Bureau of Labor Statistics
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BLS 08-69 |
Consumer prices in the Honolulu metropolitan area rose 4.9 percent from one year prior and 2.2 percent in the first half of 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor. Regional Commissioner Richard J. Holden said that rising housing prices contributed strongly to the all items annual increase.
The housing index rose 5.6 percent for the year and 1.4 percent for the past six months. Over-the-year prices for the shelter component of housing advanced 3.5 percent while the fuels and utilities component jumped 36.4 percent. Costs for shelter increased 0.6 percent and fuels and utilities increased 14.6 percent during the past six months. Within fuels and utilities, utility (piped) gas service prices rose 31.7 percent and electricity rates soared 43.5 percent for the year. This was the largest annual electricity price gain since a 61.2 percent increase from 1980 to 1981. Prices for utility (piped) gas service advanced 17.7 percent and for electricity advanced 20.0 percent in the past six months.
The transportation index for Honolulu rose 5.4 percent from first half of 2007, and 4.8 percent from the second half of 2007. Gasoline prices rose 21.8 percent from a year prior and 15.2 percent from six months ago.
Food and beverages prices increased 4.7 percent for the year and 2.6 percent for the past six month period. Food away from home prices increased 2.8 percent for the year, compared to a 6.1 percent increase for food at home prices. Over the six-month period, prices for food away from home increased 0.8 percent compared to a 4.7 percent increase for food at home. Prices for alcoholic beverages advanced 7.3 percent for the year, and 3.3 percent for the past six months.
Recreation prices rose 3.5 percent over the year and 2.4 percent from six months ago. The education and communication index measured 2.0 percent higher for the year and edged up 0.1 percent for the past six months.
Apparel prices increased 3.2 percent over the past year and 0.3 percent over the past six months. Miscellaneous other goods and services prices advanced 5.1 percent for the year and 2.8 percent for the past six months.
The Honolulu area's Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) advanced to 227.334 (1982-84=100) during the first half of 2008. This means a market basket of goods and services that cost $100.00 in 1982-84 would have cost $227.33 during the past six months. Local area CPI data are not seasonally adjusted.
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Last Modified Date: August 14, 2008
