Arby's plans to increase its presence in Hawai'i with five more restaurants within the next five years.

The roast beef sandwich chain, which has five restaurants on O'ahu and two on the Big Island, signed a franchise agreement with local restaurateur Michael Hickey to open the additional stores on O'ahu.

Hickey owns and operates Pearl's Korean BBQ, and said he saw an opportunity to branch out into the quick-service sandwich business with what he views as an under-represented brand. The new Hawai'i franchise was one of 18 development agreements for Arby's slated to add 47 more restaurants in the U.S. and Canada.

TESORO WINS DEFENSE CONTRACT FOR FUEL

Tesoro Hawaii Corp., operator of the state's largest refinery, will provide aviation fuel to the Department of Defense through the end of October 2010.

The contract is worth up to $186.7 million. The Defense Logistics Agency said Tesoro beat out 18 other bidders.

500 EXHIBITORS AT MADE IN HAWAII EVENT

More than 35,000 people are expected to attend the 14th annual First Hawaiian Bank Made in Hawaii Festival Friday through Sunday at the Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall and Arena.

Nearly 500 exhibitors will be showcasing Hawai'i-produced products, including food, books, gifts, fashions, plants, art and crafts. The event also will feature cooking demonstrations from nine of Hawai'i's top chefs.

In addition, many local entertainers are scheduled to perform, including Makana, Frank DeLima, Jerry Santos, Maunalua, the Genoa Keawe Ohana, Cyril Pahinui, Eddie Kamae and Melveen Leed.

MAUI COUNTY ISSUES 18 B&B PERMITS

Since the new Maui County ordinance intended to clarify and speed up the bed-and-breakfast permitting system went into effect in January, 33 percent of the applicants — so far — have received licenses to open their homes and 'ohana to guests, Planning Director Jeff Hunt said.

County planners, in coordination with a litany of other departments, had the new system in place and began processing permits in March. The Planning Department has approved 18 permits out of 54 applications filed for bed-and-breakfasts since then, Hunt said.