have many nice people, but is that enough ?
Some say yes.
We have never wanted to employ people because the regulations are too onerous.
So far we're doing OK on our own.