Gasoline prices throughout Hawai'i have fallen for the ninth consecutive week, AAA Hawaii Weekend Gas Watch reports.

It said yesterday that the average price of gas fell by an additional 14 cents over the previous six days to $2.80 a gallon.

Richard Velazquez, AAA Hawaii regional manager, says consumers are getting a much-needed break that is especially gratifying at the start of the holiday season.

Yesterday's average price in Honolulu was $2.70 per gallon for unleaded. That's down 12 cents from last week's price, 76 cents less than last month, and 51 cents lower than this time last year.

In Hilo, the average price was $2.90 a gallon, down just 1 cent from last week, 81 cents under last month, and 49 cents lower than a year ago.

In Honolulu, Costco led the way with the lowest reported price yesterday on www.HonoluluGasPrices.com. At mid-afternoon, Costco's $2.04-per-gallon price at its Iwilei station had drivers backed up on Alakawa Street all the way to Dillingham.