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HAWAII
Hawaii gas prices keep setting records

Gasoline prices on Oahu and Maui hit records again yesterday, with the price on Honolulu jumping 8.1 cents a gallon to $2.694 and the Valley Isle price rising 8.5 cents to just under $3.

The statewide average price for regular unleaded gas hit a record $2.788 a gallon yesterday, marking the seventh straight week of record prices, according to AAA.

In Hilo, the average price rose by 9 cents a gallon and was just shy of a record $2.814 set Wednesday.

Income tax deadline approaches

Individuals who have not yet filed Hawaii personal income tax returns for 2004 face a Monday deadline to submit their papers.

Those not ready to file in time can seek an extension until Oct. 20, but an extension request must be filed and at least 90 percent of the total tax due must be paid.

Forms can be filed online at www.ehawaiigov.org/efile. Forms are available at www.state.hi.us/tax.

Latest state statistics are available

The state has released the latest copy of the State of Hawaii Data Book on the Web at www.hawaii.gov/dbedt/latest.

The 2004 edition of the data book has nearly 800 tables of information on the economy, government, population and social conditions. For instance, nearly everyone between 12 to 58 years of age had a cell phone in Hawaii as of June 2004.

Realtors seek award nominations

The Honolulu Board of Realtors will accept nominees for the eighth annual Aloha Aina Realtor Awards until Sept. 30.

Categories include outstanding newcomer, Realtors choice and people's choice.

Nomination forms for Realtors choice and people's choice awards are available at www.HiCentral.com. Forms for outstanding newcomer awards are available by calling 732-3000, ext. 738.

NATION
Delta's cash falls below threshold

Delta Air Lines Inc., the third- largest U.S. carrier, told pilots that its cash levels have fallen below a threshold specified in an agreement between the two sides, showing the company is at greater risk for bankruptcy.

The carrier sent its pilots a packet yesterday notifying them of its dwindling cash, Delta's Air Line Pilots Association union said in a message to members. Pilots' contracts won't be affected by the development as long as the company stays out of bankruptcy, the union said.

The Atlanta-based airline last year won $1 billion in cost cuts from the pilots, helping it avoid following UAL Corp.'s United Airlines and US Airways Group Inc. into bankruptcy. Increased competition from low-fare rivals and record jet-fuel prices have contributed to four years of losses at Delta. The company has begun selling off units to raise cash.

Delta has warned throughout this year that it may seek Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection from creditors if its cash levels drop to an "unacceptably low level" or if it can't reduce costs enough to stem losses.