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Critical issues are discussed with congressional candidates 

The Chamber of Maui Political Action Committee (COMPAC) met with candidates in the races for U.S. Senate and U.S. House 2nd District to consider possible endorsement. The responses received to the questions posed showed concern, as well as a divide, over how things are being dealt with in Washington. Many people do not have the opportunity to research issues, hear from candidates and compare the views of all, or even most, candidates in a given race. Therefore, we wanted to highlight responses received from these candidates so more in the community could consider the concepts shared with ...

Business/In Brief • Sept. 5, 2014

USDA to aid Big Isle farmers after stormHONOLULU- The U.S. Agriculture Department is giving the Big Island a natural disaster designation to help farmers recover from Tropical Storm Iselle.The USDA's Farm Service Agency's declaration will allow qualifying farmers to obtain emergency loans.U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard notes Thursday that USDA's disaster declaration provides some federal assistance in the wake of the Federal Emergency Management Agency last week denying the governor's request for help.It's been almost a month since the storm made landfall over the Big Island, damaging homes and ...

Solar companies chide Hawaii Electric for delays

HONOLULU (AP) - A backlog of homeowners wanting solar panels hooked to the power grid has led to Hawaii's main power company and solar energy system companies blaming each other for delays.About 4,400 rooftop-solar applications in Oahu are waiting to be approved by Hawaiian Electric Co., the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported.The process used to take weeks. It can now take up to nine months following a requirement by the power company that photovoltaic installations be approved before it connects them to its grid.Solar companies need to work with Hawaii Electric to fix technical problems ...

Business/In Brief • Sept. 4, 2014

Grand opening set for credit unionThe Wailuku Federal Credit Union will hold a grand opening celebration at its new Maui Lani Village Center location from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, according to an announcement.Those attending the event can meet credit union staff and tour the new facility at 133 Ma'a St. in Kahului. The event also features food, entertainment, giveaways, a raffle, and special personal loan and certificate of deposit offers.For more information, call 244-7981 or go to www.wailukufcu.com.

COMPAC had good reason to release endorsements early

Last week the Chamber of Maui Political Action Committee (COMPAC) released its endorsements for county and state races, leaving some to question why the rush since the process was still underway and the committee's full report not yet done. It is a good question and one that we appreciate people asking because it shows their interest in COMPAC's endorsements.The answer is simple. The county and state endorsements for the general election were shared early to be responsive to those running. COMPAC was scheduled to interview all candidates the week of Aug. 11-15, but Hurricane Iselle had ...

Business/In Brief • Aug. 28, 2014

HONOLULU - A pilot accused of flying aerial banners over Oahu will face a jury trial.Matthew Radeck works for Aerial Banners Inc., which is based in Florida. He was arrested in July under a city ordinance that bans aerial advertising.Radeck's attorney was granted a request for a jury trial Tuesday in court, Hawaii News Now reports.Radeck's company says it didn't need to follow city rules because it has a waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration.If convicted Radeck could get a three-month sentence.