Maui Island Unemployment Rate 2.3% in August

The unemployment rate for the island of Maui was 2.3% in August, according to the Hawaiʻi Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. While the islandʻs unemployment rate for August decreased slightly from 2.4% the month before, the rate increased from 2.2% a year ago.

The unemployment rate for Maui County in August was 2.4%, compared to 2.6% the month before, and 2.3% from August of last year. According to the department, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the entire state in August was 2.7%, which was up slightly from 2.8% the month before, and higher than the 2.5% reported in August of last year.

Unemployment for August 2019. PC: Maui Now graphic.

Statewide, 18,000 residents were unemployed in August. Nationally, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.7% in August, the same as in July of 2019.

Initial claims increased by about 6.6%, while weeks claims decreased by -0.3% percent for unemployment benefits compared to one year ago. Over the month, initial claims dropped by -8.8%, while weeks claims were down by about -9.0% in August 2019.

These unemployment rate figures are seasonally adjusted in accordance with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics methodology. The not seasonally adjusted rate for the state was 2.5% in August, compared to 2.7% in July.

In another measure of employment, the DLIR reports that total non-agricultural jobs declined by 1,800 over-the-month.

Within the major industries, job gains occurred in:

• Professional & Business Services (+400),
• Education & Health Services (+300),
• Leisure & Hospitality (+200),
• Construction (+100), and
• Manufacturing (+100).

Job losses were experienced in:

• Financial Activities (-100), and
• Trade, Transportation, & Utilities (-400).

Meantime, Employment in Financial Activities remained stable.  Government decreased by 2,400 jobs. And, in comparison with August 2018, total non-farm jobs have expanded by 600, or 0.1%.