Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted Hawaii’s vulnerable ecosystem of endangered species. Despite some scholars suggesting that the pandemic has offered a silver lining by allowing the environment to regenerate and create a safer habitat for these species, the economic impacts of the pandemic cannot be ignored. This paper aims to explore the economics of endangered species in Hawaii during the COVID-19 pandemic. The reduction in tourism has led to improvements in air quality and traffic congestion, as well as increased conservation efforts. However, the decrease in tourism has also had a negative impact on the economy, as tourism is a significant contributor to Hawaii’s economy. This paper analyzes the economic trade-offs between conservation efforts and economic growth and explore potential solutions to ensure the long-term sustainability of Hawaii’s endangered species and economy.
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