‘Wicked’ generates $30M for isle economy
The theatrical production of "Wicked" at Blaisdell Concert Hall generated nearly $30 million for Hawaii’s economy, show and city officials said Monday.
The production grossed $9.2 million in its eight weeks in Honolulu.
"A show the size of ‘Wicked’ generates tens of thousands of restaurant and hotel room reservations," Blaisdell general manager John Fuhrman said.
"The show spends locally on advertising and hires lots of local labor, and, of course, the cast, musicians and crew of 100 spend money here," he said.
A combined payroll of close to $1 million contributed to the local economy, officials said.
The event’s producers also entered into several fundraising partnerships with local nonprofit organizations, including the Pali Momi Foundation, Tripler Army Medical Hospital Foundation, Ballet Hawaii and Hawaii Opera Theater.
First Hawaiian Bank unveils free iPad app
First Hawaiian Bank said it has become the first local bank to introduce an iPad app for its FHB Online banking services.
The free FHB iPad app, which is available for download from the App Store, allows FHB Online customers with an Internet connection to view account balances, including new money management charts; view recent transactions; pay bills; transfer money between their FHB accounts; locate nearby branches and ATMs by GPS, ZIP code or address; and click on links to open an account or view current specials.
Gus Hannemann to head Hawaii Samoa office
Afimutasi Gus Hannemann, oldest brother of the former Honolulu mayor, has been appointed director of the American Samoa government Hawaii office.
Hannemann, who will report directly to newly elected Gov. Lolo Moliga, will be responsible for such things as helping residents of Samoan ancestry obtain travel visas, and assisting individuals of Samoan ancestry residing in Hawaii or residents from American Samoa get assistance addressing their immigration documents.
He also will assist residents from American Samoa requiring medical services in Hawaii and act as a liaison for those requiring assistance from the state and City and County of Honolulu, among other services.
"We want Samoan people to know that they can come here for anything they need, especially if there is a need for an ID card or they need to renew their license and can’t do it without a birth certificate," Hannemann said.
"We also can expedite passports for Samoan people traveling to American Samoa, handle their application to become U.S. citizens when they’re here in Hawaii, or help people who want to know about tourism or help people who want to do business in American Samoa."
To get assistance, call 847-1998 or go to 1427 Dillingham Blvd., Suite 210, in Honolulu.
S&P expects suit over its mortgage ratings
WASHINGTON » The government is expected to file civil charges against Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, alleging that it fraudulently gave high ratings to mortgage debt that later plunged in value and helped fuel the 2008 financial crisis.
The charges would mark the first enforcement action the government has taken against a major rating agency involving the financial crisis.
S&P said Monday that the Justice Department had informed it that it intends to file a civil lawsuit focusing on S&P’s ratings of mortgage debt in 2007. The action does not involve any criminal allegations.
Yum warns of profit decline in 2013
NEW YORK » Yum Brands reported disappointing fourth-quarter results, and the parent company of KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell expects profit to fall in the year ahead as it deals with concerns about its chicken suppliers in China.
Yum said it expects profit to decline as it works to rebuild consumer confidence.
It first warned of troubles late last year after media reports that its suppliers were giving chickens unapproved levels of antibiotics.
Yum said fourth-quarter net income fell to $337 million, or 72 cents a share.
That compares with $356 million, or 75 cents a share, a year ago.
Not including one-time items, it earned 83 cents a share.
Happy Meals to reel out Fish McBites
NEW YORK » McDonald’s says it is offering Fish McBites as its first new Happy Meal entree in a decade.
The world’s biggest hamburger chain said the Fish McBites will be widely available at U.S. restaurants starting this week through March, to coincide with Lent.
The Happy Meals will come with seven pieces of Fish McBites, french fries, apple slices and a drink.
The company had announced last month that the Fish McBites would be sold on the standard menu in three sizes: snack (10 pieces), regular (15 pieces) and shareable (30 pieces).
On the Move
The Hawaii Tourism Authority has announced Brian A. Lynx will be its new vice president of meetings, conventions and incentives as of Feb. 19. He has more than 20 years of experience in Hawaii’s visitor industry. He currently is director of sales and marketing at the Grand Wailea Resort on Maui.
Matt Beall and Justin Britt were recognized as two of the “Most Influential Real Estate Leaders of 2013” on the Inman 100 List, which showcases people who have risen to challenge in the real estate world and whose actions have helped change the industry. Beall and Britt are co-owners of Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers.
The First Hawaiian Bank Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant to the Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division. Funds will support the Salvation Army’s Kauluwela Adult Day Care Facility, which offers a fee-based day program designed to assist its elderly clients with daily living needs in a caring environment.
