Boston executives score business trip to Hawaii

It’s clear that things have become very complicated in the power-utility business when the regulators need a consultant to help oversee the selection of a company to produce power.

Boston Pacific Co. is one occupying the relatively small niche with this expertise. The state Public Utilities Commission has hired the firm, based in Washington, D.C. It will oversee the bidding process Hawaiian Electric Light Co. will use in choosing one or more companies to deliver 50 megawatts of geothermal power on Hawaii island.

With the evolution of the state’s energy portfolio away from fossil fuels, it would be tough to expect all the technical prowess to be resident in the PUC, so there’s a demand for specialists like Boston. And while the $167,000 contract isn’t huge by government standards, it’s nice work if you can get it.

All things must pass, including Byron’s

Two and a half more months — till the end of February — is how much time you have left to get yummy local grinds at Byron’s Drive-In, out by Honolulu Airport.

After a long run as part of a family of eateries across Oahu that itself was run by a family, the Wongs, Byron’s is closing down to make way for a higher and better use of the property, though the property owner has not announced yet what that new use will be.

In the meantime, get a few more grilled cheese sandwiches and mac salads, or whatever else on its menu you enjoy, while you still can.