Hawaiçi bankruptcy filings increased at their slowest pace in 15 months in August, though they remained at a high level.

Figures released by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Honolulu show there was a 38 percent increase in filings last month, or the lowest rise on a percentage basis since May 2008.
Bankruptcies have been rising at a significant clip — more than 40 percent each month — since last spring as a series of economic setbacks both locally and nationally took a toll on personal finances. In all, 258 petitions for relief from creditors were filed in August or 71 more filings than in August 2008.
The filings are part of mixed news about the economy. Some people say the recession may be coming to an end while others worry a double-dip recession may occur.
Total filings were 250 or more for the sixth consecutive month.
But the number declined for a second straight month from June, when the state recorded a 44-month high of 271 bankruptcies.