Hawaii Central Credit Union will hold its annual Community Shred-It event May 2 at the credit union's South King Street branch.

The public is invited to bring confidential documents to be shredded on site during the event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the branch, 681 S. King St.

Document shredding services will be provided by Shred It. Hawaii Central Credit Union will serve refreshments and hold a drawing for a free document shredder.

MEDICAL CONVENTION EXPECTS 5,000

The International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine is bringing about 5,000 people to Honolulu for its convention this week and next.

The group, meeting at the Hawai'i Convention Center today through Thursday, said it raised its attendance forecast from 4,500 to 5,000. The convention is helping bring in tourism dollars at a time when some organizations are canceling meetings in Hawai'i over economic concerns.

"We are seeing a larger than normal turnout internationally and we think it's because of Hawai'i's draw and because of its location in the world," said Roberta Kravitz, executive director of ISMRM.

She said just 54 percent of the participants are from North America.

STARWOOD SAYS HILTON STOLE SECRETS

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. is suing Hilton Hotels Corp. and two of its executives, saying its rival stole secrets about Starwood's luxury brands.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts alleged that the two former Starwood employees stole more than 100,000 electronic files before and after they joined Hilton Hotels Corp. in June 2008.

Starwood operates 11 properties in Hawai'i, while Hilton operates nine, according to the companies' Web sites.

The lawsuit, filed Thursday, claims that confidential information about Starwood's W hotel brand was used to help Hilton develop its Denizen brand, which was formally launched in March. At the time, Hilton said the chain is "primarily aimed at the globally conscious modern traveler."

"Hilton Hotels Corp. believes this lawsuit is without merit and will vigorously defend itself," spokeswoman Ellen Gonda said in an e-mailed statement.

UH TEAMS TO PITCH BUSINESS IDEAS

Three teams from the University of Hawai'i's Shidler College of Business will pitch their ideas for new businesses next week during a competition judged by venture capitalists, business consultants and others.

The event is set for Thursday at the monthly luncheon meeting of the Hawaii Venture Capital Association. Judges, including Rob Robinson of Kolohala Venture Fund, and Kevin Robinson and Chenoa Farnsworth of Hawaii Angels, will critique the presentations, and the audience will then vote on whether they would invest in the business. Prizes will be provided by Grant Thornton.

The event will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Plaza Club. Register at www.hvca.org, or call 262-7329.