Jobless rate up to highest in months

Hawaii's unemployment rate rising to its highest level in 15 months. The unemployment rate in the state rose to 6.6 % in December from 6.5 % in November, the highest level since August 2010, according to a report released by the Dept. of Labor and Industrial Relations.

Hawaii was one of only three states in which the unempolyemnt rate was higher in December than in November.

Hawaii's rate is on track to rise again in January because of the shutdown of Hawaii Medical Center's two hospitals on Oahu. The medical center laid off nearly 1,000 workers in late December and early January.

One of my buyers who worked for HMC was laid off right before Christmas and in the middle of negotiations to purchase a great home in Kaneohe. I felt so sad for them because their offer was accepted but the had to pull out due to the unfortunate circumstances.

So lets hope for the best and get all these people back to work so the state can have some economic recovery.

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