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Berkshire Hathaway is gaining an affiliate

Prudential Maui, Realtors has joined Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, part of the HSF Affiliates LLC family of real estate brokerage franchise networks.The company will be operating as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Maui Properties. It is the first Berkshire Hathaway affiliate in Hawaii.Maui Properties was founded in 1992 and serves Wailea, Makena and West Maui, the news release said. It operates from offices at 256 Papalaua St., Lahaina. The brokerage president is John Skenderian.Earl Lee, chief executive officer of HSF Affiliates, welcomed Maui Properties to the network."This is a ...

Astronomy has been economic boon for Big Island

HILO (AP) - Astronomy has been good for the Hawaii economy, especially the Big Island, according to a report by the University of Hawaii's Economic Research Organization.Direct and indirect benefits in 2012 totaled nearly $168 million in the state, including nearly $91.5 million on Hawaii Island, the report concluded."The astronomy sector in Hawaii generates economic activity through its purchases from local businesses, its payment to its employees and spending by students and visitors," the report said.Direct spending on the Big Island totaled $58.43 million. Another $25.8 million was ...

$12 million renovation begins on the Hilo Naniloa Hotel

HILO (AP) - The lobby of the Hilo Naniloa Hotel has been moved down a floor, signaling that long-awaited renovations to the 383-room building have begun.Oahu-based developer Ed Bushor, a partner in the project with Hilo businessman Ed Olson, said that he's optimistic they will obtain a loan to pay for an estimated $12 million in improvements, the Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported."The economy has now turned (for the better)," he said. "Last year, in 2013, there weren't that many lenders out in the marketplace. In 2014, they're turning over a new leaf."Bushor and Olson spent about $7 million ...

Business/In Brief • Dec. 25, 2014

Health site deadline extendedHONOLULU - The Hawaii Health Connector is allowing residents more time to sign up for health insurance coverage that would begin Jan. 1.The original deadline to enroll for coverage that begins at the start of the new year was Dec. 15, but they've pushed the deadline back to noon on Dec. 31.After that, people can still enroll in health plans through the state exchange until Feb. 15, but their coverage won't begin until later.Officials at the Hawaii exchange say they had enrolled more than 15,000 people by Dec. 15.Executive Director Jeff Kissel says the ...

Standing up for aloha means just that

Our community is changing and the way issues are being dealt with is dividing us, with some behaviors in stark contrast to the aloha spirit that we hold dear. That is why we and many others have chosen to "Stand for Aloha." The effort is not an individual or organization's initiative, but actions by a growing group to move our community positively forward. Whenever people stand up, some will challenge their purpose and/or intentions. It is expected these days, but can also be helpful as feelings are expressed. Here is an email received."In the opinion of Kanaka Maoli you are a DUMMIE!!! ...

Business/In Brief • Dec. 19, 2014

Kauai council kills GMO research taxLIHUE - The Kauai County Council has killed a bill that may have resulted in higher taxes for companies researching genetically modified crops.The bill would have changed the way taxes are assessed on biotechnology research companies. It had passed the Kauai County Council but was vetoed by Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.The Garden Island reported that the council affirmed the mayor's veto Wednesday in a 5-1 vote.The bill had proposed to use lease amounts, instead of fair market values, to calculate property tax assessments on biotech companies.County ...