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Video Headline: Gas Prices Across America

We're going to take a more detailed look at fuel prices in this segment. Premium gas is about to hit 5 dollars a gallon in Wailuku, and diesel is five-22 to five-40 even in the most competitive parts of the state. Let's take a look at the three Triple-A survey cities, folded in with comparable prices on the mainland this morning.

I did a little bit of rounding, but Portland prices are now commensurate with Honolulu, Seattle is about even with Hilo, much of California has pulled even with Wailuku, and Santa Barbara leads the mainland at four-70 a gallon. Now let's look at a separate ranking by statewide average prices.

Hawaii is roughly tied for third place, though actually Connecticut prices are slightly higher. I should point out, however, that the statewide averages Triple-A publishes are based on only those markets which they survey, so Hawaii's average does not include more remote locales where prices are much higher.

Other Business Headlines:

Horizon Lines is matching the July fuel surcharge increase by Matson Navigation. Both will tack more than 38% onto the cost of shipping a container to Hawaii. Matson also set a new precedent by adopting a separate and one percent higher surcharge for its Guam and Micronesia shippings, which travel farther. Horizon Lines also serves those markets.

With June two thirds over, arrivals by air are down almost 13%. Second quarter arrivals will probably fail to crack 2 million this time. Arrivals for 2008 to date are below 3.7 million. Subtract roughly 15% for returning locals and you get about 3 million visitors in the first half of the year, if that.

From our Who's-New-at-That-Desk Desk -- Grace Pacific Chairman David Hulihee has taken on the additional role of CEO as Robert Wilkinson retires. And who's going to head the search for a permanent successor? Walter Dods, who seems to be busier now than when he was running First Hawaiian Bank.

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