Gas Co. expands its Maui propane storage

The Gas Co. has expanded its propane storage capacity on Maui by 180,000 gallons.

The facility expansion represents a 25 percent increase in the company’s storage capacity on the island.

"This new facility represents TGC’s commitment to reliability of service and improved energy security for Maui," Mustafa Demirbag, company general manager in Maui County, said in a dedication ceremony Wednesday.

The company said it also plans to increase storage capacity on Oahu, Hawaii and Kauai.

Makakilo Baptist Church adds solar

Officials at Makakilo Baptist Church said they hope to generate 90 percent of the facility’s energy needs with a new photovoltaic system.

The 51-kilowatt system will provide power for the church, an adjacent office and a preschool building.

The system was designed by Centrosolar and installed by Hawaiian Energy System. Through financing arranged by Centrosolar America, there was no upfront cost for the installation, the company said in a news release.

In 10 years the church will own the system outright.

BlackBerry maker resumes layoffs

TORONTO » Struggling BlackBerry maker Research In Motion said Wednesday it has started laying off employees as part of its restructuring plan aimed at saving about $1 billion this year.

The company cut 2,000 jobs last July.

RIM said in May that there would be "significant layoffs" this year. On Wednesday, the Waterloo, Ontario-based company said it has "reduced some positions as part of its program and may continue to do so as the company methodically works through a review of the business."

RIM would not provide numbers, but will offer an update when it reports quarterly financial results on June 28. RIM had about 16,500 employees in early May.

Starbucks to open its first Tazo tea shop

NEW YORK » Starbucks Corp. is planning to open its first Tazo tea shop this fall, in yet another move to expand beyond its ubiquitous coffee shops.

The Seattle-based chain says the store will open near its headquarters and will include a tea bar where customers can blend their own teas with the help of a clerk the company is calling a "tea partner."

The store will offer more than 80 varieties of loose tea, tea lattes and iced teas, as well as packaged chocolates, infused sugars and honey. Pastries and other food also will be served, as in the company’s coffee shops. It will not be branded with Starbucks’ "green dot" logo.

P&G cuts profit, revenue projections

NEW YORK » Procter & Gamble Co. on Wednesday lowered its fourth-quarter earnings and revenue forecasts, the latest company to sound warning bells about slowing global economic growth.

P&G, which makes an array of everyday goods ranging from Tide detergent to Gillette razors, said it is cutting the forecast because of unfavorable foreign exchange rates, continued slow growth in developed markets and a slowdown of growth in China.

Many U.S. companies have looked to emerging markets as economic growth in North America and Europe has slowed. But P&G’s and others’ warnings show that expanding abroad is a complicated task for even the largest of companies.

The world’s largest consumer products company said it expects adjusted fourth-quarter earnings between 75 cents and 79 cents per share, down from its previous estimate of 79 cents to 85 cents per share. Revenue is anticipated to drop 1 percent to 2 percent compared with a prior outlook for a 1 percent to 2 percent increase. The new guidance implies revenue in a range of $20.45 billion to $20.66 billion.

Analysts polled by FactSet foresee earnings of 82 cents a share on revenue of $20.62 billion.

Ireland open to new bid for Aer Lingus

DUBLIN » The Irish government is keeping an open mind on Ryanair’s surprise new takeover bid for the national airline Aer Lingus but won’t be "shoved into a fire sale" because of the country’s debt difficulties, Prime Minister Enda Kenny said Wednesday.

Ryanair offered $1.65 per share for its main Irish rival Tuesday night, its third bid since Aer Lingus’ 2006 flotation. Aer Lingus shares jumped 15 percent Wednesday to close at euro1.09 on the Irish Stock Exchange. Ryanair is Aer Lingus’ biggest shareholder with a nearly 30 percent stake, the government second with 25 percent.

ON THE MOVE

North Hawaii Community Hospital has named Kaloa Robinson as the hospital’s director of community outreach. His experience includes legislative and special assistant to U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Akaka in Washington, D.C., faculty member at the University of Hawaii’s John A. Burns School of Medicine, and Native Hawaiian Center of Excellence recruitment specialist.

Yamamoto & Settle has announced Duke T. Oishi, an associate attorney, as a partner for the firm. Oishi was previously practicing law at Cades Schutte.

Graham Builders has announced Brian Moore as the firm’s business development manager. Before joining the company, he served as a primary relationship officer of the corporate banking division at Bank of Hawaii.

Palama Holdings LLC has hired the following:

» Gerald Hiyane as Hawaii products manager.

» Veronika Olsen as QA/QC technician. They each bring their own extensive experience to complement Palama Holdings LLC in the food service industry.