BUSINESS BRIEFS
Earnings surge at Barnwell
Advertiser Staff and News Services
Barnwell Industries Inc. said its earnings rose sharply in the April-June quarter, helped by proceeds from the sale of a residential development in North Kona.
Honolulu-based Barnwell earned $3 million, or 35 cents a share, in the second quarter, up from $874,000, or 10 cents a share in the same period a year earlier.
Barnwell's 78 percent-owned real estate development partnership, Kaupulehu Developments, in June closed on the second phase of an 870-acre development that is scheduled to include residences and a golf course. Barnwell recognized net revenue of $6.2 million from the transaction.
DFS HAWAII ADJUSTS TO BAN
DFS Hawaii is not selling any liquids or gel beauty products at its airport retail concessions in response to a ban on such substances from carryon luggage.
The liquids and gels normally sold in DFS' airport retail concession have either been pulled from the shelves or marked that they cannot be taken on the aircraft, said DFS U.S. Group vice president Sharon Weiner. She declined to say how much of total sales these items represent.
DFS' duty-free operations haven't been affected by the ban because the purchases are given to passengers in sealed bags as they board their flights.
NEW RULES FOR BANK GIFT CARDS
WASHINGTON — National banks that issue gift cards will have to tell shoppers about hidden fees, expiration dates and other terms under new rules announced by regulators after consumers complained that the charges were eroding the value of their gifts.
The Office of the Comptroller said banks must put the expiration date on the front of the card, disclose the amount of any monthly maintenance or inactivity fees, and provide a phone number or Web address for more information. Consumers had complained the cards were deceptive for both buyers and recipients.
