Fridge swap programs can aid food banks

Residents on Oahu, Maui and Hawaii island participating in the Hawaii Energy refrigerator exchange program can choose to have their rebate given to the food banks on their respective islands under a new promotion announced Monday.

Hawaii Energy, the ratepayer-funded energy efficiency program, provides free curbside pickup of old refrigerators and rebates of $25 on Oahu and $65 on Maui and Hawaii island for purchases of new models that meet specifications of the Energy Star program.

Refrigerators and freezers built before 1993 can be two to three times more expensive to operate than a new Energy Star models, according to Hawaii Energy. Based on current electrical rates, residents can cut their annual power bills by as much as $275 on Oahu, $320 on Maui and $355 onHawaii island by replacing old refrigerators with new ones, according to Hawaii Energy.

Appointments to schedule a pickup can be made by calling 537-5577 on Oahu and toll-free on Maui and Hawaii island at 877-231-8222. More information: www.hawaiienergy.com/rid-a-fridge.

Tax adjustment helps lift Hasbro’s profits

PAWTUCKET, R.I. » Hasbro’s third-quarter net income rose 17 percent, buoyed by a favorable tax adjustment, higher international sales and strength in girls’ toys domestically.

Toy sales overall have been weak in North America, Europe and Australia, due to a weak video game market, an uncertain economy and continued popularity of electronic gadgets like smartphones and tablets. Hasbro’s revenue rose just 2 percent. Sales were strongest in the girls’ category, led by My Little Pony. Revenue from games also rose, while sales in the boys’ category fell and preschool sales slipped.

The quarterly results come as toy makers gear up for the holiday season, which can account for up to half their annual revenue.

"Our brand initiatives for holiday 2013 are resonating with consumers and retailers globally as we enter the all-important fourth quarter," said CEO Brian Goldner.

The No. 2 toy maker earned $193 million, or $1.46 a share, for the three months ending Sept. 29.

That compares with $164.9 million, or $1.24 a share, a year earlier.

Excluding 18 cents per share for the tax adjustment and restructuring and pension charges of 3 cents a share, earnings were $1.31 a share.

Analysts polled by FactSet expected adjusted earnings of $1.30 a share, on average.

Revenue for the Pawtucket, R.I., company rose 2 percent to $1.37 billion on strong sales overseas and in its girls’ category and entertainment and licensing segment. Wall Street was calling for revenue of $1.35 billion.

Existing-home sales dropped in September

WASHINGTON » Americans bought fewer existing homes in September than the previous month, held back by higher mortgage rates and rising prices.

The National Association of Realtors said Monday that sales of resold homes fell 1.9 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.29 million. That’s down from a pace of 5.39 million in August, which was revised lower.

Hyundai recalls Genesis cars to fix brakes

DETROIT » Hyundai decided to recall about 27,500 Genesis luxury cars Monday, just a few hours after the U.S. government opened an investigation into problems with their brakes.

The automaker said the recall covers cars from the 2009 through 2012 model years.

Hyundai sold about 69,000 Genesis models, and about 60 percent of them already been repaired through a company service campaign that began in March, a spokesman said.

Penney, Martha Stewart limit partnership

NEW YORK » J.C. Penney Co. is scaling back its partnership with Martha Stewart ahead of a ruling in its long-running fight with Macy’s over Martha Stewart products.

The department store chain will no longer sell a range of home and bath products designed by Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc., the two companies said Monday. Penney will continue to sell a smaller batch of Martha Stewart items, including window treatments, rugs and party supplies.

Penney also will be returning the media and merchandising company the 11 million shares it bought as part of the 2011 licensing deal and giving up two seats on Martha Stewart’s board.

Plano, Texas-based Penney and Martha Stewart, based in New York, signed a merchandising deal in December 2011. That prompted Macy’s Inc. to sue both companies for violating its exclusive agreement with Martha Stewart.

ON THE MOVE

The Sheraton Waikiki has named Danny Chew as executive sous-chef at RumFire. He joined Starwood Hotels and Resorts’ culinary team in 2010 as Sheraton Waikiki’s restaurant cook helper. Chew’s experience includes working as a line cook at Le Bistro Restaurant, Sam Choy’s Restaurant-Diamond Head and Sam Choy’s Breakfast Lunch & Crab. 

The Big Island Visitors Bureau has appointed: 

>> Teresa Cosgrove as sales manager. She has 15 years of experience, including serving as a leisure sales manager at Hilton Wai­ko­loa Village for 12 years. 

>> Donna Kimura as marketing director. She has 25 years of experience and had worked for the bureau in 2009, managing activities of its contractors, coordinating promotions and working on other marketing initiatives.

 The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii has appointed Devon Bennett as its communications and marketing department coordinator. Bennett was previously the chamber’s intern and will continue to support the department’s needs in the areas of event planning, social media and communication campaigns.

SHIP AHOY!

Today’s ship arrivals and departures: