Matson lowers surcharge
HONOLULU- The largest shipping company that carries goods to Hawaii from the U.S mainland is decreasing its fuel surcharge by 3.5 percentage points.
Matson Navigation Co. says effective Sunday the surcharge will go from 45.5 percent to 42 percent for Hawaii service. It will go from 42 percent to 38.5 percent from Guam, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands and Micronesia services.
The company says the adjustment is the result of recent declines in bunker fuel prices.
Matson cited rising bunker fuel prices for increasing the surcharge from 40.5 percent to 45.5 for Hawaii service in February.
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Hilo whistleblower files lawsuit
HILO - The former medical director of a Hilo clinic claims in a lawsuit she was forced to resign for being a whistleblower.
Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported Tuesday Dr. Fatima Philips' lawsuit claims she was stripped of her authority and forced to resign because she reported that Bay Clinic patients were being over-prescribed powerful narcotic painkillers.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages and back pay from May 13, 2011, the date she resigned.
According to the lawsuit, Philips conducted an investigation and found some patients were given multiple, highly addictive narcotics at high doses. She claims her efforts to curb the problem was met with resistance.
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Weekly Alaska-Kona flights set
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Alaska Airlines is beginning a new weekly, seasonal service between Anchorage and Kona.
The nonstop seasonal service to Kona begins Nov. 10 and ends April 7, 2013. The new service complements the airline's year-round daily service to Honolulu and seasonal service to Maui.
Alaska Airlines will celebrate its new service to Kona throughout the summer by giving away 49 tickets to Hawaii at fairs, on local radio stations and at other community events.
The Seattle-based airline is pricing introductory tickets starting at $249.
