Honolulu Inflation Inching Up But Remains Moderate

BY HAWAII REPORTER

Honolulu Inflation rose by a moderate 1.7 percent last year, fueled by higher electricity and gasoline prices and other increases in goods and services.

The figures released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also showed people paid higher prices for education, communications and housing.

The increase marks a rebound of sorts for Honolulu’s Consumer Price Index, which last year sank to its lowest level in at least a decade  in rising a meager 0.7 percent.  The rate was still slightly ahead of 2010 inflation nationally, which rose at 1.5 percent on a seasonally unadjusted basis.

Honolulu Inflation

2010       1.7%

2009       0.7%

2008       4.3%

2007       4.8%

2006       5.9%

2005       3.8%

2004       3.3%

2003       2.3%

2002       1.1%

2001       1.2%

2000       1.7%

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (not seasonally adjusted)

The data showed that food prices rose 0.4 percent, led by rising costs for restaurant and other meals away from home.

There was also an 8.5 percent spike in energy costs as electricity rose by a double-digit percentage and gasoline jumped by 6 percent.

The BLS also said core inflation, or costs excluding food and energy, advanced 1.3 percent.

It noted there were increases in goods and services, education and communications, clothing and recreation.

Prices fell during the year for household furnishings and medical care.

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