Isle bankruptcy filings decline further as job market and debt levels improve

The number of Hawaii residents and businesses filing for bankruptcy fell 19 percent in August, U.S. Bankruptcy Court reported Tuesday, extending a downward trend in filings that began nearly three years ago.

There were 168 bankruptcies filed in August compared with 208 the same month a year ago. Through the first eight months of 2013, bankruptcy filings are running 17 percent below the same period in 2012.

Filings fell 2 percent on Oahu to 111 in August from 113 a year earlier. Hawaii County saw a 46 percent decline to 14 cases from 26 cases during the same period a year ago. The number of filings in Maui County fell to 33 from 59, a drop of 44 percent. Kauai County filings were unchanged at 10 cases.

The bulk of the filings in August — 136 cases — were filed under Chapter 7 of the federal bankruptcy code, which calls for liquidation of a debtor’s assets. There were 31 filings under Chapter 13 and one under Chapter 11.

Bankruptcy filings have been on a downward trend since 2010, when they averaged 330 a month after the last economic recession.

The decline in Hawaii bankruptcy cases has mirrored an improving job market and a reduction in consumer debt loads.

Hawaii consumers cut their credit card debt to an average $5,235 in July from $7,142 in July 2012, according to the latest data available from personal finance company Credit Karma. Although Hawaii’s average credit card debt was the third highest nationally, the average credit score of 666 for Hawaii residents was tied for the top spot with Washington, D.C. Borrowers with higher credit scores represent a lower risk to the lender.

Bankruptcies also have been in a long-term declining trend nationally. An improving economy and sustained low interest rates have helped consumers and businesses shore up their balance sheets, according to the American Bankruptcy Institute. The nation as a whole could see the fewest bankruptcies in 2013 than in any year since the financial crisis hit in 2008, according to the ABI.