$3M federal grant going to energy work
The U.S. Commerce Department said Tuesday it will give a $3 million Economic Development Administration grant to the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority in Kailua-Kona to help expand its alternative energy and biotechnology incubator.
The grant will help fund the renovation of a business incubator at NELHA’s technology park into an alternative energy and biotechnology incubator. The 10,000-square-foot space will house tenants that have completed the research stage for their products but need further technology development and demonstration prior to commercialization, the Commerce Department said in a news release.
Homebuyer and homeowner fair is June 16
Several local groups will sponsor the Homebuyer & Homeowner Fair on June 16 at the Ala Moana Hotel.
Housing agencies will host booths and workshops to create a "one-stop shop" for individuals and families interested in purchasing their first home.
Homeowners with mortgage challenges can also receive free assistance and guidance on how to work with their lenders and avoid loan modification scams.
The free event will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The fair is being sponsored by the Star-Advertiser, Hawaii Family Finance Project, Honolulu Board of Realtors, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Title Guaranty Hawaii and Cox Media Group. Additional support was provided by Alu Like, the Mortgage Bankers Association, City and County of Honolulu, and Hawaii Community Assets. For more information, see www.hihomebuyerfair.org.
Local firm created to produce phone apps
A group of local entrepreneurs has launched a company that will specialize in producing mobile phone apps for businesses, government agencies and community organizations.
The founders of Hawaii Apps are Melialani "Meli" James, Steve Hochart, Andrew Yani and Kitty Lagareta.
James, whose background is in marketing and promotions, has created three of her own apps. One of those is the Wine Ratings Guide, which was rated No. 1 on the iTunes App Store in the wine category.
Hochart has 12 years of experience "implementing technology initiatives," including the first online asset management system for the City and County of Honolulu. Yani has worked as a television producer, commentator and correspondent, while Lagareta is chief executive officer of Communications Pacific, one of the state’s top communications, marketing and public relations firms.
U.S. service companies expanded in May
WASHINGTON » U.S. service companies, which employ roughly 90 percent of the workforce, grew at a slightly faster pace in May. It marked the 29th straight month of expansion for the sector.
The Institute for Supply Management said Tuesday that its index of nonmanufacturing activity edged up to 53.7 last month from an April reading of 53.5.
The May reading was slightly below the long-run average for the index of 53.9. A reading above 50 indicates expansion.
Mesh tied to injuries going off the market
WASHINGTON » Johnson & Johnson plans to stop selling surgical mesh implants used to treat women’s health problems that have been linked to injuries and triggered hundreds of lawsuits.
The company sent a letter Monday to judges in New Jersey and West Virginia who are overseeing patient lawsuits against the company. J&J said it plans to phase out four mesh products over the next three to nine months.
The plastic mesh is used to strengthen the pelvic wall in cases of pelvic organ prolapse, in which the bladder or reproductive organs slip down into the vagina. About 75,000 women had prolapse surgery with mesh inserted through the vagina last year. A similar procedure using an incision in the abdomen is less common. J&J said the mesh products are safe and that it is not recalling them.
New Macau casino to cost $4B, Wynn says
MACAU » U.S. casino magnate Steve Wynn plans to spend $4 billion building his long-awaited second Macau resort, shrugging off concerns Tuesday that the global economic malaise and China’s slowdown will dent profits in the world’s most lucrative gambling market.
The project, which got government approval in early May, will house 2,000 hotel rooms, 500 gambling tables, 10 restaurants, shops, a spa, meeting rooms and a nightclub.
Visitors will be able to ride Austrian-built gondolas complete with air conditioning and piped-in music around an 8-acre lagoon.
The 6 million-square-foot development will be built on 51 acres of reclaimed land and will take up to four years to complete. It will be financed by cash and debt.
ON THE MOVE
Alston Hunt Floyd & Ing has announced the following new associates:
» Landon J.M. Yun‘s practice focuses on employment law and litigation.
» Michelle N. Comeau‘s practice focuses on commercial litigation and appellate law.
Ward Centers has hired Katie Ka‘anapu as its senior marketing manager as of Monday. She was previously working at Ala Moana Center for General Growth Properties in its strategic partnerships division and five years in its marketing division.
Prudential Locations has hired
Judith Jackola
as its new real estate agent. She began her career with Conley Dew Real Estate in 1994 and has subsequently worked for Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties, Patricia Choi Realty and Mary Worrall Associates.