Hawai'i's statewide average gasoline price has achieved a new record, with a gallon of regular hitting $3.697. Diesel fuel also reached a new high for the state with an average price of $4.261.

The new gasoline price eclipses the old mark of about $3.684 a gallon, set in September 2005 after refineries shut down in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, according to data from AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Web site. The new high also follows the average price for a gallon of regular reaching $4 a gallon yesterday in Wailuku, a new high for Maui.

"Prices are continuing to go up statewide and Maui became the first region in the nation to reach a $4 a gallon average price," said AAA Hawaii Regional Manager Richard Velazquez in a press statement.

"AAA Hawaii advises motorists to find one location to take care of banking, grocery shopping and other chores."

Prices are tracing the rise of crude oil, which now trades for more than $100 a barrel, and as gasoline prices on the Mainland reach new highs. The Hawai'i average rose as retail prices for gasoline rose in the three markets tracked by AAA locally.

Statewide gasoline prices for regular have risen by about 67 cents in the past year, while the average gallon of diesel is up 76 cents during that time.

Other markets that are tracked by AAA statewide also are nearing record levels.

Honolulu's regular average price is at $3.592, or 0.002 cents off of the record price.

Hilo's price is at $3.705, less than the $3.773 high reached in September 2005.

AAA does not track prices on Kaua'i, Moloka'i or Lana'i. The latter two markets reportedly are well above the $4 a gallon level.

The automobile club's data shows Hawai'i's statewide average is still lower than California's, which leads the nation with an average regular price of $3.767.

Maui's prices are the highest of any city or county that is tracked by AAA.