Unemployment benefits to expire

Jobless benefits will run out for some of Hawaii’s unemployed on Nov. 30 after a bill to extend them for three months failed yesterday in the U.S. House of Representatives. Democrats brought the bill to the floor under fast-track rules that required a two-thirds vote to pass. Republicans opposed the legislation because they were denied a chance to attach spending cuts, so the measure fell despite winning a 258-154 majority.

The Emergency Unemployment Compensation program that will expire at the end of the month had provided up to 47 additional weeks of benefits on top of 26 weeks of regular state unemployment insurance payments.

The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations said 10,000 Hawaii residents file for benefits weekly under the EUC program and about 8,800 residents have exhausted all benefits since the program began.

"The end of the EUC program means that each month approximately 1,600 individuals who exhaust their 26 weeks of regular benefits will not be able to apply for the first tier of federal EUC benefits," said Colleen LaClair, department deputy director. "In addition, 2,500 individuals who exhaust their first and second tier of EUC benefits each month will not be able to move to the next tier of benefits."

Hawaii Foodbank, Safeway team up

Hawaii Foodbank has formed a partnership with Safeway stores in Hawaii to accept food donations for the needy.

Bags of groceries specifically designed to supply the needs of the bank, priced at $10 and $15, will be available through Dec. 11 at all Safeway stores.

"We hope that all local residents take advantage of this special time around Thanksgiving to make a donation to our food bank," said Hawaii Foodbank President Dick Grimm.

"Our supplies are running low and we know that some residents are unsure of what we most need. These pre-packaged bags will help us secure the products our clients most desire."

Safeway also will be working with the Honolulu Kiwanis and various Oahu high school Key Clubs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow at five Oahu locations to provide a special one-day collection. The five locations are: Waimalu Shopping Center, Hawaii Kai Shopping Center, Kapahulu Avenue, Kaneohe Shopping Center and Kapolei Shopping Center.

Big Isle agents earn housing grant

An association of real estate agents on the Big Island has received a $3,500 grant to promote affordable housing opportunities.

The grant for the Hawaii Island Board of Realtors was provided by the National Association of Realtors as part of $50,000 given to 15 local and state Realtor associations.

The Hawaii Island Board of Realtors plans to hold workshops for agents and the public, providing resources and information on affordable housing opportunities.

The national trade group has provided about 135 grants totaling $450,000 since it established its Housing Opportunity Fund in 2006.

Mortgage rates jump to 4.39 percent

NEW YORK » Rates on fixed mortgages jumped from their lowest levels in decades this week.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said yesterday the average rate for 30-year fixed loans rose to 4.39 percent from 4.17 percent, the lowest level on record since 1971. The 15-year loan also climbed to 3.76 percent from 3.57 percent, the lowest since that survey began in 1991.

The yields rose mostly because traders dumped Treasurys they bought up before the Federal Reserve announced its $600 billion bond-buying program to spur the economy.

ON THE MOVE

The Queen’s Health Systems has promoted Janis Kushimi to QHS director, corporate HR, recruitment, training and development. She has been manager of corporate human resources and held positions at Aloha United Way, the Queen’s Medical Center and Diagnostic Laboratory Services.

First Hawaiian Bank has hired Eric Yee as vice president, private banking division. He was previously a vice president at another local bank and has 19 years of banking experience.

EyeSight Hawaii has hired Jonathan Etter as an ophthalmologist specializing in corneal transplantation, advanced cataract surgery and refractive laser surgery including LASIK and PRK. He recently completed a cornea fellowship at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami.

Damon Key Leong Kupchak Hastert has hired Christopher Pan as an associate. He has five years of experience in the areas of e-commerce, business and commercial law. Prior to joining Damon Key, Pan served as an associate at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP in Menlo Park, Calif., where he advised clients such as Oracle and E*Trade.