BUSINESS BRIEFS
$569K granted to aid pine workers
Advertiser Staff and News Services
The U.S. Department of Labor yesterday awarded the state a $569,230 grant for employment assistance for about 180 workers displaced by the shutdown of Del Monte Fresh Produce's Kunia pineapple operations.
Del Monte announced in November it would shut down operations immediately because of lower production and pineapple prices and lay off 551 employees.
Affected workers were also declared eligible to apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance and Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance last week.
"Through this $569,230 grant and the services available through the (Trade Adjustment Assistance) program, these workers will have better opportunities to build new careers," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.
IN JAPAN, MILLIONS WATCH MARATHON
About 2.1 million Japanese households watched a delayed broadcast of last month's 2006 Honolulu Marathon, a more than 20 percent decrease compared to the previous year.
The Tokyo Broadcasting System aired a 55-minute tape of the marathon on Jan. 8. Last year marathon officials said viewership of the 2005 marathon grew 6.7 percent to more than 2.7 million Japanese households.
HAWAIIAN HALTING IN-AIR CASH SALES
Hawaiian Airlines said starting Monday it will no longer take cash for onboard purchases on its interisland flights.
Passengers will have to use credit cards when they purchase beverages and other items for sale on interisland flights.
HOKU SHARES FALL 19% AFTER SURGE
Shares of Kapolei-based Hoku Scientific Inc. sank 19 percent yesterday, a day after news of a big contract sent the stock soaring.
Hoku's shares fell $1.34 to $5.56 at the close of trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market as 15.4 million of the company's shares were bought and sold.
On Thursday the shares shot up 123 percent after the company announced a sales agreement with Japan's Sanyo Electric Co. Ltd. Sanyo will purchase up to $370 million in polysilicon from a Hoku plant that will be built in Pocatello, Idaho.
UNITED TO RESTRICT USE OF FLIER MILES
United Airlines yesterday joined a growing number of air carriers by announcing it is setting a stricter expiration date for the use of frequent-flier miles.
The carrier said customers will have to participate in some aspect of its Mileage Plus program, ranging from taking a flight to using a special credit card, at least once every 18 months or risk having their miles wiped off the books.
Customers have until the end of this year to keep their accounts active. Customers can also maintain their status by using a Mileage Plus credit or debit card, or by using miles for hotels, dining or merchandise.
