Initial Unemployment Claims Continue Downward

Hawaii County initial unemployment claims are down for the third straight week with statewide claims also declining.

Statewide initial unemployment claims decreased by 6.2%, with this week’s total filings of 1,846 compared to 1,967 filings during the same week in 2012.

The Big Island had 324 claims this week, 10 fewer than the 314 for the same week last year, a decrease of 3.1%.

There were 179 initial claims in Hilo and 135 in Kona, the only two locations on island where the state tracks 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.

Elsewhere around the state, Oahu had 1,132 claims, a decrease of 4.6% while Maui claims decreased 3.5% to 247.

Kauai County saw the biggest drop. The 101 filings represented a 22.9% decline from the same week last year.