Hawai'i's unemployment rate held at 6.9 percent for a third consecutive month in March.

Figures released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show Hawai'i's unemployment rate was the eighth-lowest among states and tied with Kansas. It compared with the national average of 9.7 percent.

Michigan continued to lead the nation with a 14.1 percent jobless rate during the month. North Dakota was lowest at 4.1 percent.

Hawaii's unemployment rate has been in the 6.8 percent to 7.0 percent range since last April as jobless rates reached highs not seen since 1978.

The 6.9 percent rate in March compared with a 6.6 percent rate a year earlier.