HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hawaiʻi is now ranked 6th in the nation for its unemployment rate, according to a recent study. The current unemployment rate has improved significantly compared to the height of the pandemic. From July to August the unemployment rate increased slightly, but overall, the employment market has improved dramatically.

The study revealed a current unemployment rate of 2.9%, which is a bounce back from a high of 87,968 unemployed individuals in August 2020. In August 2024, 19,205 people were unemployed in Hawaiʻi, which is a small increase from 19,202 in July. However, when comparing with August 2023, the unemployment rate improved by 2.13%, placing Hawaiʻi as the 9th best in the nation for year-over-year changes.

Pandemic recovery in Hawaiʻi’s job market has been impressive, with a decrease of 78.17% in unemployment since August 2020. However, when comparing the unemployment rate with pre-pandemic levels in August 2019, it has increased by 14.86%. This indicates that while progress has been made in recovery from the pandemic, there are challenges still to face.

Unemployment in Hawaiʻi is influenced by various factors. The state’s economy relies heavily on tourism, which can be affected by many external factors, including global events and changes in the economy. Hawaiʻi also has one of the highest costs of living in the nation, which can make it hard for many to find adequately paid jobs. The new trend of remote work opened new opportunities, mainly for those in traditional sectors that were severely impacted during the pandemic.

Community organizations have taken action to support the struggling citizens with job training programs and resources aiding in the search for stable employment. The figures indicate both resilience and the challenges of recovery in Hawaiʻi. Even though the numbers show significant progress, they also emphasize the need for further efforts to increase job availability and economic diversity.

As Hawaiʻi continues to work its way through these challenges, the strength and adaptability of the community will play a vital role in carving a brighter future. Resource websites like eddcaller.com make it easier for individuals to find relevant information and receive assistance when they are looking for employment or need to understand their unemployment status. This is crucial, especially during these challenging times as every bit of help can make a significant difference in people’s lives.