Isle car-ownership cost under U.S. average

Hawaii is the 18th-least expensive state to operate a motor vehicle, at $2,145 per year, according to a new Bankrate.com report.

Estimated annual cost of ownership in Hawaii is $2,145, below the national average of $2,223, according to Bankrate.com, an online aggregator of financial rate data.

Bankrate included the annual costs of gasoline, auto insurance and repairs for its study and found the car ownership costs in Wyoming to be the most expensive in the U.S. at $2,705. Louisiana was next at $2,555 and Florida was third at $2,516.

The least expensive states were No. 1 Iowa at $1,942, Ohio at $1,973 and Illinois at $1,999.

Bankoh offering storm assistance loans

Bank of Hawaii has initiated several financial assistance programs to help those affected by Tropical Strom Iselle.

"Our hearts go out to all of those who suffered home or property damage from the hurricane," said Peter Ho, chairman, chief executive officer and president of Bank of Hawaii. "These financial emergency relief programs are designed for quick approval to allow people to recover as swiftly as possible."

The three programs provide access to cash via special loan programs or getting relief on existing Bank of Hawaii loans through loan extensions or forbearances. Special program features include low interest rates on loans, loans with no payments for first three months, fast approval and quick funding, reduced payments with loan terms up to 60 months and loan amounts up to $25,000.

Depending on the particular loan program, funds may be used to provide cash relief for emergency supplies and living essentials; repair homes and/or vehicles; replacement of living essentials or to bridge working capital needs; or receive forbearance and/or extension on loans for existing Bankoh clients.

The nearest Bank of Hawaii branches to the impacted areas are the Pahoa and Wai­akea branches on Hawaii island and the Puka­lani branch on Maui.

Information and specific details on each of the programs are also available by calling Bank of Hawaii’s customer service center on Oahu at 888-643-3888.

American Savings gives $25K in storm relief

American Savings Bank has donated $25,000 to the Hawaii Chapter of the American Red Cross to assist in relief efforts for Hawaii island communities in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Iselle.

"Many of our friends on the Big Island have been affected significantly, and we are proud to support the work of the Hawaii Chapter of the American Red Cross and their efforts to support our friends and families in the Big Island community," said Richard Wacker, president and CEO of American Savings.

Additionally, American Savings is working with the nonprofit group Hawaii State Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters and will be accepting monetary donations at all statewide ASB branches. Funds raised will be used to assist residents affected by the storms.

Qantas boosts Sydney-Honolulu service

Australian-based Qantas is increasing its frequency and capacity between Sydney and Hono­lulu beginning Dec. 20.

The carrier will boost service to four times a week, up from three, with flights to increase to five times a week during peak holiday periods such as school holidays and Easter. Qantas also will shift to a larger airplane, an Airbus A330, from a Boeing 767, adding 253 seats per week to the route.

"Increasing capacity to Hono­lulu delivers on our strategy to be more flexible and respond to market conditions," said Stephen Thompson, Qantas executive manager global sales and offshore operations.

"Hawaii is an exceptionally popular destination for our frequent fliers and premium leisure customers and demand continues to grow, especially during school holidays."

ON THE MOVE

Atlas Insurance Agency has appointed Daniel Gick as an account executive in its construction services division. Prior to Atlas, Gick served as a vice president of corporate strategy and operational excellence for Aon Risk Solutions as well as an account executive and program manager at Construction Services Group.

The Plaza Assisted Living (The Plaza), a senior assisted living care provider, has hired Jennifer Green as administrator of its newest assisted-living facility, the Plaza at Pearl City. She has 15 years in Hawaii’s health care industry, including serving as director for Nursefinders and working in nurse recruitment and administrative roles at the Queen’s Medical Center.

SHIP AHOY!

Today’s ship arrivals and departures:

HONOLULU HARBOR

BARBERS POINT HARBOR