BUSINESS BRIEFS
Alaska Air expands Hawaii service
Advertiser Staff and News Services
Alaska Airlines yesterday began daily direct service between Seattle and Kahului, Maui, the airline said.
The flights depart at 8:20 a.m. Seattle time and arrive on Maui at 11:35 a.m. The service is operated with a Boeing 737-800 aircraft that seats 157 passengers.
In addition to the Maui flight, Alaska Airlines announced it will start three weekly flights between Anchorage and Maui from Oct. 31 through April 25, 2009. Also, year-round service between Seattle and Kona will begin Nov. 17.
"Our customers have welcomed our new Hawai'i service with open arms," said Gregg Saretsky, executive vice president of flight and marketing for the airlines.
The Seattle-based airline began direct flights to Hawai'i last October.
BANK PLEDGES $100K TO MAUI GROUP
Maui Economic Opportunity Inc. has received a $100,000 pledge from the Bank of Hawaii Charitable Foundation. The gift to the group is the largest by the bank to a Neighbor Island organization.
Al Landon, Bank of Hawaii chairman and CEO, recently presented the first installment of the pledge to MEO.
CONSOLIDATED TO ADD TICKET OPTIONS
Consolidated Theatres, the largest movie chain in Hawai'i, has reached an agreement with Fandango that will expand the ways moviegoers can purchase tickets.
The company said the service allows people to go online or call 1-800-Fandango to buy tickets. They'll also be able to pick up tickets at kiosks located in select Consolidated locations. The agreement is part of a larger one between Fandango and Reading International, which bought Consolidated in February.
COLLIERS GETS KAMEHAMEHA PORTFOLIO
Colliers Monroe Friedlander said it has been selected by Kamehameha Schools for property management of 32 retail, office and industrial properties totaling more than 2.1 million square feet. The portfolio includes real estate currently managed by Colliers as well as other management companies.
The properties include those in Kahala, Mo'ili'ili, Kapalama and Kaka'ako on O'ahu, as well as the Keauhou Shopping Center on the Big Island.
MOBI PCS IMPROVES HILO COVERAGE
Mobi PCS said it has deployed the state's first consumer distributed-antenna system on the Big Island, helping strengthen its coverage in Hilo.
The system allows cellular network coverage where geography or lengthy zoning and construction processes exist, the company said. The systems can also be deployed at large sporting events where demand can surge.
Mobi said it plans to take the technology to other areas around the state in coming months. The system features a remote radio head and a one-foot antenna that are mounted on existing telephone or light poles.
PARADE OF HOMES DEADLINE EXTENDED
The Building Industry Association of Hawaii said it had extended its deadline for entries for the Parade of Homes to July 25.
The 52nd showcase of Hawai'i homes, housing trends and designs is slated for the weekends of Oct. 11-12 and Oct. 18-19. Entry forms are available by calling 847-4666, ext. 201.
Developers and contractors may enter single-family and other projects, including high-rises and units in vacation ownership projects.
