Outrigger Enterprises Group assumed management of The Kapalua Villas, a collection of one-, two- and three-bedroom villas at the Kapalua Resort on Maui.

The property will continue to be marketed under the name The Kapalua Villas and will be operated by Outrigger, according to Barry Wallace, executive vice president of hospitality services for Outrigger Enterprises Group.

He said teams have been working in tandem over the past month to ensure a smooth transition of operations and personnel.

LOCAL WORKERS' COMP INSURER CLOSES

The Hawai'i State Insurance Division said it has successfully closed HIH America Insurance Company of Hawai'i, a workers' compensation insurer that was seized in March 2001 after its operations became insolvent.

The Insurance Division said more than $18 million of assets were recovered and paid out to creditors in Hawai'i and California. It paid 100 percent of all claims of injured workers and policyholders.

HIH Hawai'i has received court approval to disburse its remaining assets and dissolve the corporation before the end of the year.

CANADA'S WESTJET STARTS NONSTOP SERVICE

Canada-based WestJet said it is launching seasonal nonstop service today between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Kaua'i.

The inaugural flight is scheduled to arrive in Líhu'e at 7:56 p.m. today. The twice-weekly service will continue until May 1.

"At WestJet, we just can't get enough of the Hawaiian Islands — the traditions, the locals, the sun, sand and surf," said Hugh Dunleavy, WestJet executive vice president of strategy and planning.

WestJet is the latest in a string of airlines to expand service to Hawai'i. Other carriers to boost flights to the Islands include Continental, Delta, Alaska and Hawaiian.