Ross Stores Inc. opened its 12th Ross Dress for Less store in Hawaii yesterday, and attracted a crowd estimated at 400 to 500 people who waited for the discount clothing and accessories retailer to open at Kapolei Commons shopping center.

"It was a remarkable turnout," said Don Hettrick, Ross district manager, commenting on a line of shoppers he said stretched down to the nearby Target.

As part of its opening event, Ross held a traditional Hawaiian blessing and hosted a performance by the Kapolei High School marching band. The nation's second-largest off-price retailer also attracted shoppers by offering a $500 shopping spree as well as five $100 shopping sprees that will be given away between yesterday and Oct. 18.

The Kapolei store is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

HEMIC UNIT GETS UNDERWRITING AUTHORITY

A subsidiary of Hawaii Employers' Mutual Insurance Company has been given the authority to underwrite excess and surplus property insurance on behalf of Lloyd's of London.

The relationship will allow HEMIC Insurance Managers Inc. to bring additional insurance options to its agents and property owners of Hawaii, said David Doehm, president of HIMI.

Doehm said HIMI also underwrites its employment practices liability Insurance program through certain underwriters at Lloyd's.

HIMI's other programs include property and liability coverage for contractors, personal accident insurance, a broad range of excess and surplus liability on a contract binding and brokerage basis and all lines coverage for human services organizations, including directors and officers insurance.

AUTO PARTS RETAILER FINED IN TAX CASE

Damien Ferreira, president of an auto parts retailer, has been fined $8,000 and ordered to perform 200 hours of community service because the stores failed to file their state general excise tax returns.

The state Department of Taxation said Ferreira was the president of WMR Inc. and Wicked Machine Racing LLC, which pleaded no contest to charges of willful failure to file returns.

The Tax Department said the defendants were ordered to pay restitution of $74,737 and that WMR is to pay a fine of $9,000. Wicket Racing Machine and Ferreira were jointly ordered to pay $4,811, while another fine of $3,000 was levied on the company.