TABLE 1FINAL LIVING-COST COMPARISON INDEXES
Allowance area Honolulu County, HI.. Hawaii County, HI.. Kauai County, HI.. Maui County, HI.. Guam/CNMI. Index 121.37 111.71 118.14 123.62 119.98
1. Introduction 1.1 Report Objectives
Using an index scale with Washington, DC, area living costs equal to 100, we computed index values of relative prices in the Honolulu County, Hawaii County, Kauai County, Maui County, and Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Executive Summary The Government pays cost-of-living allowances (COLAs) to Federal employees in nonforeign areas in consideration of living costs significantly higher than those in the
This report provides the results of the 2007 Pacific nonforeign area cost-ofliving allowance (COLA) survey conducted by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) in the spring and summer of 2007. In addition to providing these results, the report describes how we prepared for and conducted the survey, and how we analyzed the results. The results show comparative living-cost differences between the Pacific areas, i.e., Honolulu County, Hawaii County, Kauai County, Maui County, and Guam, and the Washington, DC area. By law, Washington, DC is the base or reference area for the COLA program.
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items to reflect a wide array of items consumers typically purchase. To determine what consumers purchase, we used the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2002/2003 Consumer Expenditure Survey (CES). We aggregated CES expenditures into the following nine major expenditure groups (MEGs): Food, Shelter and Utilities, Household Furnishings and Supplies, Apparel, Transportation, Medical, Recreation, Education and Communication, and Miscellaneous. We further subdivided each MEG into primary expenditure groups (PEGs). In all, there were 45 PEGs. For example, we subdivided Food into the following nine PEGs: Cereals and Bakery Products; Meats, Poultry, Fish, and Eggs; Dairy Products; Fresh Fruits and Vegetables; Processed Foods; Other Food at Home; Nonalcoholic Beverages; Food Away from Home; and Alcoholic Beverages. To select survey items, we chose a sufficient number of items to represent each PEG and reduce overall price index variability. To do this, we applied the following guidelines: Each survey item should be Relatively important (i.e., represent a fairly large expenditure) within the PEG; Relatively easy to find in both COLA and DC areas; Relatively common, i.e., what people typically buy; Relatively stable over time, e.g., not a fad item; and Subject to similar supply and demand functions. In all, we selected over 240 nonhousing items to survey. Appendix 2 shows how we organized the CES data into MEGs and PEGs, identifies the Detailed Expenditure Categories (DECs) for which we chose survey items, and shows estimated DC area middle income annual consumer expenditures for each DEC and higher level of aggregations. Appendix 3 lists the non-housing items we surveyed and their descriptions. Each of these items is specifically described with an exact brand, model, type, and size whenever practical. Thus, we priced exactly the same items or the same quality and quantity of items in both the COLA and DC areas. For example, OPM priced a 10.75-ounce can of Campbells Chicken Noodle Soup in both the COLA and DC areas because it is typical of canned soups, and consumers commonly purchase it. 2.3.1 Special Considerations Health Insurance: It was not practical to compare the prices of exactly the same quality and quantity of health insurance between the COLA and Washington, DC, areas because the same array of plans is not offered in each area, and a significant proportion of Federal employees in both the COLA and DC areas subscribe to plans not available nationwide. To compare the employee health benefits premiums of these often highly different plans, OPM would have to adjust for differences in benefits and coverage. Research conducted by the parties prior to the Caraballo settlement indicated this would not be feasible. Therefore, we use the non-Postal Service employees share of the Federal Employees Health Benefits premiums by plan for each plan offered in each area. OPM maintains these data in the Central Personnel Data File (CPDF), including the number of white-collar Federal employees enrolled in each plan. As described in Section 4.2.3 below, we used these data to compute the average price of health insurance for Federal employees in the COLA and DC areas. Housing: For housing items, we survey rental rates for specific kinds or classes of housing and collect detailed information about each housing unit. We survey the following classes of housing: Four bedroom, single family unit, not to exceed 3200 square feet; Three bedroom, single family unit, not to exceed 2600 square feet; Two bedroom, single family unit, not to exceed 2200 square feet; Three bedroom, single family unit, not to exceed 2,600 square feet; Two bedroom, single family unit, not to exceed 2,200 square feet; Three bedroom apartment unit, not to exceed 2,000 square feet; Two bedroom apartment unit, not to exceed 1,800 square feet; and One bedroom apartment unit, not to exceed 1,400 square feet. For each housing unit we surveyed, we assessed approximately 80 characteristics about the unit. For example, we determined the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, and whether there was a garage, air conditioning, security systems, and recreational facilities. Appendix 4 lists the types of detailed information we collected. We did not collect homeowner data, such as mortgage payments, maintenance expenses, or

2. Preparing for the Survey 2.1 COLA Advisory Committees Before conducting the Pacific survey, OPM established COLA Advisory Committees (CACs) in Honolulu, the Hawaii County areas of Hilo and Kailua Kona, Kauai, Maui, and Guam. The settlement of Caraballo, et al. v. United States, No. 19970027 (D.V.I.), August 17, 2000, provides for employee involvement in the administration of the COLA program. As in previous surveys, we found it valuable to involve employee and agency representatives in planning and conducting the surveys and in reviewing the survey results. Each CAC is composed of approximately 12 agency and employee representatives from the survey area and 2 OPM representatives. The functions of the CACs include the following: Advising and assisting OPM in planning COLA surveys; Providing or arranging for data collection observers during COLA surveys; Advising and assisting OPM in reviewing survey data; Advising OPM on its COLA program administration, including survey methodology; Assisting OPM in disseminating information to affected employees about the surveys and the COLA program; and Advising OPM on special situations or conditions, such as hurricanes and earthquakes, as they relate to OPMs authority to conduct interim surveys or implement some other change in response to conditions caused by a natural disaster or similar emergency. 2.2 Pre-Survey Meetings To help OPM prepare for the COLA surveys, the CACs held 3-day meetings in Honolulu, Hilo, Kailua Kona, Kauai, Maui, and Guam. The CACs reviewed the preliminary outlet and item lists for the surveys. The committee members researched the outlets and availability and appropriateness of the items in each area and made recommendations concerning the survey. We incorporated these recommendations into the survey design. We found the work of the CACs to be extremely helpful and informative. The CACs knowledge of the local area, the popularity of items and outlets, and other information about the COLA area were invaluable in helping plan the survey. 2.3 Survey Item Selection As described in Sections 2.1 and 2.2, we consulted with the CACs as we selected survey items. We identified

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insurance. Under the Caraballo settlement, the parties agreed to adopt a rental equivalence approach similar to the one BLS uses for the Consumer Price Index. Rental equivalence compares the shelter value (rental value) of owned homes, rather than total owner costs, because the latter are influenced by the investment value of the home (i.e., influenced by what homeowners hope to realize as a profit when they sell their homes). As a rule, living-cost surveys do not compare how consumers invest their money. We survey rents and use that as a surrogate for rental equivalence. In late 2004 and 2005, we conducted special research, the General Population Rental Equivalence Survey (GPRES), to obtain additional rent and rental equivalence information. The goal was to determine whether we should adjust the rent index before using it to estimate homeowner rental values. The analyses showed no adjustments should be made. Therefore, use of the rents to estimate rental equivalence is appropriate. We published the GPRES results in a Federal Register notice on July 31, 2006, at 71 FR 43228. Although we surveyed rental rates for the same classes of housing in each area, the type, style, size, quality, and other characteristics of each unit varied within each area and between the COLA and DC areas. As described in Section 4.2.5, we used hedonic regression analyses to hold these characteristics constant between the COLA and Washington, DC, area to make rental price comparisons. 2.4 Outlet Selection Just as it is important to select commonly-purchased items and survey the same items in both the DC area and COLA areas, it is important to select outlets frequented by consumers and find comparable outlets in both the COLA and DC areas. To identify comparable outlets, we categorize outlets by type (e.g., grocery store, convenience store, discount store, hardware store, auto dealer, and catalog outlet) and then survey only specific items at each outlet type. For example, we survey grocery items at supermarkets in all areas because most people purchase their groceries at such stores and because supermarkets exist in nearly all areas. Selecting comparable outlets is particularly important because significant price variations may occur between dissimilar outlets (e.g., comparing the price of milk at a supermarket with the price of milk at a convenience store). We used the above classification criteria and existing data sources, including previous COLA surveys, phone books, and various business listings, to develop initial outlet lists for the survey. We provided these lists to the CACs and consulted with them on outlet selection. The committees helped us refine the outlet lists and identify other/additional outlets where local consumers generally purchase the survey items. We also priced some items by catalog, and when we did, we priced the same items by catalog in the COLA areas and in the DC area. We priced 9 items by catalog in the Pacific areas. All catalog prices included any charges for shipping and handling and all applicable taxes, including excise taxes. In all, we surveyed prices from approximately 1,300 outlets. In the COLA survey areas, we attempted to

Delta-21 surveyed rental housing rates throughout the DC area. We do not divide the DC area into three separate survey areas for rental housing data collection but rather treat the area as a single survey area. As with the Pacific COLA areas, we used Census data to select specific locations and sample sizes within the DC area. Delta-21 collected data accordingly within these locations. 3. Conducting the Survey 3.1 Pricing Period We collected data from early March through May 2007. We collected nonhousing price data concurrently in the Pacific areas in March and collected the bulk of the DC area data in April and May. Delta-21 collected rental data sequentially in the DC area, Guam, Kauai, Kailua Kona/Waimea, Hilo, Maui, and Honolulu County from March through July 2007. 3.2 Non-Housing Price Data Collection 3.2.1 Data Collection Teams In both the COLA and Washington, DC, areas, OPM central office staff collected non-housing price data. In the COLA areas, data collection observers designated by the local COLA Advisory Committees accompanied the OPM data collectors. The data collection observers advised and assisted the data collectors in contacting outlets, matching items, and selecting substitutes. The observers also advised OPM on other living-cost and compensation issues relating to their areas. We found the observers to be a valuable resource in conducting the local area surveys. Because of logistical considerations, cost, and the fact OPM central office staff is very knowledgeable about the DC area, we did not use COLA Advisory Committee data collection observers in the Washington, DC, area. However, we made all of the DC area data available to the COLA Advisory Committees. This included both housing and non-housing data. The non-housing data showed the individual prices by item, store, and survey location as well as averages. The housing data included a photograph and a rough sketch of the layout of the rental unit. We also provided the COLA Advisory Committees with maps showing where each rental unit is located.
3.2.2 Data Collection Process The data collector/observer teams obtained most of the data by visiting stores, auto dealers, and other outlets. The teams also priced some items, such as bank interest, piano lessons, and private education tuition, by telephone.

statistical significance in the regression. It also removes variables with inexplicable signs and variables that negatively affect the precision of the rent indexes. An example of an inexplicable sign is when the landlord provides an amenity (e.g., a microwave), and the variable has a negative sign. In essence, this is the same as saying on average when the landlord did not provide a microwave, the property rented for more than when the landlord did provide a microwave. How VSP drops variables that negatively affect the precision of rent indexes is a bit more complicated to explain. The key variable in the regression is the survey area, i.e., Honolulu, Hawaii County, Maui, Kauai, Guam, and the Washington, DC, area. As with all variables in the regression, these variables have parameter estimates; but the survey area parameter estimates are especially important because they become the rent indexes for each of the survey areas. Therefore, it is important that the survey area parameter estimates be as accurate as practicable. The accuracy is measured by the standard error of the survey area parameter estimate. In the last steps of VSP, the protocol tests each of the variables in the model and drops variables that if retained would raise the standard errors of the survey area parameter estimates. Using VSP, we selected variables with the greatest statistical significance. The variables are listed below and are shown in the regression output in Appendix 6. Age of unit; Age of unit squared; Number of bathrooms; Number of bedrooms; Unit type (detached house, row/ townhouse, high rise apartment, garden apartment, and other (in-home apartments, duplex/triplex/quadplex units and other)); Number of square feet combined (i.e., crossed) with unit type; Square footage squared; Neighborhood condition (above average, average, or below average); Full kitchen (variable values range from 01 with three possible levels: 0,.5, or 1variable receives.5 if unit has a refrigerator and.5 if it has a range or oven); Electricity (landlord provides electricity); Furniture (landlord provides furniture); Percent BA index (percentage of population in the census tract with a baccalaureate degree or higher level of education divided by the percentage of the population in the survey area with

TABLE 4RENT INDEXES

Area Honolulu County.. Hilo Area.. Kailua Kona/Waimea Area. Kauai County.. Maui County.. Guam.. Washington, DC, Area. Rent index 115.89 58.98 89.07 89.51 97.73 82.57 100.00*
* By definition, the index of the base area is always 100.00.
Appendix 6 shows the regression equation in SAS code and the regression results. (SAS is a proprietary statistical analysis computer software package.) 4.3 Averaging Prices by Item and Area After OPM collected, reviewed, and made special adjustments in the data (as required), OPM averaged the prices for each item by COLA survey area. For example, OPM priced a bag of sugar at three different grocery stores in Honolulu County and averaged these prices to compute a single average price for sugar in Honolulu. If OPM collected more than one price for a particular matched item within the same outlet (e.g., priced equivalent brands), OPM used the lowest price by item and outlet to compute the average. (The concept is that, if the item and brands are equivalent, consumers will choose the one with the lowest price.) OPM repeated this item-by-item averaging process for each area. For Washington, DC, area prices, we first averaged prices within each of the three DC survey areas described in Section 2.5. Then we computed a weighted average of the three DC survey areas using census data on where Federal employees live as the weights. 4.4 Computing Price Indexes Next, OPM computed a price index for each of the items found in both the COLA survey area and in the Washington, DC, area. To do this, OPM divided the COLA survey area average price by the DC area average price and, following the convention used to express indexes, multiplied this by 100. For the vast majority of survey items, OPM next applied consumer expenditure weights. For a few items, however, OPM first applied special processes as described in Sections 4.4.1 and 4.4.2 below. 4.4.1 Geometric Means As described in Section 2.3, OPM selected survey items to represent selected detailed expenditure categories (DECs). Generally, OPM surveyed only one item per DEC, but in a few cases, OPM surveyed multiple items at a single

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DEC. In these cases, OPM computed the geometric mean of the price indexes to derive a single price index for the DEC. (A geometric mean is the nth root of the product of n different numbers and is often used in price index computations.) For example, OPM surveyed two prescription drugsMethylphenidate and Nexium. These two different prescription drugs represent a single DEC called prescription drugs. To derive a single price index for the DEC, OPM computed the geometric mean of the price index for Methylphenidate and the price index for Nexium. 4.4.2 Special Private Education Computations As noted in Section 4.2.1, OPM surveyed K12 private education in the COLA and DC areas and computed an average tuition price that reflected all grade levels. Because not everyone sends children to private school, OPM made an additional special adjustment for K12 education by applying use factors. These use factors reflect the relative extent to which Federal employees make use of private education in the COLA and DC areas. For example, Table 5 shows a use factor

of 2.0302 for Honolulu County. OPM computed this by dividing 26.86 percent (the percentage of Federal employees in Honolulu County with at least 1 child in a private school) by 13.23 percent (the percentage of DC area Federal employees with at least 1 child in a private school). OPM obtained the percentages from the results of the 1992/ 93 Federal Employee Housing and Living Patterns Survey, which is the most current comprehensive data available. Table 5 shows the use factors and the adjusted price indexes for each COLA survey area.
TABLE 5SUMMARY OF PRIVATE EDUCATION USE FACTORS AND INDEXES
COLA survey area Employees w/children in private schools Local area Honolulu County... Hilo Area *... Kailua Kona/Waimea *... Kauai County... Maui County... Guam...

Use factor

Price index
Price index w/use factor 159.48 79.56 107.04 98.03 81.32 166.18
DC area 13.23 13.23 13.23 13.23 13.23 13.23 2.0302 1.4316 1.4316 1.6977 1.5412 3.1943 78.55 55.57 74.77 57.74 52.76 52.02
26.86 18.94 18.94 22.46 20.39 42.26
factor data available only for Hawaii County.
4.5 Applying Consumer Expenditure Weights Next, OPM applied consumer expenditure weights to aggregate price indexes by expenditure group. As noted in Section 2.3, OPM used the results of the BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey to estimate the amounts middle income level consumers in the DC area spend on various items. Using expenditure weights, OPM combined the price indexes according to their relative importance. For example, shelter is the most important expenditure in terms of the COLA survey and represents about 30 percent of total consumer expenditures. On the other hand, the purchase of newspapers at newsstands
represents less than 110th of 1 percent of total expenditures. Beginning at the lowest level of expenditure aggregation (e.g., sub-PEG), OPM computed the relative importance of each survey item within the level of aggregation, multiplied the price index times its expenditure percentage, and summed the cross products for all of the items within the level of aggregation to compute a weighted price index for that level. OPM repeated this process at each higher level of aggregation (e.g., PEG and MEG). Appendix 7 shows these calculations for each COLA survey area at the PEG and MEG level. The above process resulted in an overall price index for each of the

Pacific COLA areas (shown in Appendix 7), but not for Hawaii County, which has two separate COLA survey areas. To compute an overall price index for Hawaii County, OPM computed weights based on the number of General Schedule (GS) and equivalent Federal employees stationed on the Hilo side of the island compared with the number stationed on the Kailua Kona/Waimea side of the island. OPM then multiplied each of the MEG indexes for Hilo and Kailua Kona by their respective GS employment weights and summed the cross products to produce an overall price index for Hawaii County. (See Appendix 7.) Table 6 shows the weights OPM used.
TABLE 6HILO AND KAILUA KONA/WAIMEA EMPLOYMENT WEIGHTS
Area Hilo Area..... Kailua Kona/Waimea Area.... Total..... GS employment 964 Weight 66.7 33.3 100.0

5. Final Results

To compute the overall living-cost index, OPM added to the price index a non-price adjustment factor. The parties in Caraballo negotiated these factors to reflect differences in living costs that might not be captured by the surveys, and OPM adopted these factors in
regulation as part of the new methodology. The factor for Honolulu County is five index points. The factor for all other COLA areas in Hawaii is seven index points. The factor for Guam/CNMI is nine index points. The resulting living-cost indexes are shown in Table 7.
TABLE 7FINAL LIVING-COST COMPARISON INDEXES
Allowance area Honolulu County, HI.. Hawaii County, HI. Kauai County, HI.. Maui County, HI. Index 121.37 111.71 118.14 123.62

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6. Post Survey Review In December 2007, OPM held teleconferences with the COLA Index Advisory Committees in Honolulu, Hilo, Kailua Kona, Kauai, Maui, and Guam to 119.98 review the survey results. We provided the committee members with various reports showing the data we collected, examples of how we reviewed these
Contents Report on 2006 living-cost surveys conducted in Alaska. Report on 2005 living-cost surveys conducted in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Report on 2004 living-cost surveys conducted in Hawaii and Guam. Report on 2003 living-cost surveys conducted in Alaska. Report on 2002 living-cost surveys conducted in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Report on 1998 living-cost surveys conducted in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Report on 1997 living-cost surveys conducted in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Report on 1996 living-cost surveys conducted in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Report on winter 1995 living-cost surveys conducted in Alaska. Report on summer 1994 living-cost surveys conducted in Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Report on winter 1994 living-cost surveys conducted in Alaska. Report on summer 1992 and winter 1993 living-cost surveys conducted in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Report on summer 1993 living-cost surveys conducted in Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Report on summer 1991 and winter 1992 living-cost surveys conducted in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Report on summer 1990 living-cost surveys conducted in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

TABLE 7FINAL LIVING-COST COMPARISON INDEXESContinued
Allowance area Guam/CNMI..
data, the data we used in our analyses, and the results at the PEG and MEG level, as shown in Appendix 7. We explained how we analyzed the rental data and used expenditure weights to combine price indexes to reflect overall living costs.
Appendix 1Prior Survey Results: 1990 2006
Citation FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR 774.. 63179. 44989. 12002. 6020. 44103. 56432. 14190. 4070. 61332. 45066. 45558.
58 FR 27316. 57 FR 58556. 56 FR 7902.
Appendix 2Estimated DC Area Middle Income Annual Consumer Expenditures
[Asterisks show Detailed Expenditure Categories (DECs) for which OPM surveyed items.]
Level 5 4...................................
Code XTOTAL.. FOODTOTL. CERBAKRY. CEREAL.. 010110. 010120. 010210. 010310. 010320. BAKERY. BREAD. 020110. 020210. CRAKCOOK.. 020510. 020610. 020810. OTHBAKRY. 020310. 020410. 020620. 020710. 020820. ANIMAL.. BEEF.. 030110. ROAST. 030210. 030310. 030410. STEAK. 030510. 030610. 030710. 030810. PORK.
Group.. MEG.. PEG...................... PEG..............
Category name Total Expenditure.. Food... Cereals and bakery products.. Cereals and cereal products.. Flour... Prepared flour mixes.. Ready to eat and cooked cereals *. Rice *... Pasta, cornmeal and other cereal products *. Bakery products.. Bread... White bread *.. Bread, other than white *.. Crackers and cookies.. Cookies *... Crackers... Frozen and refrigerated bakery products *. Other bakery products.. Biscuits and rolls *.. Cakes and cupcakes *.. Bread and cracker products.. Sweetrolls, coffee cakes, doughnuts.. Pies, tarts, turnovers.. Meats, poultry, fish, and eggs. Beef... Ground beef *... Roast... Chuck roast *.. Round roast *.. Other roast.. Steak... Round steak *... Sirloin steak *.. Other steak.. Other beef... Pork...
Expenditures $57,910.67 6,516.50 426.43 152.02 4.76 12.20 95.36 17.23 22.47 274.41 81.05 31.35 49.70 72.78 44.31 28.47 20.07 100.51 37.28 29.32 3.62 18.16 12.13 797.61 216.02 90.12 30.38 8.09 6.69 15.60 77.60 13.00 22.62 41.99 17.92 123.62

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Level 6 6.....................................................................
Code 040110. 040210. HAM.. 040310. 040610. 040510. 040410. OTHRMEAT. 050110. LNCHMEAT. 050210. 050310. LAMBOTHR. 050410. 050900. POULTRY. CHICKEN.. 060110. 060210. 060310. FISHSEA. 070110. 070230. 070240. 080110. DAIRY.. MILKCRM. 090110. 090210. OTHDAIRY.. 100110. 100210. 100410. 100510. FRUITVEG. FRSHFRUT.. 110110. 110210. 110310. 110510. 110410. FRESHVEG. 120110. 120210. 120310. 120410. PROCFOOD.. PROCFRUT. FRZNFRUT.. 130110. 130121. 130122. 130310. 130320. 130211. 130212. PROCVEG. 140110. CANDVEG. 140210. 140220. 140230. 140320. 140330. 140340. 140310. 140410. 140420. MISCFOOD.. FRZNPREP.. 180210. 180220.

Expenditures 152.08 48.35 2.92 346.16 307.37 168.70 124.90 43.80 32.65 674.66 165.27 234.66 37.72 47.33 41.62 124.44 0.29 6.32 0.96 16.05 456.70 353.88 45.75 31.96 276.17 102.82 51.50 13.73 28.87 4.59 3.13 0.32 0.67 2,571.77 672.71 29.76 129.68 103.59 28.95 149.26 59.69 39.85 19.89 82.29 29.76 419.47 130.01 5.28 0.00 5.48 0.00 26.83 1.09 6.84 58.76 37.13 0.58 3.47 0.88 10.46 13.36 1.27 48.65 2.24 0.27 18.71 6.21 41.95 447.82 338.42 144.28

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Level 4 4.................................................................
Code 610320. 620410. 620420. 610110. 610140. 610120. ENTEROTH. UNMTRBOT. 600121. 600122. PWRSPVEH.. 600141. 600142. 600132. RNTSPVEH. 520904. 520907. 620909. 620919. 620906. 620921. 620922. 600110. 520901. RECEQUIP.. 600210. 600310. 600410. 600420. 600430. 600901. 600902. 600903. 620908. PHOTOEQ. 610210. 610220. 620330. 620905. 610230. 620320. 610901. 610902. 610903. 620913. PERSPROD. 640110. 640120. 640130. 640210. 640220. 640310. 640410. 640420. PERSSERV. 650310. 650900. READING.. 590310. 590410. 590900. 590220. 590230. 660310. EDU&COMM.. EDUCATN. 670210. 660210.
Group....... PEG........................................ PEG.......... PEG.... PEG.... PEG.. PEG.. PEG.. PEG.. MEG.. PEG....
Category name Pet purchase, supplies, medicine.. Pet services.. Vet services *.. Toys, games, hobbies, and tricycles *. Stamp & Coin Collecting.. Playground equipment.. Other entertainment supplies, equipment, and services. Unmotored recreational vehicles.. Boat without motor and boat trailers. Trailer and other attachable campers. Motorized recreational vehicles. Purchase of motorized camper. Purchase of other vehicle *.. Purchase of boat with motor.. Rental of recreational vehicles.. Rental noncamper trailer.. Boat and trailer rental outoftown trips. Rental of campers on outoftown trips. Rental of other vehicles on outoftown trips.. Rental of boat... Rental of motorized camper.. Rental of other RVs... Outboard motors... Docking and landing fees.. Sports, recreation and exercise equipment.. Athletic gear, game tables, exercise equip. *. Bicycles.. Camping equipment... Hunting and fishing equipment. Winter sports equipment.. Water sports equipment.. Other sports equipment. Global Positioning Services.. Rental and repair of mis. sports equipment.. Photographic equipment, supplies and services. Film *... Other photographic supplies.. Film processing *... Repair and rental of photographic equipment Photographic equipment.. Photographer fees.. Fireworks... Souvenirs... Visual goods... Pinball, electronic video games.. Personal care products. Hair care products *.. Nonelectric articles for the hair. Wigs and hairpieces... Oral hygiene products, articles. Shaving needs.. Cosmetics, perfume, bath preparation *. Deodorants, feminine hygiene, misc pers. Care. Electric personal care appliances.. Personal care services.. Personal care service *.. Repair of personal care appliances.. Reading.. Newspapers, Magazines by Subscription *. Newspapers, Magazines at Newstand *. Newsletters.. Books thru book clubs.. Books not thru book clubs *.. Encyclopedia and other sets of reference books. Education and Communication. Education... Elementary and high school tuition *. School books, supplies for elementary and H.S.

Canned Soup. Regular size (approx. 10.7 ounce) can of condensed soup. Not hearty, reduced fat, or salt free varieties. Use: Campbells Chicken Noodle Soup. Canned Tuna. Chunk light tuna, packed in spring water (6.0 to 6.13 ounces). Do not price fancy style or albacore. Use: Star Kist. Cellular Phone 500 Minute Plan. Cellular phone service with 500 anytime minutes per month. Price via internet, all areas at the same time during the DC area survey. Call for fee information. Itemize taxes and fees and add to price. Also try to obtain a bill from a local resident for comparison purposes. Use: Major provider. Cellular Phone 600 Minute Plan. Cellular phone service with 600 anytime minutes per month. Price via internet, all areas at the same time during the DC area survey. Call for fee information. Itemize taxes and fees and add to price. Also try to obtain a bill from a local resident for comparison purposes. Use: Major provider. Cellular Phone 800 Minute Plan. Cellular phone service with 800 anytime minutes per month. Price via internet, all areas at the same time during the DC area survey. Call for fee information. Itemize taxes and fees and add to price. Also try to obtain a bill from a local resident for comparison purposes. Use: Major provider. Cereal. Raisin bran cereal, approximately 20 ounce box. Use: Post Raisin Bran. Charcoal Grill. Charcoal grill, heavy gauge, porcelain-enameled, steel lid, approximately 22.5 inches diameter, model 741001. Use: Weber 1 Touch Silver 2212. Charcoal Grill. Charcoal grill, heavy gauge, porcelain-enameled, steel lid, approximately 18.5 inches diameter, model 441001. Use: Weber 1 Touch Silver 18.5. Cheese. Twelve ounce package cheese, 16 slices. Okay to price two percent milkreduced fat singles, but do not price fat free variety. Use: Kraft Singles, American. Chicken Breast, Skinless, Boneless. Price per pound of USDA grade boneless, skinless, fresh chicken breasts. Price store brand if available, otherwise record brand. Note: Most fresh (i.e., not frozen) chicken is chilled to almost freezing. Use: Store brand. Chicken, Whole Fryer, Fresh. Price per pound of USDA graded, whole fryer, fresh chicken. If multiple brands available, match the lowest priced item and note in comments. If frozen chicken available, price as substitute. Note: Most fresh (i.e., not frozen) chicken is chilled to almost freezing. Use: Available brand. Chrysler. Purchase price of a 2007 Chrysler Sebring sedan, 4 door, 2.4 liter, 4 cylinder, 16 valve, four-speed automatic transmission. Please note the price of any special option packages. Use: Chrysler Sebring sedan. Chrysler License, Registration, Taxes, & Inspection. License, registration, periodic taxes (e.g., road or personal property tax, but NOT one-time taxes such as sales tax), and inspection (e.g., safety and emissions) on the Chrysler specified for survey. Use: Specified Chrysler. Chuck Roast, Boneless. Price per pound, fresh (not frozen or previously frozen) boneless beef chuck pot roast. Price USDA Select or un-graded if available. If not available, note USDA grade in comments.

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Filing Cabinet. Metal, two-drawer, vertical file cabinet, approximately 24 x 14 x 18 inches. File drawer accommodates hanging files. Use: K-Mart: ISD Classic File 150; WalMart: Space Solutions Ready File 10002. Film Processing 1 Hour. One-hour color film processing for 24 exposure, 35 mm, with either 3 x 5 or 4 x 6 inch single prints. Use: In-store processing. Ford Explorer 4WD. Purchase price of a 2007 Ford Explorer XLT, 4x4, 4 door, 4.0 liter, 6 cylinder, 5-speed automatic overdrive transmission. Please note the price of any special option packages. Use: Ford Explorer XLT. Ford License, Registration, Taxes, and Inspection. License, registration, periodic taxes (e.g., road or personal property tax, but NOT one-time taxes such as sales tax), and inspection (e.g., safety and emissions) on the Ford specified for survey. Use: Specified Ford. Fresh Mahi-Mahi. Price per pound of fresh Mahi-Mahi fillet. Do not price previously frozen (PF) or specially prepared varieties. Do not price family-pack, value-pack, supersave pack, or equivalent. If multiple brands available, match the lowest priced item and note in comments. Use: Available brand. Fresh Tuna Steak, Yellowfin (Ahi). Price one pound of tuna steak, yellowfin (Ahi), fresh. Do not price previously frozen (PF) or specially prepared varieties. Do not price family-pack, value-pack, super-save pack, or equivalent. If multiple brands available, match the lowest priced item and note in comments. Use: Available brand. Frozen Fish Fillet. Price of one box (10 count) of frozen ocean whitefish breaded fillets. Use: Gortons Lemon Herb flavor, approximately 18 ounce (if unavailable, price traditional crunchy as a substitute); Van de Kamp 10 count, approximately 21 to 25 ounce. Frozen Orange Juice. Twelve fluid ounce can of orange juice concentrate (makes 48 fl ounces). Do not price calcium fortified, pulp free, country style, etc. Use: Minute Maid. Frozen Peas. Sixteen ounce package of frozen petite or baby peas, no sauce or onions. Use: C&W Petite peas. Frozen TV Dinner. One 11.75 ounce (approximate size) frozen dinner with vegetable and/or other condiment. Do not price Hungry Man or equivalent extra-portion sizes. Use: Swanson Roasted Carved Turkey Breast, Swanson Angus Beef Salisbury Steak. Frozen Waffles. Ten count box of frozen waffles per package. Do not price fat-free or whole wheat varieties. Use: Eggo (10 ct). Fruit Drink. Ten pack of fruit drink, not juice, any flavor. Use: Hi C fruit punch drink 10 pack. Fruit Juice. Forty-eight ounce glass or plastic bottle of cranberry juice. Use: Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice. Gas. Price per gallon for self-service unleaded regular gasoline. Use: Major brand. Gelatin. Three ounce box gelatin dessert. Use: JELL-O. General Admission Evening Film. Adult price for evening showing, current-release (currently advertised on television). Report weekend evening price if different from weekday. Use: Movie. Girls Dress. Girls print dress, softly colored floral-print blue chiffon dress. Scoop neck, split sleeves. Polyester chiffon; lining is polyester, washable. Include sales tax and shipping and handling. Use: Hype print dress, JC Penney catalog number: A3809973. Girls Jeans. Slim fit in the seat and thighs with flared legs and traditional 5-pocket styling, for girls ages 8 to 10 (size 7 to 14). Use: Ralph Lauren (Macys), Levis 517 (Sears). Girls Polo Type Top. Girls polo cotton blend, striped or solid pattern. Price sizes 7 to 14 or S, M, and L in girls sizes. Use: Ralph Lauren (Macys), Lands End (Sears). Girls Polo Type Top (Catalog). Girls polo cotton/polyester blend, striped or solid pattern, straight bottom hem, 2-button front placket, with ribbed collar and cuffs; washable. Price sizes 7 to 14 or S, M, and L in girls sizes. JC Penney catalog number: A3730302. Include sales tax and shipping and handling. Use: Ruling Class. Golf, Non Resort. Eighteen holes of golf on weekend with cart, tee-time approximately 2 p.m. Do not price par 3 courses. If only nine holes available, double price. If only daily rate available (unlimited number of holes), report the Saturday or Sunday rate. Price local resident fee. Use: Golf, non-resort. Golf, Resort. Eighteen holes of golf on weekend with cart, tee-time approximately 2 p.m. Do not price par 3 courses. If only nine holes available, double price. If only daily rate available (unlimited number of holes), report the Saturday or Sunday rate. Price local resident fee (not hotel guest fee). Price outside of local jurisdiction if necessary. Use: Golf, resort. Ground Beef. Price per pound, fresh (not frozen or previously frozen) ground beef or ground chuck. Price USDA Select or ungraded if available. If not available, note USDA grade in comments. Use average size package, i.e., not family-pack, value-pack, super-saver pack, or equivalent. If multiple brands available (e.g. Angus), match the lowest priced item and note in comments. Use: Available brand, 7% fat and 20% fat. Hamburger Buns. Eight-count package of sliced enriched white hamburger buns. Do not price store brand. Use: Wonder. Loves is an equivalent brand. Hand-Held Vacuum. Cordless, hand-held, vacuum with upholstery brush and crevice tool. Use: Black & Decker DustBuster 7.2 volt V7210 (K-Mart and Wal-Mart); 9.6 volt V9610 (Wal-Mart). Health Club Membership. One-year regular, individual membership for existing member. Do not price special offers. If no yearly rate, price month and prorate. Service must include free weights, cardiovascular equipment, and aerobic classes. Note if pool, tennis, racquet ball, or other service included. Use: Golds Gym type. Hospital Room. Daily charge for a private and semi-private room. Include food and routine care. Exclude cost of operating room, surgery, medicine, lab fees, etc. Do not price specialty rooms; e.g., those in cardiac care units. Use: Private room and semi-private room. Hot Dogs, Beef Franks. Sixteen ounce package, 10 count, USDA graded, all beef franks. Do not price chicken, turkey, extra lean, or fat free frankfurters. Use: Oscar Mayer Beef Franks. Hot Dogs, Wieners. Sixteen ounce package, 10 count, USDA graded, meat (e.g., turkey

Frm 00025

Data element Description of data Whether the landlord provides at no additional cost water, sewer (includes septic), garbage collection, lawn care, cable television, satellite dish, electricity, heating fuel, firewood, snow removal. Yes/No for each type of service. For the Caribbean/DC Area surveys only, the source of the units water. If none, explain in comments because the assumption is the unit is not habitable and therefore is not a comparable. Public, well, cistern, n/a. Whether the unit has a wood-burning or gas fireplace. Yes/No. Whether there is a pool, tennis court, clubhouse, exercise room, and/or other facilities (e.g., playground) available to the tenant at no additional charge. Yes, if any of the above exist, else No (i.e., one variable, not five). Whether the landlord allows dogs and/or cats. If the landlord charges an extra monthly fee, report pet fee separately and note in comment. Also note any deposits in comments, but do not report deposits as part of pet fees. Whether the unit has a view of a park, ocean, mountain, valley, golf course, etc. that is unusually beautiful for the area and may increase the rental value of the property. Note: Properties with direct access to such an amenity (e.g., are on a beach or golf course) are not to be surveyed. Yes/ No. Rental or lease amount per month. If various rental rates are available, assume a 1-year lease. If properties are available for rent for period less than one month, note in comments. Do not include deposits or any fee reported separately, e.g., parking, homeowner association, and pet fees. Date the rental data for the unit were collected, or if for a different time period, the date associated with the data and rent. Additional periodic fees or charges that the tenant pays separately, e.g., condo fees if paid separately. If annual fee, prorate to monthly. Do not report deposits, first/last months rent, utilities, tenants insurance, or discretionary fees (e.g., cable TV, community pool membership). If a tax record is available. Latitude and longitude of the unit accurate to within approximately seven meters. Latitude and longitude are reported in separate fields as decimal degrees (e.g., 30.5012), not as degrees, minutes and seconds. When reporting the geographic location of multiple apartment units (i.e., Classes D, E, and F) within the same structure or complex, report the same geographic location for each such unit, even though the units may have slightly different longitudes and latitudes. For example, if three-, two-, and one-bedroom apartments are surveyed in Woodburn Apartments, report all as having the same geographic location. The two-digit Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) code for the State, commonwealth, or territory in which the unit is located. For example, the FIPS code for Alaska is 02. The three-digit FIPS code for the county, municipio, or equivalent in which the unit is located. For example, the FIPS code for Anchorage is 020. The six-digit census tract code. Add trailing zeroes for four-digit census tract (e.g., 0061 becomes 006100). Remove decimals from any census tract with a decimal (e.g., 0063.02 becomes 006302). Additional information that helps clarify above data elements as they apply to the comparable.

118.60

100.11

112.89

114.51

106.00

Frm 00031
Primary Expenditure Group (PEG) Pets, toys, and playground equipment. Other entertainment supplies, etc. Personal care products.. Personal care services.. Reading.. PEG Total.... Education.. Communications.. Computers and computer services.. PEG Total.... Tobacco products, etc.. Miscellaneous.. Personal insurance and pensions. PEG Total.. MEG Total........ MEG weight (percent) 0.80 0.41 0.60 0.54 0.16.. 4.97 0.29 4.16 0.51.. 13.23 0.43 1.61 11.19.. 100.00... PEG weight (percent) 17.93 9.27 13.42 12.12 3.53 100.00.. 5.77 83.88 10.34 100.00.. 3.27 12.15 84.58 100.00... PEG index 117.17 114.28 100.09 98.99 96.31.. 107.04 101.94 100.16.. 129.51 94.48 99.74... Kona/ Waimea area indexes 102.05 MEG index

100.07

113.44 7.00 120.44
Primary Expenditure Group (PEG)

MEG weight (percent)

Hilo area indexes

MEG index

HAWAII COUNTY, HI Employment Weights.. 1. Food.. Hilo: 66.7 percent. Kona/Waimea: 33.3 percent.. Cereals and bakery products. Meats, poultry, fish, and eggs. Dairy products.. Fruits and vegetables. Processed foods.. Other food at home.. Nonalcoholic beverages.. Food away from home.. Alcoholic beverages.. PEG Total.. Shelter.. Energy utilities.. Water and other public services. PEG Total.. Household operations.. Housekeeping supplies.. Textiles and area rugs.. Furniture... Major appliances.. Small appliances, misc. housewares. Misc. household equipment. PEG Total.. Men and boys.. Women and girls.. Children under 2.. Footwear... Other apparel products and services. PEG Total.. Motor vehicle costs.. Gasoline and motor oil.. Maintenance and repairs. Vehicle insurance.. Public transportation.. PEG Total.. Health insurance.. Medical services.. Drugs and medical supplies.
11.25...... 38.09... 5.34.... 3.77... 14.16... 4.75...
119.99 159.12 116.51 136.58 156.35 134.37 140.12 124.35 103.39 112.60 91.82 58.98 414.51 52.45 98.06 81.91 110.41 112.93 99.10 121.03 108.69 98.49 101.27 104.38 96.29 110.20 97.72 113.52 115.74 106.40 110.53 116.95 96.29 224.26 83.29 71.97 102.01 95.74
134.80 171.95 128.06 148.20 166.88 139.76 136.62 167.11 123.34 118.03 118.60 89.07 414.51 52.45 100.11 93.87 108.53 104.13 99.10 109.78 114.88 97.52 112.89 132.19 99.62 119.49 96.13 144.23 114.51 104.73 112.79 118.70 96.29 207.80 89.68 71.97 120.09 107.52
163.39 120.36 140.45 159.85 136.16 138.95 138.59 110.03 114.41 69.00 414.51 52.45 98.74 85.89 109.79 110.00 99.10 117.29 110.75 98.17 105.14 113.64 97.40 113.30 97.19 123.75 115.33 105.84 111.28 117.54 96.29 218.78 85.41 71.97 108.03 99.66

Frm 00032

Kona/ Waimea area indexes 106.00 100.28 110.49 117.17 114.28 100.09 98.99 96.31 102.05 107.04 101.94 100.16 100.07 129.51 94.48 99.74...
PEG Total.. Fees and admissions. Television, radios, sound equipment. Pets, toys, and playground equipment. Other entertainment supplies, etc. Personal care products.. Personal care services.. Reading.. PEG Total.. Education.. Communications.. Computers and computer services.. PEG Total.. Tobacco products, etc.. Miscellaneous.. Personal insurance and pensions.......