KAILUA-KONA — Hawaii County’s unemployment rate dropped slightly during August, data released by the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations show.
According to the department, 2.7 percent of the Big Island’s workforce was without work in August, down from 3 percent in July.
The only other county in the state to record a decrease in unemployment was Maui County, which saw its jobless rate drop a tad, from 2.2 percent in July to 2.1 percent in August, according to the department.
Honolulu City and County recorded an increase, with unemployment rising from 2 percent to 2.1 percent. Kauai’s unemployment rate was unchanged at 2.3 percent.
Statewide, 2.1 percent of the 689,950-person labor force was without work, according to the department. That rate has held steady since June. During August 2017, the unemployment rate was 2.2 percent.
Nationwide, unemployment did not change from July to August with 3.9 percent of workers unemployed.
Around the state, job growth was reported in the following sectors: Leisure and hospitality (700); trade, transportation and utilities (100); and financial activities (100). State officials attributed the bulk of the increase to job expansion in food services and drinking places.
During August, the following sectors saw positions cut: Education and health services (300); professional and business services (300); and construction (100).