The average unemployment rate in Hawaiʻi County fell to 3.3% in May, according to data released by the Department of Labor & Industrial Relations (DLIR) last week.
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for Hawaiʻi County during April 2019 was 3.8%. Last year in May, the rate was at a record-low of 2.6%.
Hawaiʻi County’s unemployment rate falls slightly below the national average of 3.6% for May, but remained above the statewide average of 2.8% which remained unchanged during March and April this year.
Statewide, DLIR announced that 648,850 were employed and 18,900 were unemployed in May for a total seasonally adjusted labor force of 667,800. Initial claims increased slightly by 1.1% while weeks claims decreased by -1.6% for unemployment benefits compared to one year ago. Over-the-month both initial claims and weeks claims grew by 2.8% and 1.9% respectively in May 2019.
Graphic courtesy of DLIR.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD
Industry Payroll Employment
In another measure of employment released by DLIR, the total number of non-agricultural jobs declined by 1,200 over-the-month. Within the major industries, job gains were seen in Education & Health Services (+400), Professional & Business Services (+200) and Other Services (+200). Employment in Financial Activities remained stable. Job losses occurred in Information (-100), Manufacturing (-200), Construction (-400), Leisure & Hospitality (-500) and Trade, Transportation, & Utilities (-600). Government jobs decreased by 200. In comparison with May 2018, total non-farm jobs have expanded by 2,200, or 0.3%.
This comments section is a public community forum for the purpose of free expression. Although Big Island Now encourages respectful communication only, some content may be considered offensive. Please view at your own discretion. View Comments
The average unemployment rate in Hawaiʻi County fell to 3.3% in May, according to data released by the Department of Labor & Industrial Relations (DLIR) last week.
