For some, the jump in gasoline prices translates into taking extraordinary measures.

Peter Hungett, a photographer and massage therapist who lives in the university area, is using a variety of means to cut his gasoline consumption, including turning off his engine at stop lights. On some days, he ditches his car altogether and rides a bicycle.

"I've changed my habits a lot," said Hungett, who's coaxed 29 miles a gallon out of his 2002 Suzuki Aerio SX while driving mostly in the city. That's three to four miles a gallon more than what he had been getting.

His efforts, while not on the level of so-called hypermilers, include tactics such as switching off his ignition if he thinks he'll be at a stoplight more than 8 seconds. In the past, he's even killed his engine and coasted to a stop if he's spotted a light turning red ahead of him.

Hungett said he adopted the practice after remembering how friends drove in Europe, where gasoline is more expensive.

There, "it's sort of a matter of course," said Hungett, 52. "It wasn't so much of an unusual thing. People just did it."

His other gas-saving measures include filling his tires with two to four pounds more air than is recommended by the car's manufacturer to cut down on rolling resistance, using synthetic oil, and miserly use of his air conditioner.

Hungett has added a fairing that directs air over his surfboard roof racks. He avoids fast acceleration and stays within posted speed limits.

Moreover, Hungett also bought a bicycle that he sometimes rides to work and uses to tow a surfboard trailer when he pedals to the waves.

"In the last week, I've only driven 65 miles," he said.

Dean Takamine, a Makiki resident who maintains a Web site named Mr. Cheap Stuff, said he's also taken to riding a bicycle to save on gas, using it to go to the gym and sometimes to the beach. He's also cut back on visits to a cousin in Pearl City from once a week to twice a month, and makes sure he drives smart.

"There are many lists of things you can do to your car to improve MPG like pumping up tires, tuning up your car, etc.," Takamine, an online marketer, said in an e-mail.

"I believe you can really improve your MPG by just driving efficiently. You should be looking ahead at the next two or three street lights in advance so you know if you should ease off the gas."

Gasoline station owner Barney Robinson has another tip for drivers: Keep your tank full since it will likely cost more to fill up the next time you stop.

"In an up market, you keep your tank full," Robinson said.