Initial Unemployment Claims Tick Upwards

Initial unemployment claims across the state rose by 0.7% this week when compared with filings during the same week in 2011.

According to data just released by the Hawaii state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, there were 1,667 total filings this week compared to 1,656 filings during the same week in 2011.

Around the state, Maui County and Oahu saw unemployment claims decrease with 26 and 1 fewer new claims respectively, while Kauai saw filings increase by 3. The largest increase in new unemployment claims statewide was on the Big Island, which saw 40 new filings. Hawaii County had 312 new claims, a 14.7% increase over the 272 claims filed during the same week in 2011.

Broken down by location there were 163 initial claims Hilo and 149 in Kona. (Kona and Hilo are the only two towns in Hawaii County where the state collects data.)

“Initial claims” initiate a determination of eligibility to begin a claimant’s benefit year (new claims) or subsequent period of unemployment (additional claims) within the benefit year.

Although there have been slight variations from week to week for the past three months, initial unemployment claims have overall been on a downward trend since they hit a high of 446 for the week of June 2.