3 new retailers join Shops at Wailea

Shops at Wailea announced the addition of three new merchants at the Maui center.

Karamel Collection opened its doors in early December. The family-run boutique offers garments made in France, Italy and Brazil.

Maui Clothing Co. is slated to open its doors in January. The store will offer family beachwear and resort wear in an array of tropical styles and prints, as well as jewelry, handbags, hats and accessories.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf will open its first store on Maui in January at the Shops at Wailea. It will be the 15th store statewide for the family-run specialty coffee and tea retailer, which is owned by The Sullivan Family of Companies.

Unemployment fell in 43 states in November

WASHINGTON » Unemployment rates fell in 43 states in November, the most number of states to report such declines in eight years.

The falling state rates reflect the brightening jobs picture nationally. The U.S. unemployment rate fell sharply in November to 8.6 percent, the lowest since March 2009. The economy has generated 100,000 or more jobs five months in a row — the first time that’s happened since 2006, before the Great Recession.

Only three states reported higher unemployment rates in November, the Labor Department said Tuesday. Four states showed no change, including Hawaii, which reported Monday that its jobless rate remained at 6.5 percent.

Nevada, for the 18th straight month, had the highest state unemployment rate: 13 percent. It was followed by California at 11.3 percent. North Dakota again enjoyed the lowest unemployment rate: 3.4 percent. It was followed by Nebraska at 4.1 percent and South Dakota at 4.3 percent.

Japan picks Lockheed to supply fighter jets

TOKYO » Japan said Tuesday that it had chosen Lockheed Martin’s F-35 jet as its next main fighter, a boost for the U.S. defense contractor and for Tokyo’s relations with the United States amid heightened fears of instability on the Korean peninsula after the death of Kim Jong Il.

Though the decision was likely made before Kim’s death, which was announced Monday, a deal would strengthen the U.S.-Japanese security partnership at a time when Tokyo is increasingly nervous about regional instability and China’s rising military might.

Japan’s choice of the F-35 over jets from Boeing and a BAE-led consortium also comes as a victory for Lockheed Martin, whose stealth fighter program has been plagued by delays and is facing scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers.

Under the deal, the details of which are still being worked out, Japan would buy 42 aircraft. The total deal is valued at more than $7 billion, according to Reuters.

Nike earnings rise on strong demand

PORTLAND, Ore. » Nike Inc.’s second-quarter profit rose 3 percent as strong demand and higher prices for its shoes, clothes and gear offset increased costs.

Nike, like many companies, has been coping with higher costs for materials, labor and freight. But the Beaverton, Ore., company has been able to defy many trends of the down economy as its popularity has driven strong sales and allowed it to raise prices without consumer backlash.

The world’s largest athletic shoe and clothing company reported Tuesday after the market closed that it earned $469 million, or $1 a share, for the quarter that ended Nov. 30. That’s up from $457 million, or 94 cents a share, in the same quarter last year.

Nike’s total revenue increased 18 percent to $5.73 billion.

Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac sued in California

SAN FRANCISCO » California’s attorney general filed lawsuits Tuesday against mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, demanding that the companies that own some 60 percent of the state’s mortgages respond to questions in a state investigation.

Attorney General Kamala Harris, whose office filed the lawsuits in San Francisco Superior Court, is investigating Freddie Mac’s and Fannie Mae’s involvement in 12,000 foreclosed properties in California where they served as landlords. She also wants to find out what role the companies played in selling or marketing mortgage-backed securities.

The essentially identical lawsuits ask the mortgage firms to respond to 51 investigative subpoenas that call on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to identify all the California homes on which they foreclosed. They also want the mortgage firms to reveal whether they have information on the decreased value of those homes due to drug dealing or prostitution, as well as explosives and weapons found on those vacant properties.

Harris also called on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to disclose whether they have complied with civil rights laws protecting minorities and members of the armed forces against unlawful convictions and foreclosures.

ON THE MOVE

Graham Builders has announced that Terry Ogimi rejoined the organization as a project manager. His responsibilities are to oversee projects in the construction phase, work and coordinate with subcontractors, manage and create schedules and material deliveries. Ogimi has 30 years of construction industry experience. (Correction: The Dec. 21 edition brief and photo caption incorrectly spelled Terry Ogimi’s name as Terri.)

Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties has announced that Michelle Mossman has rejoined its King Street office. She was previously a Realtor at Prudential Locations.

Michael La has joined Distinctive Homes Hawaii as an agent. He has six years of experience in Oahu real estate.

The Professional Women’s Network has announced the following members to be their officers and board of directors for 2012: Mary Hough­ton, president; Kay Lorraine, vice president; Audrene Burress, treasurer; Tanya Torres, recording secretary; Audrey Hutton, arrangements; Amber Ricci, events; Jeannie Shaw, scholarship; Kalona Ortiz, public relations; Linda Virtudes, membership; Micaire Baxter, fundraising; and Lei­anne Pedro, social media.