Peer-to-peer car sharing brings economic mobility to residents in Hawaiʻi

Right now, it’s fair to say many Hawaiʻi residents are confronting financial uncertainty– with unprecedented national inflation accompanied by the state’s notorious high costs of living– financial hardship seems to be one missed paycheck away. But by using a car-sharing platform like Turo, to give others access to mobility with their car, locals get the economic mobility they deserve in return.

A recent study proves peer-to-peer car sharing provides hosts in Hawai’i with a profit. From the 2022 “Economic Opportunity” study by SCIMA, assuming a 4-day vehicle sharing period at a median $59 per day (after related fixed fees and taxes) any host can profit at least $115. Imagine what happens to a neighbor’s wallet beyond 4 days of sharing per month! The best part - Turo represents passive income at its finest, leaving hosts able to earn money while still fulfilling their full-time jobs or other daily responsibilities. 

In a matter of days, car costs are covered – whether it be a lease payment, insurance, maintenance and more. The more a car is shared, the more money is earned. Most important to note, this earned profit ensures Turo hosts in Hawaiʻi reach the quality of life they truly deserve, often taking them from low income to making a livable wage. This accounts for over 50 percent of Turo hosts in Hawaiʻi. These profits aren’t just helping people pay for vehicle expenses - it’s also to keep a roof over their heads, food on the table, debts paid and poverty at bay.   

“Having this opportunity to share these cars with Turo, for the first time in my life, has given me the chance to not rely on the government support and [to] get off of Social Security, Disability, [and] be able to pay my rent, buy groceries, and pay for my medical [bills],” said Kauaʻi Turo host Aakara Wiegand. I also travel to Oʻahu for medical [services], and using Turo as someone that needs a vehicle has been really good for me, too, because it's less stressful.”

Among all the Hawaiʻi households in the SCIMA study sample, 59.8 percent have a livable income after adding the cash proceeds from hosting— a 3.7 percentage point increase compared with those same households before the cash proceeds from Turo. In this same scenario, poverty would decrease 3.1 percentage points, according to the study.

Hawaiʻi residents can take advantage of their state’s prime destination for tourist activity. Especially at a time when rental car companies and dealerships are still running short on vehicles, Turo hosts can step in to save the day, share their car with someone in need, guide them on how to be a good visitor to the islands, and make a profit while doing so.

Turo welcomes all new hosts with open arms, giving them the opportunity to go where they want to go in life thanks to the earning potential and economic benefits. Simply put, Hawaiʻi residents hosting through Turo can improve their lives and spread the Aloha spirit while doing so. 

You can read the full Turo-funded SCIMA study here.