Hawaiʻi County Unemployment at 4.1% in June

Unemployment is continuing to increase in Hawaiʻi County according to the latest data from the State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR). During the month of June, the non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for Hawaiʻi County rose to 4.1%, up from 3.4% in May. During the same time last year, Hawaiʻi County’s unemployment was at 3.7%, according to DLIR.

Statewide, the non-seasonally adjusted average unemployment rate was 3.2%. Hawaiʻi County led the state with the highest unemployment rate, with the exception of Molokaʻi in Maui County.

Statewide, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in June was 2.8%, remaining unchanged for the fourth consecutive month. Jobs increased by 1,200 over-the-year, according to DLIR. A total of 645,550 residents were employed and 18,650 unemployed during June for a total seasonally adjusted labor force of 665,200. Nationally, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.7% in June.

Table courtesy of State DLIR.

Initial claims and weeks claims both decreased by -3.3% and -1.0% respectively for unemployment benefits compared to one year ago. Over-the-month initial claims and weeks claims increased by 3.5% and 4.6% respectively in June 2019.

In a separate measure of employment released by DLIR, the total non-agricultural jobs increased by 300 in June over May. Among the major industries, job gains were seen in:

• Professional & Business Services (+400)
• Construction (+200)
• Trade, Transportation, & Utilities (+100)
• Leisure & Hospitality (+100)
• Government (+200)

Employment in Manufacturing, Information, and Other Services remained unchanged.

Job losses occurred in:

• Financial Activities (-100)
• Education & Health Services (-600)

Compared with one year ago, total non-farm jobs have grown by 1,200.

Table courtesy of State DLIR.