30-year mortgage increases to 3.67 percent

WASHINGTON » Average long-term U.S. mortgage rates rose slightly this week but remained close to historically low levels with the spring home-buying season underway.

Mortgage giant Freddie Mac said Thursday the national average fora 30-year fixed-rate mortgage edged up to 3.67 percent from 3.66 percent last week. The average rate for a 15-year mortgage, popular with homeowners who refinance, rose to 2.94 percent from 2.93 percent last week.

A year ago the average 30-year mortgage rate was 4.27 percent, and the 15-year rate was 3.33 percent.

The 30-year average rate reached a record low of 3.35 percent in November and December 2012, when the 15-year rate hit a record-low 2.66 percent.

T&C Surf, Rix Island to open in new mall

Two local retailers have signed on to be tenants in the first phase of the Ka Makana Ali‘i regional mall being developed in Kapolei.

T&C Surf Designs and Rix Island Wear will be among about 150 tenants at the mall, according to an announcement Thursday by the project’s developer, DeBartolo Development LLC.

Previously announced tenants have mainly been national retailers including Macy’s, H&M, Forever 21, Banana Republic, Gap, Old Navy, Walgreens, 24 Hour Fitness, McDonald’s and AT&T.

An initial phase with 750,000 square feet of space including a Hampton Inn & Suites hotel broke ground last month and is projected to open in late 2016. A second phase would add another almost 700,000 square feet including retail, a second hotel and office space.

Seafood business contest seeking entries

An international seafood industry business competition called Fish 2.0 is seeking entries for a second running of the event that was started in 2013. This year it offers prizes totaling more than $200,000 and meetings with finance, retail and training sponsors.

Fish 2.0 is a production of Cali­for­nia-based business consulting firm Manta Consulting Inc.

Three Hawaii businesses were finalists in the first Fish 2.0 competition. One of those businesses, Ho‘o­ulu Pacific, placed third and received $10,000.

Ho‘oulu Pacific helps residents in Wai­ma­nalo use aquaponics to grow fruits, vegetables and fish for consumption and commercial sale.

Entering Fish 2.0 is free. The deadline to enter is April 27.

For more information, visit fish20.org online.

Woman ousted for poking snoring flier

CHICAGO » A passenger aboard a Southwest Airlines flight from Chicago to Manchester, N.H., was removed after allegedly poking a snoring passenger with a pen.

Airline officials say the woman was removed from the plane at Chicago’s Midway International Airport on Thursday for "causing a disturbance."

The Chicago Fire Department was called to evaluate the man. Southwest spokes­woman Brandy King said in a statement that the man was not injured. He continued on the flight to New Hampshire, which was scheduled to leave Chicago at 1:15 p.m. but didn’t depart until 3:04 p.m.

King said the woman who was removed was accommodated on another flight.

Party City shares jump 22% in debut

NEW YORK » Shares of Party City jumped nearly 22 percent in their stock market debut Thursday.

The Elmsford, N.Y., company designs, sells and makes balloons, invitations, costumes and other party goods. It operates about 900 stores and sells its products in other retailers. (Party City has two stores in Hawaii: on North Nimitz Highway and in Wai­kele Center.)

Party City raised about $372 million in its initial public offering, selling 21.9 million shares at $17 per share. The stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "PRTY." Shares of Party City Holdco Inc. rose $3.70 to close at $20.70 Thursday.

On The Move

» Mayor Kirk Caldwell has named Guy Kaulukukui director of the Department of Enterprise Services effective Monday. He has been a deputy director for the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, vice president for cultural studies at Bishop Museum and associate director of The Kohala Center.

» Mauna Kea Resort has named Craig Anderson vice president of operations for the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. He will oversee daily operations of the properties and its golf courses, and serve as liaison between the hotels and Mauna Kea Resort homeowners.

Ship Ahoy!

Today’s ship arrivals and departures: