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Company reaches diving milestone

Atlantis Submarines Maui celebrated a milestone Tuesday, marking the undersea tour company's 50,000th descent into waters off of Lahaina, according to an announcement.Aside from seeing the Valley Isle's undersea world, guests on the trip more than 100 feet deep received lei and a commemorative photo."For 22 years, we have been providing a fascinating tour experience that is sustainable, eco-friendly and rooted in promoting marine conservation and sharing the importance of that message with all of our guests," said Jim Walsh, company general manager.Atlantis began offering submarine tours ...

Abercrombie signs bill for homebuyers program

HONOLULU (AP) - Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Friday signed a bill that broadens a homebuyers program throughout the state.The governor signed the legislation updating the Hula Mae Single Family Mortgage Loan Program during a ceremony at the Hawaii Capitol.The new law adds features to the program, including down payment assistance. It also broadens the program to new potential homeowners.Abercrombie says the law stirred up reminders of when he bought his first home and saved for 23 years to build up a down payment."I had this kind of stunned look," after closing on the home, ...

The Chamber View: Chamber event designed to improve people’s lives

The Maui Chamber of Commerce is known for combining business, networking and fun, and every event we do has multiple benefits as we seek to leverage people's time and improve their lives.A case in point is this Friday's workshop titled "In It To Win It! Getting Back Into The Game" taught by Sharon Frame, a former CNN news anchor, writer, award-winning TV journalist and empowerment speaker. It is the first time we are combining a workshop with our Installation Luncheon.Why add another activity given our busy schedule? We have three important reasons.First, many businesses have not fully ...

Business / In Brief • June 21, 2013

Hawaiian Electric eyes new projectsHONOLULU - Hawaiian Electric Co. said Wednesday that it had asked the Public Utilities Commission for the authority to negotiate five new solar and wind power contracts.The utility said the projects would charge an average of one-third less for electricity than what Hawaiian Electric now pays for power generated from oil, solar and wind.The five projects were selected from 20 proposals the utility received after issuing a call in February for low-cost renewable energy. The utility selected the five based on price, site control, development experience ...

Workshops this month in Kahului

Free workshops will be held this month at the Maui County Business Resource Center in the Maui Mall, across from Pizza Hut, according to an announcement from the Mayor's Office of Economic Development.Scheduled events include:* "Copywriting for Marketing your Business," from noon to 1 p.m. today, provides participants with the essential steps and elements for writing targeted and engaging copy for websites, brochures, email blasts and all business marketing materials. The workshop will be led by Jasmyne Boswell, an author, writing coach, marketing consultant and editor.* "Is Your ...

Business / In Brief • June 19, 2013

General excise tax revenue up 10 percentHONOLULU - The state Department of Taxation says Hawaii general excise tax revenue rose nearly 10 percent during the first 11 months of the current fiscal year.The department said Friday the state had $2.7 billion in general excise tax receipts from July 2012 through the end of May. That compares to $2.5 billion for the same 11 months the previous fiscal year.The tax on hotel rooms and other short-term accommodations brought in $339 million during the period, up 13 percent from the previous fiscal year.Individual income tax receipts rose 14 ...