Wailuku gasoline price up 9 cents
HONOLULU - The price of regular unleaded gasoline in Wailuku has risen 9 cents since last week to $4.52 cents a gallon, according to the AAA Hawaii Weekend Gas Watch released Thursday.
Wailuku's average is 12 cents a gallon higher than last month and 50 cents a gallon higher than March 1 of last year. The record price for regular unleaded in Wailuku is $4.98 a gallon, reached May 9.
The statewide average for unleaded was $4.35 a gallon, 11 cents more than a week ago and 25 cents more than a year ago.
Honolulu's average price for unleaded was $4.22 cents a gallon; Hilo's average gas price was the same as Wailuku's, at $4.52 cents a gallon.
Hawaii's gasoline prices are the highest in the nation, though California has moved closer to Hawaii's price at $4.33 a gallon. Actually, California drivers in all major cities are now paying more for gasoline than Honolulu residents.
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New Traditions home sales to start
KAHULUI - D.R. Horton - Schuler Division will begin sales of homes in the New Traditions neighborhood of Maui Lani in Kahului.
Sixty three- and four-bedroom single-family homes are available, ranging from 1,250 to 1,502 square-feet. Homes feature energy-efficient building features including solar water heaters, dual-pane low-E windows and "energy star" appliances, designed to reduce utility costs to homeowners.
Prices will start in the high $300,000 range, with special incentives available on the opening weekend, set for March 10.
"Providing homeownership opportunities for local, working families on Maui continues to be our priority," said Mike Jones, president of the D.R. Horton - Schuler Division.
For information, contact Lisa Baptiste at 877-7707, (808) 757-2859 or lbaptiste@drhorton.com. Updates are also available at www.facebook.com/drhortonhawaii.
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Report: Rail cars can seat only 64
HONOLULU - A report raises concerns that commuters won't use Honolulu's planned rail system because trains won't have enough seats for passengers.
The report by a private consultant hired by the federal government notes that the two-car trains would hold 318 passengers but would have only 64 seats, requiring more than 200 riders to stand.
Ansaldo Honolulu JV won a $1.4 billion contract to produce the train cars and rail operating system.
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation says Ansaldo will be asked to add six seats to each car.
The report says it may not be realistic to expect passengers to endure long commutes while standing. City officials say a lack of seats won't affect ridership because most passengers won't ride the entire route.
