Unemployment Claims Rise on Big Island

According to numbers released today by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, initial unemployment claims rose slightly on the Big Island this week.

Hawaii Island had 13 more claims filed compared to this same time last year, an increase of 4.7%.

The statewide numbers paint a different picture however, with overall claims falling by 25%, thanks to significant drops in unemployment on Oahu and Maui.

Although the statewide unemployment rate has fallen to 5.1%, the rate on Hawai`i Island remains higher, with 6.9% of the workforce still seeking jobs.