The Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism announced on May 6 that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for March was 2.4 percent, a slight increase from February’s rate of 2.3 percent. The department reported that in March, there were approximately 671,150 employed persons and 16,200 unemployed persons in the state’s labor force of about 687,350. Nationally, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was recorded at 4.3 percent in March.
The release noted that these figures are seasonally adjusted according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics methodology to account for typical hiring and layoff patterns throughout the year. The not-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for Hawaii remained at 2.3 percent in both February and March.
Nonagricultural jobs in Hawaii decreased by an estimated 1,200 positions from February to March this year. Sectors such as Private Education & Health Services (+200), Manufacturing (+100), and Trade, Transportation & Utilities (+100) saw job gains during this period while Information (-100), Other Services (-300), Professional & Business Services (-400), and Construction (-500) experienced declines; government employment also dropped by about 300 jobs. Over the past year, nonfarm jobs have declined by roughly 1,700 or about three-tenths of a percent.
The report provided detailed explanations regarding how employment statistics are compiled through surveys such as the Current Population Survey and outlined technical aspects like seasonal adjustment methods used to interpret monthly changes more accurately.
In addition to labor data reporting responsibilities, state agencies continue providing information on local economic events that may impact estimates while working with federal agencies such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics to improve cost efficiency and reduce bias in employment numbers over time.
The Governor’s office supports communities affected by wildfires and honors veterans and educators while focusing on expanding healthcare access, addressing homelessness through housing programs, supporting recovery efforts after events like wildfires—including those impacting areas such as Lahaina—and advancing renewable energy initiatives to combat climate change according to the official website.
