Bank scam uses phone calls and texts

The Hawaii Bankers Association is warning the public about a recent fraudulent phone call and text-message scam.

The automated recorded phone message identifies itself as calling from a local bank and informs the recipient that his account is being deactivated. The fraudulent text message includes a number to call that requests a 16-digit credit card number.

"We urge anyone who receives this call to hang up immediately and to delete the text message," the association said.

If you have responded to a questionable phone call, text message or e-mail, contact your bank’s customer service department. Customer service numbers are listed on the back of credit cards.

Chevron mulls isle refinery options

Chevron Corp., operator of the second-largest refinery in Hawaii, said it is still looking at alternatives to get the most value out of its Campbell Industrial Park facility.

The San Ramon, Calif.-based company, which posted yesterday an unexpected drop in third-quarter net income, has been reviewing the operation of the facility and at one time considered the possibility of converting it into a terminal.

"We concluded that there wasn’t really a value-creating move in conversion to a terminal, so we’ve continued to operate as a refinery," said Michael Wirth, executive vice president of downstreams and chemicals. "We have restructured several contracts, including one critical large fuel oil contract there, to improve the profitability of the facility."

Chevron’s lower earnings last quarter bucked the trend of bigger profits among the largest oil companies, after costs from exploration failures erased gains from higher crude prices and record production. Third-quarter profit fell 1.6 percent to $3.77 billion, or $1.87 a share, from $3.83 billion, or $1.92, a year earlier. Revenue rose 6.6 percent to $49.7 billion from $46.6 billion.

Hawaiian ranked best airline in U.S.

Hawaiian Airlines was ranked as America’s best carrier on a list of America’s best and worst airlines, according to U.S. News & World Report. The report, which was based on the annual Airline Quality Rating report and surveys of airline industry experts, ranked Delta Air Lines as the worst. Among the categories measured were on-time arrival, mishandled baggage, delays and involuntary denied boardings.

Pearlridge sale set to close Monday

The sale of Pearlridge Center for $245 million is expected to close Monday.

The Blackstone Group LP of New York and Glimcher Realty Trust, an Ohio-based real estate investment trust, are closing a deal with owner Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co. for the leasehold interest in more than 1.1 million square feet on about 45 acres. Blackstone will own 80 percent, while Glimcher will have a 20 percent stake.

The deal includes both phases — Uptown and Downtown — anchored by Macy’s and Sears, respectively, as well as the building housing Toys R Us. It also includes about 100,000 square feet of office space.

On the Move

» The Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce has announced the following advisers to Wayne Kato, 2011 chairman of the board: Wayne Y. Hamano, Arnold S. Hirotsu, Kathryn W. Inouye, Paul Kosasa and Ernest K. Nishizaki.

» Leighton J.H.S. Yuen has been named 2011 Lawyer of the Year in the area of real estate law by Best Lawyers. He is a partner with the law firm of Goodsill Anderson Quinn and Stifel.

» Prudential Locations has announced the following new hires:
— Michelle Cheung as vice president of technology. Her technology leadership experience includes positions at Citigroup and the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ.
— Nancy Duff as principal broker in charge for Prudential Locations Maui. She has 30 years of real estate experience.
— Lauren Horikoshi as new projects specialist. She was previously a sales associate and marketing coordinator for Brookfield Homes Hawaii.

» The Hawaii Pharmacists Association and Pfizer U.S. Trade Group have honored Dr. Elwin D. Goo with the 2010 Bowl of Hygeia award. The award recognizes community pharmacists.