Utilities seek OK to start energy projects

Maui Electric Co. and Hawaii Electric Light Co. submitted requests with state regulators Monday to begin the process of finding developers for renewable-energy projects on Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Hawaii island.

The electrical utilities requested the Public Utilities Commission open the formal review process of request for proposals so MECO and HELCO can find potential developers.

Hawaiian Electric Co. said the company is targeting projects that can be in service by the end of 2020. HECO’s updated renewable-energy plan outlined Molokai achieving 100 percent renewable energy by 2020, Lanai by 2030 and Maui and Hawaii island by 2040.

Volkswagen executive charged in scandal

DETROIT >> The Volkswagen executive who once was in charge of complying with U.S. emissions regulations was arrested and accused of deceiving federal regulators about the use of special software that cheated on emissions tests.

Oliver Schmidt, who was general manager of the engineering and environmental office for VW of America, was charged in a criminal complaint with conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government and wire fraud. Schmidt, a resident of Germany, is the second VW employee to be arrested as part of an ongoing federal investigation into the VW emissions scandal.

McDonald’s selling majority stake in China

HONG KONG >> Fast-food giant McDonald’s is selling a controlling stake in its China business to a group of investors led by state-owned Chinese conglomerate Citic in a deal worth up to $2.1 billion, the companies said Monday.

The transaction is part of a global business overhaul being carried out by the American company to keep up with changing tastes that have resulted in declining sales.

Under the terms of the deal, Citic Ltd. and its investment management unit Citic Capital will acquire 52 percent of the business while another partner, Washington-based private equity firm The Carlyle Group, will own 28 percent. McDonald’s will retain a 20 percent stake.

ON THE MOVE

Outrigger Resorts has appointed the following two employees:

>> Revell Newton as general manager of Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. Newton has 22 years of hospitality experience in Hawaii, including serving as hotel manager at the Sheraton Kona Resort and complex director of sales and marketing for Starwood Hotels and Resorts Waikiki.

>> Mary Loy as director of marketing and sales for the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort and the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. Loy was previously regional director of sales as well as front office manager and front office manager/assistant hotel manager for the former Outrigger East and West hotels.