WASHINGTON >> The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits declined slightly last week, falling to the lowest point in 13 weeks.

The Labor Department said Thursday that weekly benefit applications dipped to 253,000, the lowest level since it stood at 248,000 for the week of April 16.

Weekly claims, which are a proxy for layoffs, have been below 300,000 for 72 consecutive weeks, the longest stretch since 1973. The less volatile four-week average declined to 257,750, down from 259,000 the previous week.

ON THE MOVE

Hawaiian Telcom has promoted Walter Gess to vice president-controller. He is responsible for Hawaiian Telcom’s general ledger, taxation, payroll and accounts/accounting. Gess has 30 years of experience in accounting, auditing and financial reporting and was previously the director-assistant controller at Hawaiian Telcom. Prior to that he spent 20 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Hilton Grand Vacations has named Pamela Yagi the new general manager of Hilton Grand Vacations at Hilton Hawaiian Village. Her responsibilities include providing strategic leadership to the resort’s operations teams at the Grand Waikikian, Kalia Tower and Lagoon Tower. Yagi was previously a general manager of the Hokulani Waikiki by Hilton Grand Vacations Club as well as an interim general manager at the Courtyard by Marriott Waikiki Beach and an assistant general manager at the Holiday Inn Resort Waikiki Beachcomber.

SHIP AHOY!

Today’s ship arrivals and departures:

HONOLULU HARBOR