HAWAII

Gas prices dip by double digits

Gasoline prices experienced double-digit declines again throughout Hawaii this past week and dropped more than 20 cents a gallon in Honolulu. The statewide average declined by 23 cents to $3.66 a gallon for regular unleaded, according to the AAA.

Yesterday's average price in Honolulu was $3.54 a gallon for unleaded, down 64 cents from last month, and 46 cents higher than this time last year. In Hilo, the average price was $3.73 a gallon, 72 cents less than last month, and 54 cents higher than last year. The average price in Wailuku was $4.10 a gallon, down 49 cents from last month, and 61 cents higher than last year.

“;This is the fourth week of double-digit declines throughout the Islands,”; AAA Hawaii Regional Manager Richard Velazquez said in a statement. “;The declines are even larger than last week but still much higher than a year ago for Hawaii motorists.”;

Isle credit union to expand base

Aloha Airlines Federal Credit Union, once the exclusive credit union for Aloha Airlines and Island Air, has received regulatory approval to expand its membership, which allows the credit union to serve all Hawaii residents in the airline industry. The credit union's original membership sponsor, Aloha Airlines, stopped flying in April.

All isle airline industry as well as vendor or government transportation employees are now eligible. With the expansion, the credit union will focus on creating a new name and brand, to be announced before Christmas.

“;We began to plan for this expansion as well as a new name far in advance of any of Aloha Airlines' troubles,”; credit union President Guy Usui said yesterday in a statement. “;Certainly, though, Aloha Airlines' shutdown accelerated those plans and we now expect to cap-off these expansion plans with our new name.”;

  Founded in 1952 to serve what was known as “;TPA-The Aloha Airline,”; Aloha Airlines Federal is Hawaii's largest airline credit union with more than $30 million in assets.

HECO participates in Arbor Day

In celebration of Arbor Day, Hawaiian Electric Co. and its partners will give away 2,600 native and exotic trees and shrubs at six sites on Oahu on Nov. 8.

Patio plants, flowering trees, fruit trees and shade trees will be given away, one per family. Supplies are usually exhausted within two hours.

Certified arborists and volunteers will be on hand at the giveaway sites to offer advice on plant selection, and attendees will receive brochures with tips on tree placement, planting and care.

For more information about Oahu's six locations and times, visit http://www.arbordayhawaii.org and click “;Arbor Day events and locations.”;

Adult day center application open

KEL Elder Social Centers said earlier this week that it is now open and accepting applications for a new adult day center at Windward Baptist Church in Kahalu'u.

KEL Elder Social Centers will provide daily care for those that are frail, elder and lacking socialization. KEL specializes in dementia related social and therapeutic programs, and will be open Monday-Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Daily schedules include social and therapeutic programs, and hot lunches and two snacks.

The nonprofit organization was formed in 2007 and funded by grants from the Harold K. Castle and Atherton Foundation. For more information, contact Kelika Ishol, executive director, at 388-6242 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).