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Business / In Brief • July 24, 2013

KAILUA-KONA - A researcher has developed an iPad app to protect Hawaii dolphins by teaching people how to enjoy the animals responsibly from a distance.The website for the free application called The Naia Guide, explains spinner dolphins go to shallow, sandy-bottom bays during the day to seek protection from predators found in deeper waters.But tourists frequent these same bays. Snorkelers often surround the dolphins, grab the animals and ride on their dorsal fins. This deprives dolphins of the rest they need.West Hawaii Today reports that the application's creator, Demi Fox, witnessed ...

Business / In Brief • July 20, 2013

General fund tax revenues up 10%HONOLULU - Hawaii tax revenues deposited in the general fund rose nearly 10 percent during the most recent fiscal year to $5.5 billion.The state Department of Taxation said Thursday that general excise tax revenue rose just over 9 percent to $2.9 billion during the 12 months ended in June.The increases come as the tourism industry and local economy rebound from the recession.The department says revenues from the transit accommodations tax imposed on short-term room rentals climbed nearly 14 percent from the previous year to $369 million.Individual income ...

Business / In Brief • July 19, 2013

Oahu homeowners sue developerHONOLULU - Ewa Beach homeowners have filed a lawsuit against a developer over a decision to not construct a planned marina.Attorneys for the homeowners in Hoakalei Resort and Ocean Pointe communities filed the class-action lawsuit in state court Wednesday afternoon.The Honolulu Star-Advertiser said plaintiffs maintain that their property values have been hurt by Haseko Inc.'s 2011 decision to construct a landlocked lagoon instead of a marina.Hoakalei Resort homeowners also say they've been paying community association fees for the operation and maintenance of ...

Business / In Brief • July 18, 2013

Company plans to start wave parkHONOLULU - A local company is looking at bringing surf parks to Hawaii.Wave Garden Hawaii LLC says it has secured rights to a Spanish company's technology that produces waves engineered to roll through natural or artificial lakes or lagoons.The equipment and installation start at about $4 million.Wave Garden Hawaii is looking at developing wave parks that offer high-performance waves for experienced surfers, as well as smaller ways for surfing lessons.Wave Garden Hawaii is co-founded by big-wave surfer Brian Keaulana and Kenan J. Knieriem Jr.*****Safeway ...

Oahu groups against condo conversions

HONOLULU - Union and community members are protesting the conversion of hotel rooms into condominiums.Paola Rodelas, a spokeswoman for Hawaii labor organization Local 5, said that condo conversions are popular with developers, who can profit quickly from the sale of the converted units. But conversions lead to job losses because people typically don't have the same expectations for service at residential condominiums, condotels and time shares that they do for hotels.Local 5 and members of the AiKea Movement say condo conversions contributed to the loss of 3,250 accommodations jobs ...

Business / In Brief • July 17, 2013

More than $700K for jobless programHONOLULU - The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded Hawaii more than $700,000 to continue implementing a program to help the unemployed find work.Hawaii will use the money to provide in-person assessments to jobless. The assessment will help people develop plans to find work based on their career interests and the labor market.Participants will be referred to the American Job Center for services and training.The money will also help the state review claimant benefit eligibility to reduce improper payments.The department said Monday a recent report by ...