Connector enrollment deadline extended
The Hawaii Health Connector has extended the deadline for residents to enroll in health insurance that takes effect on Jan. 1.
The extension will be until noon on Dec. 31. The original deadline was this past Monday.
The state’s health insurance exchange created by the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, signed up 3,500 residents in the first month of open enrollment , which started on Nov. 15. To enroll, call 1-877-628-5076 or go to www.hawaiihealthconnector.com.
Mokulele Air offering same-day shipping
Mokulele Airlines launched a same-day rush shipping service Friday that will deliver packages to and from the airport locations it serves on Oahu, Maui and Hawaii island.
The service is available for envelopes up to 5 pounds and boxes up to 70 pounds. To use the service, customers deliver their package to any Mokulele ticket counter, and the package can be picked up at the destination airport.
An introductory flat rate of $5 for envelopes or boxes weighing up to 10 pounds is being offered through Dec. 31. After that time, regular rates will range from $8 to $50 depending on weight. A flat rate of $5 for envelopes weighing up to 0.99 pounds is also available for shipments departing from Honolulu Airport.
Mokulele’s new rush shipping services are offered at Honolulu Airport and Kalaeloa on Oahu; at Kahului, Kapalua and Hana on Maui; and at Kona and Waimea-Kohala on Hawaii island. The service will launch on Molokai at Hoolehua and Kalaupapa in January, then in Lanai City in February.
NLRB: McDonald’s violated workers’ rights
CHICAGO » The National Labor Relations Board on Friday issued 13 complaints against McDonald’s and some of its franchisees, calling them joint employers and alleging they violated labor rights of employees at various restaurants nationwide.
The labor board found merit in 86 cases filed in cities from New York to Chicago to San Francisco. The cases allege that Oak Brook, Ill.-based McDonald’s and its franchisees retaliated against employees for engaging in activities, including nationwide protests calling for higher wages and better conditions.
Retaliation included threats, surveillance, reduction of hours, interrogations and firings, the labor board said.
The ruling, which McDonald’s vowed to appeal, is significant because it could increase the fast-food giant’s responsibility in labor cases and, potentially, that of other types of employers as well.
"It’s a game-changing decision," said Robert Bruno, a professor of labor and employment relations at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Bruno said the decision shatters the wall that has kept franchisees and franchisers separate. For years, labor groups have complained the wall keeps major corporations from taking direct responsibility for their employees.
McDonald’s has long maintained that its franchisees are independent owner-operators who set their own policies, including wages, while adhering to corporate standards in areas such as food preparation and restaurant design.
But the board said its investigation found that McDonald’s "engages in sufficient control over its franchisees’ operations, beyond protection of the brand."
Chrysler to recall 288,000 Ram pickups
DETROIT » Chrysler is recalling about 288,000 older Ram pickup trucks in North America and elsewhere because the rear axle can seize or the drive shaft can fall off. The recall covers Ram 1500 pickups from the 2005 model year.
Chrysler says in documents posted Friday by U.S. safety regulators that the rear-axle pinion nut can come loose. That can cause problems that make the trucks spin out of control. The recall comes after an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that began in June.
The agency found 15 complaints, including seven drivers who reported that the wheels locked at speeds over 50 miles per hour. Chrysler says there have been three crashes and one injury due to the problem.
IN THE NEWS
‘The Biggest Loser’ to show Kauai Marriott
Kauai Marriott Resort will be featured on NBC’s hit TV show “The Biggest Loser” airing Jan. 1.
The two-hour episode of the six contestants making resolutions for 2015 was filmed on the Garden Isle at the Kauai beach resort.
“Having the filming of ‘The Biggest Loser’ on our property was an incredible experience and huge honor,” said Bill Countryman, general manager of Kauai Marriott Resort. “Our Kauai golf resort features the perfect balance of adventure and beauty, which is important for not only inspiring the contestants, but invigorating our guests as well.”
ON THE MOVE
Central Pacific Bank has appointed Nick Sutton to branch manager of its Hawaii Kai branch. He has more than 20 years of experience in banking, business development and management. Prior to joining CPB, Sutton was a vice president and branch manager at J.P. Morgan Chase Bank.
The Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay has named Yukiko Kumano as Asia sales manager. She was previously working as an account executive for a printing and publishing company in Honolulu.
International Association of Movers has named Rebecca L.M. Parker as a representative of the Core Member Management Board, Oceania. She is the president of Hawaii-based M. Dyer & Sons. Parker will represent the Pacific Rim.
Bank of Hawaii Foundation has awarded a $10,000 grant to the Hawaii Youth Symphony. The grant will support the nonprofit’s 50th season as well as be used to benefit the symphony program, which serves 300 students from 46 schools on Maui and Oahu.
