LIHU‘E — Steady hiring in key sectors of the island economy helped push the unemployment rate down a full percentage point last month, when compared with the same period last year.
The jobless rate dropped to 2.7 percent in August from 3.7 percent in August 2022, according to monthly data released by the Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development &Tourism. The most recent reading was the lowest among the four major islands in Hawai‘i.
Four sectors — accommodation, other service, professional and business service, and retail trade — each added 200 jobs in the period. That marked gains of 5.1 percent, 20.0 percent, 6.9 percent and 5.3 percent, respectively.
Two sectors — local government, and transportation, warehousing and utilities — each added 100 jobs. That marked increases of 7.7 percent and 5.9 percent, respectively.
On the downside, state government dropped 200 jobs for a decrease of 6.9 percent.
Five sectors — arts, entertainment and recreation, federal government, financial activities, food service and drinking places, and natural resources — each shed 100 jobs.
That marked decreases of 8.3 percent, 16.7 percent, 9.1 percent, 2.3 percent and 4.8 percent, respectively.
All told, civilian employment eased to 35,600 in August from 35,750 in August 2022, the monthly data showed. At the same time, the civilian labor force fell to 36,600 from 37,100. Data subject to revision.
The highest unemployment rate across the four major islands was posted in Maui at 4.1 percent in August. That was up from 3.4 percent in August 2022, in large part due to the devastating wildfires that occurred on the island last month.
The jobless rate on O‘ahu dropped to 2.9 percent in August from 3.7 percent in August 2022, while the Hawai‘i Island figure decreased to 3.3 percent from 3.9 percent. Statewide, the unemployment rate fell to 3.1 percent from 3.7 percent in the same period.
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Wyatt Haupt Jr., editor, can be reached at 808-245-0457 or whaupt@thegardenisland.com.
