LIHU‘E — The unemployment rate in the County of Kaua‘i dropped to its lowest level since the pre-pandemic era, as multiple sectors of the economy added jobs last month ahead of the summer season.
The jobless rate sank to 2.6 percent in April from 3.3 percent in April 2022, according to monthly data released by the Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development &Tourism. The most recent rate was the lowest unemployment rate on Kaua‘i since March 2020, when it measured 2.2 percent.
The accommodation sector was the strongest in the period, as it boosted rolls to 4,300 in April from 3,800 in April 2022. That marked a gain of 13.2 percent in the period.
Professional and business service added 300 jobs in the period to bring its total to 3,100. That was up 10.9 percent.
Five sectors added 100 jobs last month. Transportation, warehousing and utilities was up 5.9 percent to 1,800 jobs; retail trade was up 2.6 percent to 3,900 positions; other service was up 10.0 percent to 1,000 jobs; manufacturing was up 20.0 percent to 600 positions; and arts, entertainment and recreation was up 9.1 percent to 1,200 jobs.
Two sectors — food service and drinking places, and federal government — shed 100 jobs in the period.
The overall job gains came amid a growing labor force, which climbed to 36,800 in April from 36,300 in April 2022. Total employed civilians increased to 35,850 from 35,100 in the same period.
The jobless rate on Kaua‘i compared favorably with neighboring islands. The unemployment rate on O‘ahu dropped to 2.6 percent in April from 3.1 percent in April 2022.
The jobless rate eased to 3.0 percent from 3.2 percent on Hawai‘i Island, while the figure decreased to 2.8 percent from 3.2 percent on Maui. Statewide, the unemployment rate slid to 2.7 percent from 3.1 percent. Data not seasonally adjusted.
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Wyatt Haupt Jr., editor, can be reached at 808-245-0457 or whaupt@thegardenisland.com.
Source: The Garden Island
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