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* Marcy Martin, a real property assessment technical officer with the county's Department of Finance, was recently honored for earning the first assessment administration specialist designation in the state, according to an announcement.Martin earned the designation through more than 200 hours of instruction and seven exams. The International Association of Assessing Officers awarded Martin with the honor. The organization is the internationally recognized professional membership organization for government assessment officials.Martin began working on the designation in 2005.* Marilyn M. ...

New store specializes in clothes, accessories for dolls and girls

Forever H & A Maui, a shop that sells Hawaiian American Girl doll dresses and matching girls' dresses, has opened at The Wharf Cinema Center in Lahaina town.The store also has accessories for dolls and girls and a variety of made-on-Maui gifts, including candles, sea glass and shell jewelry and tree ornaments.Owner Romela Agbayani makes dresses in her shop.For more information see www.thewharfshops.com or call Forever H & A Maui at 661-1760.* * *GYM GROWTH. Maui Powerhouse Gym in Kihei will expand its gym by 60 percent with renovations to be completed by early 2014.Additions ...

Business/In Brief • Sept. 28, 2013

Par Petroleum completes purchaseHONOLULU - A Houston-based petroleum company has completed the purchase of the Kapolei oil refinery from Tesoro Corp.Par Petroleum on Wednesday became the fourth owner of the refinery opened 41 years ago with plans to increase production of gasoline, jet fuel and other products.Par Petroleum also bought Tesoro's 31 gas stations and other assets. The gas stations will continue operating under the Tesoro name.The price was $75 million in cash and up to $40 million more if the Hawaii operation meets performance targets over three years.Par Petroleum also will ...

Business/In Brief • Sept. 25, 2013

HONOLULU - Kaiser Permanente Hawaii is providing more than $120,000 in grants for community health initiatives.Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice will receive about $41,000 for an effort to maximize participation of eligible residents in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Earned Income Tax Credit. According to Kaiser, Hawaii's low participation in these programs ranks 46th nationwide.Hawaii Primary Care Association will receive a $40,000 grant for a child and adolescent mental health initiative.Hawaii's Department of Education will receive $22,000 to ...

Kenoi to request geothermal health effects study

HILO, Hawaii (AP) - Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi plans to implement the recommendations of a panel on geothermal power, including a proposal that the county commission a study on the public health effects of the state's only geothermal power plant.Public safety and public health are paramount, Kenoi told the Hawaii Tribune-Herald. The county needs to determine what harm, if any, is caused by geothermal power, he said.The mayor commissioned the group's report in response to concerns in Puna over existing geothermal development and Hawaii Electric Light Co.'s plans to expand geothermal ...

Business/In Brief • Sept. 21, 2013

Treasury awards to benefit Native HawaiiansHONOLULU - The U.S. Treasury Department has awarded $1.2 million to two Hawaii credit unions for financial assistance awards for Native Hawaiians.U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said Thursday that the awards will give better opportunities, security and stability to Native Hawaiian families.Queens Federal Credit Union will get $659,000 while Hawaii First Federal Credit Union will get $524,000 for fiscal 2013.The awards are part of an assistance program geared toward Native Americans.Treasury officials say the awards help people who often don't have access ...