Business briefs

Advertiser Staff

Drop in arrivals easing off

Compared with a year ago, the number of international passengers flying to Hawai'i was down 10 percent yester-day, two days after the start of the Iraqi war.

The decline was smaller than the 29 percent plunge the day before.

While figures on other types of passengers were not immediately available yesterday, state figures showed the number of domestic passengers to Hawai'i on Thursday was down 2.9 percent, also a smaller drop than the 6.4 percent decline Wednesday. The total number of passengers to the state was down 9.7 percent Thursday.

While Hawaiian Airlines filed for bankruptcy protection yesterday, Aloha Airlines spokesman Stu Glauberman said Aloha has not had any significant drop in bookings since the outbreak of hostilities.

Many in the tourism industry were closely watching the war news because the conflict would weigh in the public's willingness to travel.

Gas prices set Honolulu record

Honolulu gas prices hit a record high yesterday, reaching an average of $1.968 a gallon for unleaded regular gas, according to the AAA travel club.

The average price in Wailuku, Maui, stayed level at $2.274 per gallon. And in Hilo, the average dropped slightly to $2.079 per gallon.

The statewide average rose to $2.048 per gallon, still short of the highest recorded price of $2.057, but up by more than 16 cents since a month ago.