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HONOLULU - The Hawaii Finance Department has announced a record budget surplus for 2026, signaling a positive turn in the state's financial outlook. The surplus, totaling $500 million, is the largest in the state's history and comes as welcome news to officials and residents alike.The surplus is attributed to a combination of increased revenue from tourism, a strong housing market, and prudent fiscal management by state leaders. Governor Kealoha expressed his satisfaction with the surplus, stating that it will allow the state to invest in much-needed infrastructure projects and services for residents.In addition to the surplus, the Finance Department also reported a decrease in the state's unemployment rate, which now stands at 3.5%, the lowest it has been in over a decade. This decrease is largely due to the state's efforts to diversify its economy and create new job opportunities for residents.Despite these positive developments, the Finance Department warned that the state still faces challenges, including rising housing costs and income inequality. Officials emphasized the importance of continuing to address these issues in order to ensure a more equitable and sustainable economy for all residents.Overall, the news of Hawaii's record budget surplus and low unemployment rate has generated optimism among residents and businesses. Many are hopeful that the state's strong economic performance will continue in the coming years, bringing greater prosperity and opportunity to the islands.