WASHINGTON » Average long-term U.S. mortgage rates fell sharply this week amid concern over a labor market that has shown recent signs of weakness.

Mortgage giant Freddie Mac said Thursday the average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dropped to 3.76 percent from 3.85 percent a week earlier. The rate on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages declined to 2.99 percent from 3.07 percent.

Rates have stayed below 4 percent for 11 straight weeks. This week’s decline brought rates to levels far below last year’s levels, providing an inducement for potential homebuyers. A year ago the average 30-year mortgage rate was 4.19 percent, while the rate for 15-year loans was 3.36 percent.

The heightened interest among potential purchasers and homeowners looking to refinance was evident in a sharp increase in mortgage applications, up 25.5 percent in the week ended Oct. 2 from the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

A government report issued last week showed that U.S. hiring slowed sharply in September, a sour note for a labor market that had been steadily improving.

The tepid pace of hiring complicates the picture for the Federal Reserve, which is deciding whether to raise short-term interest rates later this year for the first time in nine years.

On The Move

» The Kamehameha Schools 2015 Native Hawaiian Community Educator of the Year award has gone to Hokulani Holt-Padilla, a kumu hula, educator and cultural practitioner. She serves as a cultural programs director for the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, a position she held since 2001.

» Kevin T. Sakamoto has been promoted to senior executive vice president at Bank of Hawaii and has joined the bank’s managing committee. Sakamoto, former executive vice president, joined the bank as a management trainee in 1993 and has held various leadership and management positions.

Ship Ahoy!

Today’s ship arrivals and departures: