Maui Unemployment Claims Drop 35%

Photo Credit: jobs.aol.com/

By Sonia Isotov

For the week ending December 25, 2010, 35% fewer people filed unemployment claims in Maui County over the same period last year.

According to data released by the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, Maui County reported 252 claims filed last week, down from 350 a year ago same period. That’s 138 fewer claims filed.

Statewide initial unemployment claims decreased by 0.1%, with this week’s total filings of 2,052 and filings during the same week in 2009 of 2,055.

Despite the overall decrease in number of claims filed, Oahu and Kauai both saw increases. Oahu had 1,117 new claims filed last week, or a 7.5% increase. Kauai posted an increase of 45% or 205 claims filed last week; for the same week last year.

In contrast, the Big Island only saw a 3 percent decrease from 438 to 425 claims filed, but did lead the neighbor island in most claims filed.