HECO upgrades outage reporting system
A new automated outage reporting system capable of handling thousands of phone calls at a time has been implemented by Hawaiian Electric Co. The new system can be reached via an 11-digit toll-free number, versus the former, seven-digit local call that can handle only a fraction of the call volume that frequently accompanies an outage or other problem affecting many customers. The new number is 855-304-1212, and it can be used around the clock to report outages, downed power lines or other problems with electric service.
The old number, 548-7961, will remain operational temporarily to help customers with the transition. Callers who use the old number will be connected to the new automated system, which was created by Ohio-based Twenty First Century Communications.
Waimalu Center to mark 50 years
Prize drawings, family entertainment and activities for kids are planned for the 50th anniversary of Waimalu Shopping Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 16. The center was developed by the late Katsumi and Haruko Kazama. It opened in 1963 and became a community gathering place.
Among its 35 retail shops and restaurants, longtime tenants include Chun Wah Kam Noodle Factory, Ezogiku Ramen, Kabuki Restaurant, Shiro’s Saimin Haven and Zippy’s.
At the celebration, Somei Taiko and Roy Sakuma Ukulele Studios will perform at noon and 1 p.m., respectively, and at 2 p.m. the Lung Kong Physical Culture Club will perform a traditional lion dance to cap off the event. The grand prize is a Las Vegas travel package at the California Hotel & Casino.
Retail industry announces annual winners
Garment manufacturer and retailer Tori Richard won the overall state of Hawaii Retail Business of the Year Award on Thursday at the Retail Merchants of Hawaii’s annual Ho’okela Awards.
Island Olive Oil Co. was named Best New Retail Business.
Eki Cyclery won Neighborhood Retail Business of the Year, while the Resort Retail Business of the Year is Hawaiian Quilt Collection Inc.
The E-Commerce Retail Business of the Year is Ideal 808, and Retail Merchants of Hawaii named a Retail Business of the Year winner for each island: Fisher Hawaii Inc. on Oahu, Ishihara Market Ltd. on Kauai, Uptown Service Inc. on Maui and, on Hawaii island, Hula Daddy Kona Coffee, from whence employee Laura Ross previously was announced the Retail Employee of the Year.
Other previously announced honorees include Michael Tam, CEO and president of Martin & MacArthur, as Retailer of the Year and Kelly Kauinana, Pearlridge Center marketing director, as recipient of the Governor’s Award for exemplary service to the retail industry.
The awards were presented during a luncheon at the Coral Ballroom of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa.
Average fixed-mortgage rates fall to 4-month lows
WASHINGTON >> Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages dropped this week to their lowest levels in four months, a positive sign for the housing recovery.
Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac says the average rate on the 30-year loan fell to 4.13 percent. That’s down from 4.28 percent. The average on the 15-year fixed loan declined to 3.24 percent from 3.33 percent.
Both averages are the lowest since June 20.
Mortgage rates have been falling since September, when the Federal Reserve held off slowing its $85-billion-a-month in bond purchases. The bond buys are intended to keep longer-term interest rates low, including mortgage rates.
And a slowdown in hiring in September makes it more likely that the Fed will continue its stimulus into next year.
On the Move
Title Guaranty has announced the promotion of Ryan Nagatori as branch manager of its Kahala office. Nagatori joined the company in 2002 and has held positions such as escrow associate and escrow officer, and previously served as the office’s assistant branch manager.
