RevoluSun expands work force and office

Honolulu solar energy firm RevoluSun said Thursday it has expanded, adding six jobs to its payroll and an additional 2,900 square feet of space to its Pan Am Building office. The company said it expects to add 15 more jobs by January.

RevoluSun said 72 people work for the company on Oahu, three on Maui and three on Hawaii island. The company works with American Piping & Boiler Co. on installations of solar systems.

"We expect to triple the amount of work we do in 2011 over 2010 and are working to set up crews on Maui and the Big Island," said Eric Carlson, a RevoluSun partner.

Kauai utility rejects anti-hydro petition

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative has dismissed a second petition from members opposing the utility’s plans to pursue hydroelectric projects on the island, saying the document did not have enough valid signatures.

The petition received July 11 was the second try by members to challenge KIUC’s plans to tap the island’s streams and rivers for hydroelectric power. KIUC members earlier this month affirmed by a nearly 3-to-1 margin the board’s action to hire hydropower contractor Free Flow Power.

For a petition to be valid, it must contain 250 or more signatures of KIUC members in good standing, the utility said Thursday. At the completion of the verification process by KIUC and its legal counsel, it was determined that only 185 of the 291 signatures submitted were valid, requiring no further action by the KIUC board of directors.

Coach Men’s Factory opening today

A Coach Men’s Factory store will open at Waikele Premium Outlets today. The store, in Suite 403 at 94-798 Lumiaina St., will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Its sister-store Coach, known primarily for leather goods and accessories for women, has identical hours of operation a few doors away, in Suite 301.

Hawaii goodies sought by APEC

Hawaii companies’ isle-themed products are being sought by the host committee for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Hawaii this November.

Products sought include coffee, chocolates and/or macadamia nut products, Hawaii snacks, beverages, soaps, lotions, oils and other bath products, arts and crafts, sports or beach items, music, city guides and gift certificates for goods or services with a $50 minimum retail value and no purchase requirement. Suppliers must be able to supply a minimum of 500 items for inclusion in hospitality gift bags that will be no larger than 22 inches long, 18 inches high and 3 inches deep. A request for qualifications is available online at rfq@apec2011hawaii.com. Submissions are due by 4 p.m. July 29, and supplier selections will be announced Aug. 15.

PBN building owner avoids delisting

Shares of Pacific Office Properties Trust Inc. stock will continue trading on the NYSE Amex Equities stock exchange after exchange officials accepted a plan by Pacific Office to regain compliance with listing standards.

The San Diego-based firm with a portfolio of office buildings largely concentrated in Honolulu said its stock will continue trading through Oct. 19, 2012, by which time Pacific Office expects to be back in compliance. Pacific Office was warned in April about potential delisting because it had total equity below $2 million and a net loss or losses from continuing operations in two of the last three fiscal years.

The company has previously said it is trying to raise capital and improve financial performance by seeking investment partners or buyers for some buildings, including six wholly owned Honolulu properties that represent the bulk of company assets. Pacific Office in May attracted a partner to invest in the Pacific Business News Building in Waikiki and in an office complex in Phoenix.

Sopogy signs pact with Thai company

Honolulu-based Sopogy Inc. said it has signed a memorandum of understanding with a Thai company to develop a six-megawatt concentrated solar power plant in southern Thailand. The MOU is with MAI Development Co. to provide electricity to the Provincial Electricity Authority of Thailand starting in 2012.

Sopogy also said it has also granted MAI Development exclusive distribution rights for Sopogy’s MicroCSP systems in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. MAI Development holds 45 power purchase licenses to supply 360 megawatts of electricity produced from solar energy to the PEA for an estimated value of more than $500 million.

ON THE MOVE

The Chiropractic Leadership Alliance has awarded Eric Schaid, from Vitality Chiropractic Wellness Centers, the distinguished honor of Chiropractor of the Month for July. Schaid was selected from 9,000 chiropractors throughout all seven continents.

Ulupono Initiative has announced Murray Clay as its managing director. He will manage daily operations and coordinate investment efforts. He was previously a deputy chief investment officer of SDS Management LLC in Connecticut.

The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, with support from the Aloha Chapter of Meeting Professionals International, hosted the Certified Meeting Professional exam at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. The following 12 executives have earned their CMP credentials, which is the industry’s highest designation: Josette Murai, Lynn Reyes, Angela Gosling, Michelle Nakahara, Doreen Nozoe, Brent Lausterer, Dida Hernandez, Kelly Hamlett, Randy Clark, John Anderson, Roxann Hendrickson and DeAnna Moxley.