Matson said it is lowering its fuel surcharge by 4.5 percentage points for its Hawai'i service, from 37.5 to 33 percent effective Oct. 12 as a result of declining fuel prices. It is the second consecutive decrease in two months.

The state's largest shipping company said it also is lowering the fuel surcharge on its Guam/CNMI and Micronesia service, by 4.5 percentage points, from 39 to 34.5 percent.

"Matson is pleased to be able make a second decrease in its fuel surcharge in less than a month's time," said Dave Hoppes, senior vice president, ocean services. "Following an extended period in which oil costs hit historical record highs, it is encouraging to see this downward trend continue to be reflected in the prices the company is now paying for bunker fuel."

For most customers, this represents a decrease in shipping costs ranging from $110 to $170 per container, Hoppes said. "We are hopeful this current trend will continue, resulting in further decreases. We will continue to monitor fuel costs and adjust the surcharge accordingly."