Births decline: Several factors contribute to drop in Hawaii-born babies

OKINAKA

Tribune-Herald file photo In this 2019 file photo, kindergarteners at Kua O Ka La New Century Public Charter School get excited about recess. Births are on the decline in Hawaii, and people 65 and older now account for nearly 20% of the state's population.

Birth rates have declined in Hawaii by 14% since 2016, the sixth largest drop of any state in the nation.