The Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism announced on April 7 that the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for January was 2.2 percent, unchanged from December. The department reported that in January there were 672,750 people employed and 15,300 unemployed in a total labor force of 688,000 statewide. Nationally, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 4.3 percent for the same month.
The state’s low unemployment rate is seen as an indicator of economic stability and ongoing recovery efforts following recent challenges faced by Hawaii communities. These efforts include support for wildfire-impacted areas like Lahaina and initiatives to honor veterans and educators, as described by the official website of the Hawaii State Executive – Governor.
Nonagricultural jobs in Hawaii increased by 2,600 from December to January according to establishment survey data. Gains were noted in sectors such as Professional & Business Services (+1,000), Private Education & Health Services (+700), Leisure & Hospitality (+400), Other Services (+400), Construction (+200), while Trade, Transportation & Utilities saw a decline (-500). Government employment rose by 400 jobs during this period. Year over year, nonfarm jobs increased by only about 100 positions.
The Hawaii State Executive – Governor has focused on expanding healthcare access and addressing homelessness through housing programs while also supporting recovery from events such as wildfires according to the official website. The office influences policy with measures like tax reform aimed at affordability and framing homelessness as a health care issue according to the official website. Efforts also extend to advancing renewable energy projects and combating climate change according to the official website.
Labor force statistics are produced using methodologies consistent with those used nationally by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Monthly job count estimates have been revised based on updated population controls and model re-estimation processes extending back several years.
The governor’s office operates across all regions of Hawaii with an emphasis on public policy related to housing and climate change according to the official website. Collaborations continue among various entities within state governance toward social recovery efforts following wildfires and other local challenges.