HTA appoints attorney Fried as chairman

Honolulu attorney L. Richard “Rick” Fried Jr. has been appointed as the new chairman of the Hawaii Tourism Authority board of directors, it was announced Thursday.

Fried takes over for Aaron Sala, who served as board chairman from 2014 and as a board member since 2011. Craig Nakamura and Lorrie Stone will continue as co-vice chairmen.

“This is an exciting time for the HTA as we begin a new chapter for the agency, and I am pleased that Rick will be our chairperson for the board of directors and Craig and Lorrie will continue as our vice chairs,” said George D. Szigeti, who was recently selected as the HTA president and CEO.

Fried, who has served on the HTA board since 2012, is a founding member of the law firm Cronin, Fried, Sekiya, Kekina & Fairbanks. A practicing attorney for more than 40 years, Fried has also served as president of the Hawaii Association for Justice (formerly the Consumer Lawyers of Hawaii) and has been named as being among the “Best Lawyers in America” for more than 25 years. He also has been active with the Honolulu Symphony, Hawaii Theatre, Shriners Hospitals for Children and the American Civil Liberties Union.

Stalled Matson ship on the move again

A Matson Inc. cargo ship that was stalled in the Pacific was repaired Wednesday night and is scheduled to arrive in Honolulu late Friday afternoon. The SS Matsonia was originally slated to arrive Wednesday morning but lost power about 550 miles north of Hawaii. Engineers were able to fix a problem in the engine room that cut off power, said Matson spokesman Jeff Hull. There are 21 people on board the ship, which was traveling from Oakland, Calif.

Matson said it will honor claims for perishables lost as a result of the incident.

Dollar value in isles among lowest in U.S.

A Benjamin just doesn’t go as far as it did before, especially in Hawaii. The nonprofit Tax Foundation found that $100 in Hawaii has the second-lowest value in the 50 states and Washington, D.C., which itself ranked 51st.

The foundation took into consideration cost of living, income levels and price levels, and found that $100 in Hawaii is effectively worth $86.06. That same $100 bill would be worth $84.96 in the District of Columbia.

The states where $100 is worth the most are Mississippi ($115.21), Arkansas ($114.29), South Dakota ($114.16), Alabama ($114.03) and West Virginia ($113.12).

DTRIC vehicle device can pare premiums

DTRIC Insurance Co. has introduced a device that monitors driving and rewards safe drivers with cost savings.

The Akamai Rater plugs into a driver’s vehicle and, using an online platform, measures driving habits including speeding, braking, aggressive driving, driving times and miles driven. Drivers can log in to DTRIC’s online dashboard to check their data. Customers using Akamai Rater can receive immediate savings of 20 percent on auto insurance, and as much as 40 percent after 90 days.

30-year mortgage rate dips to 4.04% amid global woes

WASHINGTON » Average long-term U.S. mortgage rates fell this week, retreating from high levels for the year amid economic turbulence overseas. The lower rates brought an incentive for prospective purchasers toward the end of the spring home buying season.

Mortgage giant Freddie Mac said Thursday the average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to 4.04 percent this week from 4.08 percent a week ago. The rate on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages eased to 3.20 percent from 3.24 percent. Markets around the world have been nervously watching tumult and a nearly monthlong slide in China’s stock markets, and Greece’s economic crisis as it tries to negotiate a rescue from its European partners. That has pushed investors to seek safety in U.S. Treasury bonds, pushing interest rates lower.

On The Move

» Sacred Hearts Academy has named Tiffany Kiyabu as the school’s director of alumnae affairs. She will be responsible for implementing and planning programs that engage alumnae as well as provide benefits to current students and graduates. Kiyabu has 12 years experience in early childhood development and education.

» Waikele Premium Outlets has appointed Andrea Hartley as its new general manager. She has more than seven years of Simon experience, including serving as an assistant manager at Lenox Square in Atlanta, assistant manager of utilities payable and energy billing in the Energy Services Department at the Simon Home Office as well as senior analyst in the Energy Services Department at the Simon Home Office.

Ship Ahoy!

Today’s ship arrivals and departures: