Hawaii bonds get S&P's AA rating
HONOLULU - Standard & Poor's has assigned a AA rating to $800 million in Hawaii general obligation bonds.
The ratings agency also reaffirmed its AA long-term rating for Hawaii bonds.
Standard & Poor's credit analyst Gabriel Petek said in a statement Tuesday that state revenue has begun to improve. He said Hawaii's tax collections were greater in July through September compared to the past two fiscal years.
He noted that the tourism industry is also showing signs of modest growth.
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Pacific Biodiesel honored for jobs
KAHULUI - Maui's Pacific Biodiesel is one of seven companies in the nation to be recognized by the SJF Institute as a 2011 Green Jobs Award Honoree.
The award honors private businesses that contribute to both the economy and the environment. Applicants are judged on their contribution to environmental quality, the quality of their jobs and benefits, the diversity of employment opportunities and their level of community engagement.
In the past year, the company's Hawaii operation has added 10 new staff positions and its new project, Big Island Biodiesel, created 85 construction jobs.
"We are excited to be growing and supporting more and more families with jobs that are fulfilling, dynamic and making a difference in our communities and our nation," said Kelly King, vice president of Pacific Biodiesel.
The Green Jobs ceremony was scheduled to take place Thursday in New York City.
SJF was founded in 1999 to invest in and assist companies with sustainable strategies, many of which created quality entry-level jobs, according to its website.
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Holistic health practice launched
MAKAWAO - Jennifer Michaels, a certified holistic health counselor, has opened a holistic health, nutrition and lifestyle counseling practice in Makawao.
"I teach people how their food choices and lifestyle affect every aspect of their lives and show them healthier, simple alternatives and they improve their lives, without feeling deprived," she said in an announcement.
Michaels is accredited by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. She was trained at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York.
Michaels' practice aims to help clients with weight loss, stress relief, lack of energy, sleep problems and pregnancies, among other health issues. She offers free consultations.
For more information, go online to www.mauihealthcoach.com.
