Persoanl income in Hawaii for the first quarter of 2007 is up 6.1% before adjustments for inflation.  The after inflation adjustment for 2007 is 1.8%.  The national average before inflation adjustments is up 5.8%.

A key concern going forward will be whether Hawai’i’s relatively high inflation rate will continue to rise or begin to settle down. The purchasing power of Honolulu residents took a major hit last year as the inflation rate jumped to 5.8 percent, the highest rate in 15 years. The UH Economic Research Organization is forecasting a 4.8 percent rise in inflation this year, followed by a 3.8 percent rise in 2008.

Personal income growth above the increase in inflation is good news, giving residents more money to play with.