The inflation rate in Honolulu slowed to 2 percent in the second half of 2012 on an annual basis, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported.

Inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price, eased in the second-half from 2.8 percent increase for the first half of 2012 on an annual basis, according to the BLS.

Among the major components in the index, the biggest increase was in food and beverage, which rose 4.2 percent. Education costs rose 3.5 percent, while the cost of apparel and medical care rose by 2.9 percent and 2.6 percent respectively.

Transportation costs were down 0.3 percent, while housing costs increased by 1.5 percent.

Electricity costs, which are a sub category of housing, were unchanged. Gasoline costs, which are a subcategory of transportation, rose by 3.7 percent.