The Hawai‘i State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) has reported that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for January remained at 3.0 percent. This figure has been consistent for the past six months following a benchmark revision. The state recorded 662,850 employed individuals and 20,400 unemployed, making up a total labor force of 683,250. Nationally, the unemployment rate stood at 4.0 percent in January.
The department clarified that these figures are seasonally adjusted according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) standards. Without seasonal adjustment, Hawai‘i's unemployment rate was slightly lower at 2.7 percent in January compared to December's 2.8 percent.
In terms of industry payroll employment, there was a decrease of 500 nonagricultural jobs from December to January. Increases were noted in sectors such as Manufacturing and Private Education & Health Services, each adding about 100 jobs. Conversely, significant job losses occurred in Leisure & Hospitality with a reduction of 1,100 positions primarily within Food Services & Drinking Places.
Government employment saw an increase by approximately 1,300 jobs due to fewer seasonal worker releases than usual in the Department of Education and University of Hawai‘i system.
Year-over-year data shows an increase in nonfarm jobs by 9,900 or about 1.6 percent.
The report also included technical notes on labor force components and seasonal adjustments used by BLS to refine employment data accuracy across different periods.
Dr. Eugene Tian serves as the Chief State Economist for DBEDT's Research and Economic Analysis Division.