![\"Economists](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/XNF5UNB2JNG73GSIPIJHVQA43A.jpg\")
Economists say the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) typically brings about $100 million into the state every two years over a six-week period.(DVIDS)<\/p>\nHONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The world\u2019s largest maritime training event also brings a big boost to Hawaii businesses.<\/p>\n
Economists say the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) typically brings about $100 million into the state every two years over a six-week period. <\/p>\n
This year could set a record, with the largest iteration of the exercise falling during a milestone July 4th holiday.<\/p>\n
Economists say the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) typically brings about $100 million into the state every two years over a six-week period.(DVIDS)<\/p>\n
More than 30,000 people from across the world are in Hawaii for RIMPAC, many for the first time and eager to experience the islands.<\/p>\n
\u201cThose are folks staying in hotels. They\u2019re shopping. They\u2019re taking things home. They\u2019re eating out at restaurants,\u201d said Laurie Moore, executive director of the state\u2019s Military and Community Relations Office (MACRO). \u201cMom and Dad have come over and are meeting with their son or daughter and making as much of a family vacation out of it.\u201d<\/p>\n
The state says the military spends about $10 billion in Hawaii each year \u2014 9% of the state\u2019s GDP supporting 17% of jobs.<\/p>\n
RIMPAC alone brings in $50 million in direct spending on port services, fuel, logistics, transportation and supplies. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a visible reminder of kind of our larger defense ecosystem,\u201d Moore said, \u201cthat supports our local contracting, our construction.\u201d<\/p>\n
The local agriculture industry is providing food for more than 35 ships and their crews at Pearl Harbor.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt does provide a bump, increased purchasing. We look at the military as a partner,\u201d said Brian Miyamoto, executive director of the Hawaii Farm Bureau. \u201cExposing them to the local ag products and value-added ag products, when they go home, they\u2019ll be able to want and tell people about and maybe help with our export agricultural product industry.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Economists](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/AM6R6I5IH5AW7KHJUBMYRVUQ2E.jpg\")
Economists say the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) typically brings about $100 million into the state every two years over a six-week period.(Hawaii News Now)<\/p>\n
The USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier is essentially a floating city and airport that was featured in the film Top Gun: Maverick.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are the flagship for RIMPAC because of our robust capability for command and control,\u201d said Will Mathis, commanding officer of USS Theodore Roosevelt. \u201cWe are the most advanced strike group to deploy with the F-35, very exciting technology and aircraft.\u201d<\/p>\n
Beaches and Waikiki nightlife are always a highlight for RIMPAC participants. This year, they\u2019re in for a special treat when Waikiki hosts its first-ever Fourth of July fireworks show in honor of the nation\u2019s 250th birthday.<\/p>\n
Local leaders hope to sustain the RIMPAC boost after a slow summer start.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re gonna go be ambassadors or stewards of their experience, so that\u2019s why we wanna roll out the red carpet, make sure that they have a great time, and it\u2019s so important for these small businesses,\u201d said Trevor Abarzua, president and CEO of the Waikiki Improvement Association.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe tattoo parlor that they\u2019re gonna get a tattoo at, you know, the coffee shops that we need that foot traffic, because, you know, we have these people that are coming here and spending more money, which is phenomenal,\u201d Abarzua said.<\/p>\n
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