Unemployement Rate Drops in August, States’ Lowest Since 2008
Hawai’i’s unemployment rate for August is the lowest its been since 2008.
Hawai’i County’s unemployment rate for August was 4.2 percent, compared to 5.2 percent in 2014.
According to a recent release from the Hawai’i State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for August was 3.5 percent, down from 3.7 percent in July.
According to the release, the last time the rate was at or below 3.5 percent was in March of 2008, when it was 3.4 percent.
Throughout the state, 649,350 were employed and 23,700 unemployed in August for a total seasonally adjusted labor force of 673,050.
Otherwise, in the nation the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.1 percent in August, down from 5.3 percent in July.
According to the release, both initial claims and weeks claims decreased by 266 or -18.2 percent and 2,220 or -22.9 percent respectively for unemployment benefits compared to one year ago. Over-the-month, both initial claims and weeks claims also decreased by -8.4 percent and -6.0 percent respectively from July 2015.
The figures above represent seasonally adjusted unemployment rate figures.
According to DLIR, total nonagricultural jobs increased by 8,200 over-the- month. Major industries that experienced job gains were Leisure and Hospitality with an increase of 700 jobs, Construction with an increase of 500 jobs, Trade, Transportation, an Utilities gained 400 jobs, Educational and Health Services (+400), and Financial Activities increased by 200.
Employment in Manufacturing and Other Services remained unchanged. Professional and Business Services dipped by 100 jobs. Government rose by 5,900 jobs, primarily due to an earlier than typical seasonal rise in the Department of Education.
In comparison with August of last year, there has been an increase of 12,800 total nonagricultural jobs, an increase of 2 percent.
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