Hawai`i: Bought & Sold By Big Oil

What it's costing YOU HERE

Although Hawai'i made up only 3% of Chevron's national market, the 1998 Hawai`i State lawsuit found, it accounted for 23% of its total profits. Read parts of the damning Chevron executive's sworn testimony HERE

RECENT MEDIA STORIES

HONOLULU ADVERTISER
March 1, 2007
Blunder dooms gas-price bill in House
By B.J. Reyes.

A measure to give the Public Utilities Commission funding to monitor gasoline-pricing practices is advancing out of the Senate, but appears to have fallen through the cracks in the House. MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
January 27, 2007
PUC needs money to gas-watch
By Sean Hao

Even though Hawai'i's law capping the price of wholesale gasoline has been ditched, gas prices by law are supposed to be tracked by the Public Utilities Commission. But lack of money, and more monitoring authority, has delayed the public watchdog role for months more. It could be months before the state's new oil industry "transparency" program provides the public a window into gasoline pricing practices. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR BULLETIN
January 17, 2007
OUR OPINION
Find a way to monitor oil companies' pricing practices
THE ISSUE
The Legislature may consider a method of forcing oil companies to divulge factors resulting in gasoline prices.

GOV. Linda Lingle is unlikely to reinstate gasoline price caps, mistakenly blamed for last year's high costs at the pump. With her support, legislators should focus in their new session on establishing a mechanism that sheds light on oil company practices resulting in prices that again approach $3 a gallon. MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
Associated Press
January 16, 2007
Legislators frustrated about high gas prices
But the state PUC has not yet formally asked oil refiners in Hawaii to disclose details of their pricing practices*
By Mark Niesse

Frustrated with the failure of the nation's only gas price controls, Hawaii lawmakers are trying to force the oil companies to reveal why gas prices are so high in a captive island market. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR BULLETIN
January 4, 2007
Tax raises isle gas price
Some lawmakers want to reinstate an exemption that expired Monday
By B.J. Reyes

Reinstatement of the general excise tax on gasoline brought about an expected increase in pump prices, along with a call from some lawmakers and Gov. Linda Lingle to restore a tax exemption that had been in place since April. MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
January 2, 2007
Hawai'i's oil industry still not monitored
By Sean Hao

The state does not know how much money oil companies make in Hawai'i, despite an eight-month-old law that requires oil companies to disclose their finances. MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
May 6, 2006
Gasoline price cap repeal won't cut costs
By Sean Hao and Dan Nakaso
Advertiser Staff Writers

Hawai'i's eight-month experiment with gasoline price controls ended yesterday, but the pain consumers are feeling at the pump will likely continue. MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
June 13, 2006
OUR OPINION
Oil industry seizes advantage of uncapped gas prices
THE ISSUE

Average gasoline prices in the past five weeks show Hawaii motorists paid 10 cents more than price caps would have allowed. MORE

September 14, 2006
AFCR ASKING GOVERNOR TO "REINSTATE GAS CAP"
The Numbers Are In; The Gas Cap Was Working!
In the Meantime, Hawaii's Consumers Continue Being Gouged

According to petroleum industry analyst Tim Hamilton, "It's clear consumers could have paid less at the pump in Hawai`i since the price ceiling [Gas Cap] was suspended. Hawaii's economy would be significantly better off if consumers were spending that money locally, instead of putting it in the pockets of the oil companies." Read complete media release HERE

"Governor, reinstate the Gas Cap, please?"
Click HERE to view this KGMB-9 TV News story
with veteran Hawai`i consumer advocate, Scott Foster.

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September 21, 2006
Candidate for governor, William Aila calls on Governor Lingle to "reinstate the Gas Cap."

"The price of gasoline in Hawai`i, should be much closer in line with the national average. High gas prices hurt businesses and the people who can least afford it, the working poor. The Governor of Hawai`i should be looking out for all of its constituents, not just the few petroleum corporations. Hawaii's booming economy isn't benefiting common people and our abnormally higher gas prices are another symptom that's something's very wrong." Media Release HERE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
09/13/06
OUR OPINION
Keep a wary eye on Hawaii's gasoline prices
THE ISSUE
The average price of gasoline has greatly decreased nationally but declined only slightly in Hawaii during the past month.

SCORNED and then withdrawn after Hurricane Katrina caused gas prices to soar, Hawaii's mainland-based gasoline price caps would have led to plummeting prices in recent months if kept in place. Instead, Hawaii's prices have followed the pre-cap behavior of hovering far above mainland prices. The state should investigate the oil oligopoly's explanation for the continuing high prices to determine if the caps should be reinstated. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
09/12/06
HAWAI`I GAS PRICES AGAIN STUCK ON HIGH
Pump prices could be $2.89 a gallon or less if price caps had been retained, as the national average has fallen 22 cents
By B.J. Reyes

"There's nothing there that forces them (oil companies) to lower the price back down," said Hamilton, repeating the contention that the lack of competition in Hawaii's market allows the states two refiners -- Chevron and Tesoro -- to set artificially high prices. 'If you don't have this cap pushing the gas price back down, there's no competitive pressure to push it down,'" he said. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
08/24/06
Gathering Place
Hawaii needs to take action on gas prices
By Randall Y. Iwase

"The time has come for this state to regulate the profits of the oil companies and make their pricing policies and decisions transparent and obvious to the everyday person who drives up to the pump. I believe the public has the right to know how much gasoline profit there is in every gallon of gas. I believe the gasoline companies should be willing to disclose their profits especially since there is so little competition. It is time for government to defend the public interest, not the corporate pocketbook of the oil companies." MORE

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WE TOLD YOU SO!
"The Gas Cap Worked!"
Click HERE to view this revealing May 12, 2006, KITV News story
by veteran investigative journalist, Denby Fawcett

Click HERE for abbreviated script of above story.
Isle Gas Guzzlers Wonder If
THE PRICE IS RIGHT
June 12, 2006
By B.J. Reyes
Honolulu Star Bulletin

"A Star-Bulletin analysis indicates that Hawaii motorists could have saved an average of 10 cents a gallon on regular gasoline in the past month if the state's wholesale gasoline price cap law had remained in place. Hawaii drivers could have saved 10 cents per gallon" MORE

Hawai`i Gas Cap Running On Fumes
National AP story
May 5, 2006

... "It will remain as a flashing sign that will remind Hawaii's consumers what the price would have been under the gas cap," said Scott Foster, a spokesman for Hawaii Advocates for Consumer Rights. "The more information we get, the more we can understand about how the industry has been gouging us." HERE

HONOLULU ADVERTISER
Saturday, May 6, 2006
Gasoline price cap repeal won't cut costs
By Sean Hao and Dan Nakaso
Advertiser Staff Writers

Hawai'i's eight-month experiment with gasoline price controls ended yesterday, but the pain consumers are feeling at the pump will likely continue. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
May 6, 2005
GOVERNOR SIGNS GAS CAP INTO HISTORY
Experiment's end Lingle hopes legislators will consider regulating gas companies Few believe repeal will help prices
By Tara Godvin
Associated Press

Gov. Linda Lingle signed a bill yesterday ending Hawaii's cap on wholesale gasoline prices, saying there is probably no way she would ever use the power the new law gives her to reimpose price controls. MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
Friday, May 5, 2006
Gov. Lingle signs bill suspending gas cap
Advertiser Staff

Gov. Linda Lingle today signed a bill suspening Hawai'i's controversial gasoline price cap law. Effective immediately gasoline refiners and distributors will no longer MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
May 5, 2006
Legislators repeal gas cap and pass tax measures on last day
By Richard Borreca
rborreca@starbulletin.com

The state Legislature closed the books on its 2006 session yesterday by retiring its 8-month-old experiment in gasoline price reduction, indefinitely suspending the gasoline cap. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
May 4, 2006
Bill to suspend gas cap goes to the governor
Star-Bulletin Staff

BREAKING NEWS: Lawmakers in the House of Representatives reluctantly approved a bill today that will suspend Hawaii's one-of-a-kind gas price limits, saying they would rather have repealed them for good. The bill now goes to Gov. Linda Lingle who is expected to sign it, ending use of the cap unless she decides to reimpose it.

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
Tuesday, May 2, 2006
Gas price oversight calls for our vigilance

The gas cap is dead -- for as long as the public believes it isn't needed.

That is the real upshot from the compromise struck by state lawmakers, who struggled in a time of high gas prices over the best way of protecting the consumer. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
May 2, 2005
Gas cap demise will require use of other methods
THE ISSUE

Legislative conferees have agreed on a bill to suspend the state's gasoline price cap. MOTORISTS' frustration with rising gasoline prices has prompted state legislators to shelve what they see as the ineffectiveness of Hawaii's price caps, but prices are sure to continue increasing. The question is whether they will rise faster than they would with the caps, and the bill destined for enactment would keep them in place as hypothetical limits. Next year's Legislature should have the information needed in deciding whether to reinstate them. MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Giving in to political reality
By Derrick DePledge
Advertiser Government Writer

Sen. Ron Menor had several clashes with lawmakers over the state's controversial gas cap, which has been indefinitely suspended. MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Gas cap could be dead by next week
Lawmakers agree to $50M in tax relief
By Sean Hao
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawai'i's experiment with gasoline price controls could end as early as next week under an agreement reached between the House and Senate late last night. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
April 29, 2005
Gas cap: Deal reached to halt controversial law Legislators resolve a cap-calculation conflict just before a midnight deadline
By B.J. Reyes

The state's unique gasoline price-cap law is being suspended indefinitely with the power to reinstate the controls being turned over to the governor under an 11th-hour compromise reached last night by House and Senate lawmakers. Any kind of suspension had appeared unlikely after House members broke off negotiations with their Senate counterparts yesterday afternoon. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
April 28, 2005
Gas cap talks go down to wire after rejection
By B.J. Reyes

Lawmakers have until midnight to work out a compromise on the state's unique gas cap law after House members rejected a main part of the latest Senate proposal. House members do not want to adopt a provision that would have the Public Utilities Commission continue to post hypothetical weekly price caps under a new formula as a way to provide consumers with a benchmark for comparison. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
April 26, 2005
Menor OKs gas cap halt The senator's action could end a deadlock, but House members voice continued concerns
By B.J. Reyes

State lawmakers have moved a step closer to suspending the gasoline price cap, after its chief supporter said yesterday he was willing to break a political impasse. MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
April 22, 2006
Senate balks at removing gas cap
By Tara Godvin
Associated Press

State senators will not accept complete repeal of the wholesale gasoline price cap, the Senate's chief proponent of the cap told House lawmakers yesterday.

House and Senate members met in a conference committee yesterday for the second time to work out their differences over legislation to deal with the Islands' petroleum industry. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
April 22, 2005
Menor adamant against end to gas cap Gridlocked legislators jeopardize the chance of either revising or repealing the law
By B.J. Reyes

Senators, led by Consumer Protection Chairman Ron Menor, want to keep the caps on the books in some form as a way to guard against prices going too high. MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
Thursday, April 13, 2006
COMMENTARY
Repeal of gas cap law is no repeal at all
By Melissa Pavlicek

Amid rising evidence that the gasoline price cap has failed to provide consumers with any meaningful benefits, and in fact may have cost them millions of dollars, the House recently voted overwhelmingly to suspend and ultimately repeal the law. And former cap supporters in the Senate appeared to be heading in the same direction. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
April 12, 2005
Senate OKs gas cap changes
By Richard Borreca
rborreca@starbulletin.com

The Senate passed a bill that would suspend the state's price cap on wholesale gasoline prices but allow the controls to be reinstated if prices climb too high. The proposal by primary sponsor Sen. Ron Menor didn't satisfy critics, such as Sen. Sam Slom, who called the modifications "an abomination." MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
Editorial Page
OPINION
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Gas cap suspension idea shows promise

The best hope for resolving the impasse over the controversial gas cap lies in the compromise measure now under consideration by the state Senate. The market disturbance of Hurricane Katrina caused a pricing aberration that clouded any effort to evaluate the cap right away. In addition, pump prices varied from one gas station to the next, and fluctuations in Mainland markets caused continuing volatility. Many consumers found all of this disconcerting. It's clear that the gas cap needs at least some revision, but unless its friends and foes can come to terms at the Capitol, the status quo will remain in effect for another year. And that's not the way to go. MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
COMMENTARY
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Numbers show gas cap works
By Ben Cayetano

Less than two months ago, state House Majority Leader Marcus Oshiro issued a press release stating that the gasoline price-cap law had saved consumers $33 million. Since its September implementation, House Energy Committee chairwoman Hermina Morita publicly stated the gas cap was succeeding. Last week, these two hard-working, honest and respected Democrats were made to look like liars by the House's sudden about face. These two are victims of "finger in the wind" politics - a trademark of the House under Speaker Calvin Say's leadership. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
OUR OPINION
March 26, 2006
'When needed' gas price cap would be effective

THE ISSUE Sen. Ron Menor has proposed that gasoline price caps be suspended and reinstated temporarily only after price indicators have been exceeded for two consecutive weeks. FACED with a demand by most members of the House that Hawaii's gasoline price caps be lifted, Sen. Ron Menor has proposed a "fair price indicator" that would briefly cap prices only after being exceeded by the state's oil industry. His new stance should lead to a compromise that keeps pressure on an industry that lacks competitive market forces. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
March 26, 2006
Another Perspective: Gas cap has been costly for consumers
By Melissa Pavlicek

THE gasoline price cap cost consumers as much as $54.9 million between September 1, (2005), through January 2006." This is the sobering conclusion of Hawaii's Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism as reported to the Legislature in a recently issued study of the effects of the state's controversial price-control law. MORE

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PACIFIC BUSINESS NEWS
March 24, 2006
Quit the tinkering and kill gas cap now
Pacific Business News
[AFCR BELIEVES THIS ARTICLE TO BE ABJECT BS - ED]

The gas-cap law was born in an environment of distrust, nurtured by unrealistic expectations and political opportunism. The law now appears to be on its way out simply because it hasn't achieved its goal of lowering gas prices. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
March 24, 2006
Panel OKs halt of gas caps, with 'safeguard' The legislative bill allows price caps to be reinstated if prices climb too high
By B.J. Reyes
bjreyes@starbulletin.com

The Legislature's key backer of the state gasoline price-cap law unexpectedly switched gears yesterday, advancing a proposal that would suspend the price controls. The proposed suspension of the wholesale gas cap is moving in both chambers of the Legislature, but the changes adopted by Senate Consumer Protection Committee Ron Menor also include a "safeguard" that allows the caps to be reinstated if prices climb too high. MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
March 24, 2006
Gasoline price cap could be suspended
By Sean Hao and Treena Shapiro
Advertiser Staff Writers

The days for Hawai'i's gasoline price cap law appear numbered. With the House already calling for repeal, the Senate yesterday advanced a bill that would suspend the cap but create a monitoring system that would bring it back if prices exceed a "fair price" level. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
March 23, 2005
Gas cap costing Oahu drivers But neighbor isle drivers are saving a few cents per gallon, a state study shows
By B.J. Reyes

Oahu motorists are paying 5 cents a gallon more for regular gasoline because of the state's wholesale gas price cap, a study by the state Public Utilities Commission indicates. But neighbor island consumers might be saving a few cents a gallon, the study suggests. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
March 23, 2006
Gas cap costing Oahu drivers But neighbor isle drivers are saving a few cents per gallon, a state study shows
By B.J. Reyes
bjreyes@starbulletin.com

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
March 21, 2005
$3 gas due next week as cost cap creeps up Preliminary figures point to a price ceiling increase of 9 cents
By B.J. Reyes

With House and Senate lawmakers still at odds over the fate of the state's gasoline price cap law, prices at the pump could be edging closer to $3 a gallon statewide. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
In My View
March, 19, 2006
Why I voted against repealing the gas cap
By Representative Bev Harbin

WE ALL KNOW that the oil companies are hammering Hawaii residents at the pumps. How do they do it, you ask? The oil industry in Hawaii is essentially an oligopoly (controlled by just two major oil companies). The only effective way the state has to protect consumers from the power of the oil industry to raise prices to artificially high levels is to modify the gasoline price cap law that sets a maximum wholesale price the oil companies can charge to service stations. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
March 8, 2005
Repeals of taxes, gas cap advance. Isle House Dems hope cutting taxes will lower gas prices
By Richard Borreca and B.J. Reyes

Democrats in the House yesterday voted to suspend the controversial gas cap, which was first approved in 2002 and went into effect last year. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
March 6, 2005
Gas cap study draws criticism An analyst argues that a state report failed to take into account the effects of Katrina
By B.J. Reyes

A state study that suggests consumers have paid more for gasoline because of price controls is flawed because it does not recognize the severe impact of Hurricane Katrina on the oil industry, an independent analyst said. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
February 26, 2006
Gas cap might be running on empty
On Politics
Richard Borreca

ENGLAND in 1266. Parliament starts regulating the price of bread and beer, and government has been dipping its hand into the marketplace ever since. Currying the favor of bread-eaters and ale drinkers has been the province of government for at least the last 740 years. If government can't hold the line on the price of necessities, then what good is government? Hawaii's Legislature joined the list of governments attempting to regulate the marketplace in 2002 by passing a law to cap the wholesale price of gasoline sold to retailers. MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
COMMENTARY
By Rep. Kirk Caldwell
February 24, 2006
The case for getting rid of Hawai'i gas cap

Over the past six months, Hawai'i consumers have experienced the extreme volatility of the experimental gas cap law. After much debate, the House recently took the bold step of moving legislation that would do away with this failed experiment. We should repeal the gas cap because it is the wrong approach to regulating the petroleum industry.MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
Gathering Place
By Frank Young
February 24, 2006
Put blame for high gas prices where it belongs

CHARLES Memminger's attack on Sen. Ron Menor (Honolulu Lite, Feb. 16) not only lacks humor, it is the kettle calling the pot black. Has Memminger read any documents on the pricing practices of the oil companies in Hawaii? Where was he when the Tesoro president stated that gas prices would have gone up "even without the gas cap law"? MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
House sours on gas cap
By Sean Hao and Greg Wiles
February 15, 2006

House lawmakers will likely vote to repeal Hawai'i's controversial gas cap law. A measure that would suspend the law on July 1 breezed through three House committees yesterday and has the support of the House majority leader. The bill could face a tougher test in the Senate where backing for the gas cap is strongest. MORE

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PACIFIC BUSINESS NEWS
January 27, 2006
Record profits for Chevron

Chevron Corp., owner of one of Hawaii's two oil refineries, saw profits top $14 billion in 2005 due to the run-up in oil prices. In the fourth quarter, which saw about half of more than $1 billion in hurricane costs, profits still topped $4 billion, so high were oil and natural gas prices by then. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
January 25, 2005
Gas cap repeal gains steam A proposal backed by 12 House Democrats joins Republicans in opposing the state law
By B.J. Reyes

A dozen House Democrats are joining Gov. Linda Lingle's call to repeal the state's gasoline price cap law, the only one of its kind in the nation. MORE

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PACIFIC BUSINESS NEWS
January 22, 2006
Gas bills abound at Legislature

Members of the Hawaii Legislature are giving themselves lots of options on what to do about gasoline prices. House Bill 1811 "repeals the statue that sets the maximum pre-tax wholesale price for the sale of gasoline." The bill to repeal the gas cap has a dozen sponsors: MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
Editorial
January 3, 2006
Gas caps have weathered Katrina, other start-up problems
THE ISSUE
Warnings of shortages and refinery closings have failed to materialize in the first four months of regulated prices.

AFTER an inauspicious start that coincided with Hurricane Katrina's destruction of Gulf Coast oil facilities, Hawaii's gasoline price cap appears to have dodged the dire outcomes some energy experts and oil industry representatives had predicted. Though there is no way to determine what post-Katrina prices consumers would have been charged without the caps, previous experience would indicate inordinate gasoline tabs similar to unregulated diesel fuel costs that have stayed high in Hawaii. MORE @ MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
November 24, 2005
Rising diesel costs fuel gas cap backers' position. Supporters say prices are higher because of a lack of regulation
By B.J. Reyes

WHILE HAWAII GAS prices have consistently been the highest in the country under the state's wholesale price cap law, supporters of the measure say critics need only look at the soaring cost of diesel fuel to see how the law is keeping prices down. Opponents say such comparisons are flawed because there is no accurate way to tell what Hawaii's prices would be without the price cap. MORE

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BOSTON GLOBE
October 28, 2005
Oil giants reap sky-high earnings But Exxon, others in hot seat to explain gains to Washington
By Charles Stein, Globe Staff

Two of the world's biggest oil companies yesterday reported record profits, even though this summer's hurricanes shut down their facilities and cut into their production of oil. Exxon Mobil Corp. earned almost $10 billion in the third quarter, 75 percent more than it earned a year ago; Royal Dutch Shell PLC made a profit of $9 billion, a 68 percent gain. The Exxon Mobil profit was the greatest ever for an energy company and one of the highest ever for an American corporation. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
October 20, 2005
As cost of gas falls, views on price cap hold steady Democrats see proof the law is working; Lingle maintains it should be repealed
By B.J. Reyes

Although the maximum price for wholesale gas is set to drop 12 cents next week, Gov. Linda Lingle reiterated her belief that the state's gasoline price cap law should be repealed by the Legislature. "I don't think people should be fooled just because they (prices) are lower than the highs of a week or two ago," MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
October 20, 2005
Price cap for gas set 12 cents lower
By Greg Wiles Advertiser Staff Writer

O'ahu gasoline prices at the pump could drop below $2.90 for a gallon of regular next week as a result of a reduction in the state wholesale price cap. The state Public Utilities Commission yesterday set the maximum pre-tax wholesale price for regular on O'ahu at $2.0954, or almost 12 cents lower than a week earlier, when rising gasoline production on the Mainland led to a 44-cent plunge in the gas price cap from the previous week. The new cap goes into effect on Monday. MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
October 19, 2005
Hawai'i gas prices to fall another 12 cents next week
By Greg Wiles Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawai'i motorists should get some relief at the pump for a second consecutive week starting Monday, when the state cuts the gas price cap for wholesalers. The state Public Utilities Commission set the maximum pre-tax wholesale price for regular on O'ahu at $2.0954, or 12 cents lower than a week earlier, when rising gasoline production on the Mainland led to a 44-cent plunge in the gas cap. MORE

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PACIFIC BUSINESS NEWS
October 19, 2005
Gas cap to drop 12 more cents

The gas cap for next week will drop 12 cents, based on calculations to be made official Wednesday by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission. The office of House Majority Leader Marcus Oshiro does the same calculations the night before, based on five days of prices on the New York Harbor, Los Angeles and Gulf Coast oil spot markets. The state purchases the data from the Oil Price Information Service, the same research organization that supplies daily retail price surveys to AAA. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
October 19, 2005
Gas price could fall 12 cents next week Three neighbor isles may also see gas below $3 a gallon
By B.J. Reyes

Wholesale gasoline price caps are expected to drop again next week, potentially bringing prices below $3 a gallon at some neighbor island pumps. The state Public Utilities Commission is scheduled to publish the new caps later today. Preliminary calculations by the Star-Bulletin indicate a drop of about 12 cents. MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
October 18, 2005
Sub-$3 a gallon gasoline returns
By Dan Nakaso

The price of regular gasoline fell below $3 yesterday at several O'ahu stations, with many of their competitors promising to follow suit today. For the first time since Hawai'i imposed the nation's only limits on gasoline prices Sept. 1, consumers are seeing a significant drop in costs. With the wholesale price fixed, dealers are left to compete for customers. Station owners that kept prices high yesterday watched their competition reel in all the business. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
October 18, 2005
Gasoline drops to under $3 on Oahu The national average is $2.75 with Hawaii still the state with the most expensive gas.
By B.J. Reyes

For the first time in more than a month, gas prices have dipped below $3 a gallon at various locations on Oahu. Some retailers began lowering prices as early as Saturday, two days ahead of this week's 44-cent drop in wholesale price caps set by the state Public Utilities Commission. MORE

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PACIFIC BUSINESS NEWS
October 17, 2005
Gas cap to drop 12 more cents

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
October 13, 2005
Backers say gas price drop will prove law is working The PUC is studying pricing data to gauge industry compliance
By B.J. Reyes

With the possibility of next week's Oahu gas prices going below $3 a gallon for the first time in more than a month, supporters of the state's one-of-a-kind gas price cap law are hailing it as a success. Critics, meanwhile, point out that Hawaii's average retail prices still lead the nation. MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
Thursday, October 13, 2005
O'ahu gas prices may fall below $3

O'ahu gasoline prices could dip under $3 for a gallon of regular next week, based on the maximum wholesale price set by the Hawai'i Public Utilities Commission yesterday. The commission set the pre-tax wholesale price at $2.21 a gallon, or 44 cents less than the price ceiling a week earlier. The new cap takes effect Monday. MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
October 12, 2005
State says gas cap to fall 44 cents next week
By Greg Wiles Advertiser Staff Writer

The maximum wholesale price for gasoline on O'ahu will fall 44 cents a gallon on Monday to $2.21, the Hawai'i Public Utilities Commission anounnced this morning. The decline in wholesale prices should translate into pump prices averaging about $3.03 a gallon for regular on O'ahu, including 62-cents of taxes and an estimated 20-cent dealer mark up. The decline is in keeping with recent price declines on the Mainland. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
October 12, 2005
Gasoline drops to under $3 on Oahu The national average is $2.75 with Hawaii still the state with the most expensive gas
By B.J. Reyes

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
October 10, 2005
The statewide average price first topped $3 a gallon on Sept. 6. Isle drivers resigned to see rise in prices
By B.J. Reyes

Topping off the tank of her Toyota coupe with $34 worth of premium gasoline, Nina Song took a pragmatic approach to life under the nation's only gasoline price regulations. "It is what it is, so I just accept it," said Song, 32, a sales representative from Makiki. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
October 06, 2005
Gas to rise 9 cents An expected drop in prices nationwide will not have an immediate effect here
By B.J. Reyes

Hawaii motorists will have to wait at least another week to see the falling gas prices that analysts predict for the rest of the nation. Under gas price caps published yesterday by the Public Utilities Commission, the maximum price at which wholesale gas can be sold will increase 9 cents when the new price ceilings take effect Monday. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
October 4, 2005
Input sought on changes to gas cap calculations Different profit margins for various suppliers are being considered
By B.J. Reyes bjreyes@starbulletin.com

Changes could be in store for the state's gasoline price-cap law formula. The Public Utilities Commission has given oil companies and the state Division of Consumer Advocacy until Nov. 1 to submit proposals for adjusting the formula that is used each week to set the maximum price at which wholesale gas can be sold in Hawaii. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
October 3, 2005
EDITORIAL Gas prices warrant FTC investigation THE ISSUE

Governor Lingle supports the Federal Trade Commission investigation of possible gasoline-price gouging. TWO hurricanes are blamed for the increase in gasoline prices, but the astonishing size of the price hikes defies explanation. The oil companies don't even try to explain. Governor Lingle has rightly joined the chorus of public officials in supporting an investigation of possible gas-price gouging. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
October 2, 2005
Special to the Honolulu Star-Bulletin
Oil and the economy
Dramatic price spikes underscore the need to protect consumers from gouging
By Sen. Daniel K. Inouye

Dramatic price spikes underscore the need to protect consumers from gouging "...Our state's legislators took a bold step by imposing a sliding cap on the wholesale price of gasoline in an effort to set a maximum amount that could be charged. While there has been much criticism as to the effectiveness of this law, I respectfully submit that without the cap, Hawaii's gasoline price increases could have been far more dramatic following Hurricane Katrina, such as Atlanta's $6-a-gallon price...." MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
October 1, 2005
Stations slow to pass along gas-cap drops
By Sean Hao Advertiser Staff Writer

One of the key questions surrounding Hawai'i's law capping wholesale gasoline prices as it took effect Sept. 1 was whether gas stations would pass along any drop in prices to consumers. The gas cap limits only wholesale prices. Gas stations are free to set retail prices wherever they like. MORE

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PACIFIC BUSINESS NEWS
September 30, 2005
The Hidden Problem With Hawaii's Gas Cap
DOWNLOAD PDF DOC HERE
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HONOLULU WEEKLY
9/28 - 10/4 2005
Six Big Stories The Mainstream Ignored What's Really Fueling Gas Prices
DOWNLOAD PDF DOC HERE
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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
September 28, 2005
Monday's gasoline prices likely up 27¢
By Sean Hao and Dan Nakaso Advertiser Staff Writers

Hawai'i drivers will feel Hurricane Rita's impact next week as gasoline prices under the state's new wholesale price cap are likely to rise by as much as 27 cents a gallon. The rise in prices starts Monday Ñ and that gives drivers an incentive to fill up this week and try to avoid buying gas next week. MORE

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KHON CH-2 TV NEWS
September 28, 2005
Lingle compares cap law to cam law

Governor Linda Lingle is calling on Hawaii lawmakers to admit that the gas cap here is not working, and to repeal it Lingle compares the cap to another notorious island law. MORE

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KITV CHANNEL-4 NEWS
September 27, 2005
Gas Prices Expected To Climb Next Week Senator Who Designed Gas Cap May Change Law

HONOLULU -- It appears Hawaii's gas prices are headed back up again. State House Democrats estimate the wholesale gas price cap will rise next week by 15-20 cents a gallon. MORE

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PACIFIC BUSINESS NEWS
September 25, 2005
Hawaii gas prices ease some more

Hawaii retail gasoline prices Monday, as measured by AAA, show that one-fourth of the past week's drop in wholesale prices is not yet represented at retail. MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
September 10, 2005
Restraint urged on gas-price markup
By Derrick DePledge Advertiser Capitol Bureau

State House and Senate leaders, following up on a similar request by Gov. Linda Lingle, asked Chevron and Tesoro yesterday not to set wholesale gasoline prices at the maximum under Hawai'i's new gas cap law unless it is absolutely necessary to cover production and distribution costs. MORE

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STATELINE.ORG
September 02, 2005
Lawmakers exploit, dread soaring gas prices
By Daniel C. Vock, Stateline.org staff writer

When Hurricane Katrina came crashing ashore, it sent gasoline costs soaring Ð again Ð and sent state lawmakers scrambling to find ways to cope with the sky-high prices. MORE

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MIDWEEK
August 31, 2005
Screwing On The New Gas Cap
By Larry Price

[see attached - sf] Weekly_BJC.jpg??

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CBS TELEVISION NEWS
August 28, 2005
Hawaii to Use Gas Caps; Hazards May Loom

HONOLULU - "Scott Foster, a spokesman for Hawaii Advocates for Consumer Rights, said there are signs the law is already having an impact even before it goes into effect. 'For the first time in 20 years, Hawaii gas prices are in line with the mainland - that shows they're manipulating prices,' Foster said." MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
September 25, 2005
Price at pump fuels tax 'windfall'
By Sean Hao
Advertiser Staff Writer

While higher fuel costs are a net loss for the City and County of Honolulu, state coffers swell when gasoline prices rise. That's because the state levies a 4.5 percent excise tax on gasoline sales. When prices rise, so do excise tax collections. For example, the average price for gasoline last month in Honolulu was 42 cents a gallon higher than in August 2004, according to AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report data. That equates to a 1.8-cent-a-gallon increase in excise taxes, or an estimated $405,108 in added tax revenues in August alone, based on state estimated daily demand of 726,000 gallons on O'ahu. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
September 25, 2005
Gas cap breeds isle confusion
Lawmakers think the PUC should help educate the public
By Tara Godvin
Associated Press

"...After spending a brief, initial period under the cap in the middle of the pack as fuel costs soared on the mainland following Hurricane Katrina, Hawaii has regained its position as the state with the most expensive gas in the nation. Advocates of the gas cap have cautioned that mainland markets are still too chaotic and the cap still too young to issue a verdict on what value the new law will have for Hawaii motorists...." MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
September 23, 2005
Shell appeals gas cap ruling
The oil company seeking the law's reversal goes to court over a July PUC order
By B.J. Reyes

For the second time in as many weeks, Shell Oil Co. has gone to court challenging the state's gasoline price cap law, arguing that the Public Utilities Commission's implemented the law over objections from oil companies and against the recommendations of its own consultant. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
September 22, 2005
Gas price drop will likely be brief if Rita boosts costs
By B.J. Reyes

The statewide average for gasoline is steadily declining, and was expected to drop an additional 6 cents by Monday, when new weekly price caps take effect. But optimism over lower prices was tempered with caution as some analysts predicted gas on the mainland could top $5 a gallon by next week as a result of Hurricane Rita's disruption to Gulf Coast oil production. Hawaii's law ties island pump prices to an average of three mainland markets. MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
September 21, 2005
Gasoline prices likely to fall 6 cents
By Sean Hao
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawai'i gasoline prices, which fell by about 50 cents this week, are likely to decline another 6 cents next week as the state's new price cap law is adjusted to reflect falling costs on the Mainland. However, the trend toward lower prices could end the following week — beginning Oct. 3 — if Hurricane Rita disrupts supplies and forces Mainland prices higher. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
September 21, 2005
Isle gas price dip likely temporary
Hurricane Rita could make a 6-cent decrease short-lived
By B.J. Reyes

The state's wholesale gasoline price caps are expected to decline again next week, but the lower prices could be short-lived as Gulf Coast oil production suffers more disruptions from another hurricane. Preliminary calculations by state House analysts show price caps for next week are expected to decrease by about 6 cents. MORE

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THE NEW YORK TIMES
September 21, 2005
Governors Ask for Inquiry on Oil Prices

CHICAGO, Sept. 20 - The governors of eight states sent a letter on Tuesday to President Bush and Congress calling for an investigation into profits made by oil companies after Hurricane Katrina and asking for legislation that would require the companies to refund to customers any profits deemed excess. MORE

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PACIFIC BUSINESS NEWS
September 19, 2005
Consumer advocate slams gas cap

Hawaii consumer advocate John Cole says the gas cap law is flawed beyond fixing and proposes an alternative approach. Cole, with the Division of Consumer Advocacy in the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, says "The price cap law was intended to help consumers [but] has had exactly the opposite effect." MORE

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HAWAI`I REPORTER
September 18, 2005
Step on the Gas
Legislature Needs to Fix Hawaii's New Gas Cap Law; Consumers are Paying the Price for Bad Legislation
By John Cole

Recent events have exposed the flaws in the gasoline price cap law. The new law artificially ties Hawaii’s wholesale gas prices to those in several mainland markets. Because of events in those markets -- Hurricane Katrina and a refinery fire on the West Coast -- the price consumers pay for gasoline has skyrocketed. MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
September 18, 2005
OP-ED
Cap is a bad idea that will bring us only more grief
By Rep. Lynn Finnegan

Reading Ben Cayetano's recent commentary, "Without gas-price cap, sky would be the limit" (The Honolulu Advertiser, Sept. 11), I was surprised by how often the commentary touched on the politics of the gas cap, as opposed to the merits of the policy. The former governor makes the point I would make: Politics can lead to bad policy. MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
September 18, 2005
OP-ED
Gas price cap broken, unfixable
By Jack P. Suyderhoud

In the now-somewhat-classic movie comedy "Airplane," Lloyd Bridges plays an air traffic controller under stress. Shortly into the movie, he asserts that he picked a bad time to quit smoking; later on, he states he picked a bad time to quit drinking; then he claims it is a bad time to quit amphetamines. Our short experience with the gasoline price cap seems somewhat the same: We picked a terrible time to impose it. MORE

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THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
State of Hawai`i
NEWS RELEASE
September 13, 2005
Media Contact: Georgette Deemer
Gas Prices Slated to Go Down Dramatically Next Week

Baseline price for week of September 19 lowered by approximately 50 cents per gallon.

Honolulu - Preliminary calculations for the baseline price of gasoline indicate that Hawaii consumers should be paying between 40 and 50 cents per gallon less at the pump starting Monday, September 19. MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
Editorial
September 13, 2005
Price-fixing on gasoline: Control yourself
By Ben Lieberman

Recent gasoline price spikes have given new meaning to the phrase "pain at the pump." And with demand from India, China and elsewhere growing, and the failure of the United States to open a single new oil refinery since the 1970s, supplies could remain tight and prices elevated for some time. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
September 13, 2005
Key legislator blames PUC for higher gasoline prices
By B.J. Reyes
bjreyes@starbulletin.com

The Public Utilities Commission has contributed to higher gasoline prices in the islands by ignoring the recommendations of its own consultant and implementing an unreasonable pricing structure, the main legislative backer of the price cap law says. MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
September 13, 2005
Gas price increases 47 cents a gallon
By Sean Hao
Advertiser Staff Writer

Regular gasoline prices soared yesterday by as much as 47 cents a gallon, or about 15 percent, at some gasoline stations in Honolulu as the state's cap on wholesale gasoline prices entered its third week. MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
September 11, 2005
Without gas-price cap, sky would be the limit
By Ben Cayetano

A major disinformation public-relations campaign is being conducted by some gas cap opponents: The goal is to convince the public that Hawai'i's gas cap law is responsible for Hawai'i's rising gas prices. MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
September 10, 2005
Restraint urged on gas-price markup
By Derrick DePledge
Advertiser Capitol Bureau

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KITV CH-4 NEWS
September 9, 2005
Battle Over Gas Cap Continues
Tesoro President Says Price Would Be Up Regardless

HONOLULU -- The president of one of Hawaii's two gasoline refineries said prices would have gone up in the state with or without Hawaii's gas cap law. Tesoro's president defended the company's gas prices, blaming Hurricane Katrina and a worldwide gasoline shortage. MORE

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FOUNDATION FOR TAXPAYER & CONSUMER RIGHTS
September 7, 2005
Internal Memos Show Oil Companies Intentionally Limited Refining Capacity
To Drive Up Gasoline Prices

Santa Monica, CA -- The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights (FTCR) today exposed internal oil company memos that show how the industry intentionally reduced domestic refining capacity to drive up profits. The exposure comes in the wake of Hurricane Katrina as the oil industry blames environmental regulation for limiting number of U.S. refineries. MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
Letter to the Editor
by Scott Foster, George Fox, Howard Lee, Richard S. Miller, Jim Wheeler & Frank Young
(Citizens Against Gasoline Price Gouging)
GAS CAP
STATE HAS GOOD REASON TO PROTECT AGAINST GOUGING

If there is a problem with our law capping gasoline prices, it is that we know that gasoline producers and sellers throughout the U.S. will do everything they can to sabotage our law and try to show that it won't work.
(second to last on page) MORE

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PACIFIC BUSINESS NEWS
September 6, 2005
Mainland gas prices overtake Hawaii's
Howard Dicus

An interesting thing happened on the way to this week's gas cap. Mainland prices overtook Hawaii's. MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
September 9, 2005
Hawai'i drivers consider van pools, buses
By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer

Van pool phone lines are flooded. Bus ridership is up. Even good, old-fashioned walking is finding new enthusiasts.
Apparently, Hawai'i drivers do have a tipping point: $3 per gallon. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
September 9, 2005
Gas cap change request is denied
The revision petition would have lowered this coming week's price cap by 2 cents
By B.J. Reyes bjreyes@starbulletin.com

The Public Utilities Commission has denied a request by a state lawmaker to alter the wholesale gasoline price caps that are scheduled to take effect Monday. Yesterday's decision marks the second time the commission has denied a request by lawmakers to alter the price cap formula. MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
September 8, 2005
$3.60 gasoline possible next week
By Sean Hao Advertiser Staff Writer

The Public Utilities Commission yesterday said Hawai'i's wholesale gasoline price cap will jump 44 cents on Monday, which could mean a continued sharp rise in pump prices next week. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
Thursday, September 8, 2005
Gas prices could jump 45 cents by next week

The cost per gallon already is above $3 under the new law that sets a ceiling.

While gas prices push past $3 a gallon in most parts of the state, reportedly topping $4 on Lanai, prices could increase 45 cents by next week under the latest gasoline price caps calculated by the state Public Utilities Commission.[article includes "Inouye calls for inquiry into 'gouging' " & "Companies soak up diesel costs"] MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
Wednesday, September 7, 2005
50¢ gasoline cap rise likely Monday

By Sean Hao
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawai'i drivers will likely see another spike in gas prices next week as the state is set to raise its cap on wholesale prices by about 50 cents on Monday. That means the price at the pump could reach as high as $3.70 a gallon. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
Wednesday, September 7, 2005
Isle drivers resigned to higher gas prices
The state's average is 2 cents lower than the national average
Hawaii prices compared abroad
By B.J. Reyes
bjreyes@starbulletin.com

Gas prices shot up as much as 27 cents at some stations yesterday -- topping $3.50 a gallon for regular unleaded on Maui -- as increases in mainland markets tied to the state's gasoline price cap law began to be reflected in Hawaii pump prices. MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
September 6, 2005
Letter to the Editor
by Scott Foster, George Fox, Howard Lee, Richard S. Miller, Jim Wheeler & Frank Young
(Citizens Against Gasoline Price Gouging)
GAS CAP
STATE HAS GOOD REASON TO PROTECT AGAINST GOUGING

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News Release
Media Contact: Georgette Deemer
September 5, 2005
HAWAII GAS PRICE RANKS 35TH IN NATION
Ranking Indicates that Gas Price Cap is Working

Honolulu. According to the AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report for today, September 5, 2005, Hawaii ranks 35th in the nation for the cost of gasoline. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
September 4, 2005
Gas cap politics
By B.J. Reyes
bjreyes@starbulletin.com

Hurricane-influenced gasoline price spikes could affect how voters view their representatives in the next election, an analyst says. MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
September 3, 2005
More states consider plans to cut gas prices
Advertiser News Services

High gasoline prices have resulted in an increasing number of states considering steps to cut fuel costs. Last week Hawai'i became the first state since the 1970s with a law that regulates wholesale gasoline prices. MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
Saturday, September 3, 2005
Costco gasoline on par with cap
By Sean Hao
Advertiser Staff Writer

The price of regular gasoline at Honolulu's deepest discounter, Costco Wholesale, rose 18 cents a gallon to $2.76 in the past two days. That jump comes on the heels of Hawai'i's new gasoline price cap law, which prevents wholesalers from selling gasoline this week for more than $2.76 a gallon, including taxes. Costco's retail price is considered a good barometer for current wholesale gasoline prices because of the company's no-frills, high-volume, low-margin approach to selling gasoline. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN
September 3, 2005
Gas hike temporary, isle expert suggests
The energy analyst sees prices falling nationwide as supply is quickly restored
By B.J. Reyes
bjreyes@starbulletin.com

An East-West Center energy policy expert says isle gas prices likely will go up in the next few weeks thanks to Hurricane Katrina and the new state gas cap, but they might fall back down sooner than expected. MORE

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WASHINGTON POST (Associated Press)
September 2, 2005; 7:20 AM
Hawaiians Awake to New Wholesale Gas Cap

By TARA GODVIN

HONOLULU -- On its first day out, Hawaii's new cap on wholesale gas prices gave no indication whether it could save island motorists from unfair prices at the pump. MORE

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STATELINE.ORG
September 02, 2005
Lawmakers exploit, dread soaring gas prices
By Daniel C. Vock

When Hurricane Katrina came crashing ashore, it sent gasoline costs soaring – again – and sent state lawmakers scrambling to find ways to cope with the sky-high prices. MORE

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Pacific Business News
September 2, 2005
Tesoro, Chevron stock soar

Shortages mean profits, so stocks rose again Thursday for oil companies, including the two that operate Hawaii's refineries. MORE

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THE NATION
September 2, 2005
John Nichols | The Real Gas Gougers

..."Three years ago, in a move to protect against gouging, Hawaiian (sic) officials enacted legislation that allows state officials to set price caps on gasoline."...
How convenient for the oil industry that Hurricane Katrina hit just before the traditional Labor Day-weekend hike in gas prices. Now, John Nichols states, that instead of having to fake up some absolutely absurd excuse for jacking up gas prices, the industry can try and dupe Americans into thinking that they are suddenly paying $3.25 a gallon because of a storm. MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
September 2, 2005
Gas cap's dawning 'looks like a normal day'
By Sean Hao and Dan Nakaso
Advertiser Staff Writers

Day one of Hawai'i's experiment with gasoline price controls saw barely a budge in pump prices and no significant supply problems. Even with the nation's only legal limit on gasoline prices, many Honolulu stations continued to sell gas for the same price as the day before the cap. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR BULLETIN
September 2, 2005
Gas prices rise slowly on initial day of cap
Supporters say the law shielded Hawaii from the effects of Katrina
By B.J. Reyes
bjreyes@starbulletin.com

The first day of Hawaii's gas cap brought moderate increases at the pumps, political leafleting, and praise from supporters who pointed to skyrocketing fuel costs and shortages on the mainland as evidence of the law's benefit. "I think that people (in Hawaii) are somewhat cushioned from the disaster from Hurricane Katrina," said Frank Young, a member of the advocacy group Citizens Against Gasoline Price Gouging. "Because of the cap, we haven't felt the full brunt of what the mainland has felt. MORE

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Pacific Business News (Honolulu)
Friday, September 2, 2005
Honolulu gas prices rising fast
Howard Dicus

With most hurricane and gas cap effects still to come, Honolulu retail gas prices have risen 32 cents a gallon in a month. MORE

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KITV CH-4 NEWS
Hawaii Gas Prices Inch Higher As Cap Begins
Motorists Resigned To Climbing Prices
(text & video)
September 1, 2005

HONOLULU -- Hawaii's gas cap officially started Thursday. Hawaii is the first state to limit how much oil companies can charge for wholesale gasoline. MORE

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HONOLULU STAR BULLETIN
September 1, 2005
Island gas prices set for large increase
A 27-cent jump seems likely thanks to a new state pricing formula and Hurricane Katrina
By B.J. Reyes

Isle gasoline prices could jump as much as 27 cents on Monday, the likely result of Hawaii's one-of-a-kind price cap law coupled with Hurricane Katrina's effects on the nation's oil supply. MORE

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
September 1, 2005
Price cap now in place for wholesale gasoline
By Sean Hao
Advertiser Staff Writer
Welcome to life under a gasoline price cap.

After years of talk, Hawai'i today became the only state in the nation to experiment with a legal limit on how much oil companies can charge for wholesale gasoline. MORE

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Former Governor of Hawai'i, Benjamin J. Cayetano On Hawaii's Oil Industry

HONOLULU ADVERTISER
COMMENTARY
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Numbers show gas cap works
By Ben Cayetano

HONOLULU ADVERTISER
September 11, 2005
Without gas-price cap, sky would be the limit
By Ben Cayetano

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HONOLULU ADVERTISER
November 30, 2003
Taking On The Oil Oligopoly
By Ben Cayetano

For decades now, Hawaii's drivers have paid the nation's highest gasoline prices, at times paying as much as 60 cents per gallon more than the average Mainland price. The negative impact of these high prices on the cost of goods and services in Hawai'i cannot be overstated. MORE

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