Homeowner solar rebate reduced

Homeowners in Honolulu, Maui and Hawaii counties can no longer claim a $1,000 instant rebate for the installation of solar water heating systems because federal funding for the program has been exhausted.

However, there is still a $750 rebate available to those who choose to finance their solar water heating systems with a low- or zero-interest loan offered by participating lenders, according to Hawaii Energy, the program charged with administering the state’s energy efficiency program. In addition, homeowners can still claim a 35 percent state tax credit and a 30 percent federal tax credit for installation of the systems. Using all available incentives, the $6,600 average cost of a solar water heating system can be reduced to $2,048, according to Hawaii Energy.

Hawaii Energy also said it is planning another enhanced incentive program starting July 1, and has started a wait list for interested homeowners.

For more information on Hawaii Energy’s interest rate buy-down program, visit hawaiienergy.com/94/hot-water-cool-rates.

Lim to talk about state economy

Richard Lim, director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, will present an overview of the state’s fiscal situation and outline DBEDT’s plan for economic revitalization next Thursday at the Hawaii Economic Association monthly meeting.

The event will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Plaza Club on the 20th floor of the Pioneer Plaza Building.

The price is $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers. RSVP to Kimberly Burnett via email at kburnett@hawaii.edu no later than noon Wednesday. No-shows may be charged.

Lim was previously managing director and co-founder of Honolulu-based merchant banking firm Sennet Capital LLC, senior vice president of mortgage banking for Central Pacific Bank, and president and chief operating officer of City Bank.

6 Hawaii businesses get SBA awards

Six Hawaii businesses garnered top regional honors from the Small Business Administration at an awards ceremony Wednesday at the Hawaii District office in Honolulu.

Eddie Flores of L&L Drive Inn was recognized as the region’s Minority Small Business Champion. The Veteran Small Business Champion was Hank Cashen of the Soldier Family Assistance Center at Schofield Barracks. Roger Lane of Roger Lane Business Development was named Home-Based Business Champion. The top Women in Business Champion was Judy Bishop of Bishop & Co. Daniel Wright of Tambor was named the Young Entrepreneur. And the Entrepreneurial Success Award went to Robert Fujimoto at HPM Supply.

85 tons of phone directories recycled

More than 85 tons of telephone directories were turned in for recycling in the recent phone directory recycling program by the Berry Co., publisher of the Hawaiian Telcom directories.

"This year’s Think Yellow, Go Green Program has been our strongest yet," said Scott Szczekocki, director for Hawaii operations, in a statement. "We are thrilled we were able to exceed last year’s recycling totals and our goal for this year’s recycling campaign."

Szczekocki thanked the community for its participation and support. The five-weekend recycling effort on Oahu at four shopping centers also involved All Rolloff Services, Island Shell LLC and the Lokahi Giving Project.

ON THE MOVE

Goodfellow Bros., a 90-year-old family-owned company, has announced the following on its board of directors: 

>> Chad S. Goodfellow to president from vice president of operations;

>> J. Stephen “Steve” Goodfellow will continue serving as chief executive officer and chairman of the board. He was previously president and chief executive officer;

>>  Dan Goodfellow will continue to serve as corporate vice president.

American Savings Bank has donated $20,000 to the following four community organizations: 

>> Kako‘o Oiwi, which will use the grant to replace tools and equipment stolen from its Heeia Wetlands site.

>> Hawaii 3R (Repair, Remodel and Restore), which organizes outside financial and human resources to solve and repair the maintenance backlog affecting Hawaii’s public schools.

>> Institute for Human Services, which helps the homeless with basic needs, health care, support services, adult education and special counseling.

>> Feed the Hunger Foundation, which supports the organization’s “Food for Thought” microfinance program that provides small loans to low-income borrowers to create or expand businesses that help create self-sufficient food systems in Hawaii.