Hawaii Homebuyers Fair offers housing advice

The third annual Hawaii Homebuyers Fair, which offers help navigating the state’s housing market, will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. The free event, sponsored by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and Alternate Energy, gives potential homebuyers and current homeowners the chance to meet with real estate developers, home improvement vendors and representatives from community homeownership resources.

“Based on the resounding success of the first two homebuyers fairs, we wanted to continue to be a resource and provide people with the knowledge they need to make the right choices for one of the biggest decisions they will ever make — buying a home,” said Dennis Francis, publisher of the Star-Advertiser. “The Hawaii Homebuyers Fair is an all-inclusive resource that will take the mystery out of buying, selling and improving a home in Hawaii. It really is a superb opportunity to seek answers to any real estate, building or financing questions.” The fair will feature more than 25 trade-show vendors as well as workshops for first-time homebuyers, the ABCs of credit, and energy efficiency in the home. For information or to preregister, visit www.hawaiihomebuyersfair.com.

HECO to host Clean Energy Fair at Kahala

Hawaiian Electric Co. said Thursday it will host a Clean Energy Fair on Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m at Kahala Mall, near Macy’s.

The free event is a kickoff for Energy Action Month in October and celebrates the efforts and accomplishments of many organizations across the state to pursue a sustainable, clean energy future for Hawaii.

The fair will feature Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning musician Jerry Santos, a hula performance by Halau Olapakuikalai o Hokuaulani, a performance by Magic Science Hawaii, energy-related booths, games and prizes, an electric vehicle display and a Hawaiian Electric job booth.

The sponsors include HECO, NextEra Energy and Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii.

For more information, call 543-7511 or visit www.hawaiianelectric.com.

Ho‘okele Awards honors nonprofit leaders

The Hawaii Community Foundation recognized four executive directors Thursday night at its 14th annual Ho‘okele Awards honoring “selfless” nonprofit leadership.

Kepa Maly, co-founder and executive director of Lanai Culture and Heritage Center; Richard Taaffe, the first executive director of the West Hawai‘i Community Health Center; Marian Tsuji, president and CEO of Lanakila Pacific; and Harry Wong III, artistic director for Kumu Kahua Theatre, were each awarded $10,000 to be used for “professional development and personal renewal.”

The Ho‘okele Awards, created and funded in part by the Wallace Alexander Gerbode Foundation, has awarded $560,000 to 58 nonprofit leaders statewide since 2002.

The recipients were nominated by community members for their ability to think strategically, bring different groups of people together, inspire others, enthusiastically share their knowledge and make a difference in Hawaii.

Applications for U.S. jobless aid tick up

WASHINGTON >> The number of Americans seeking unemployment aid rose slightly last week yet remained at a low level consistent with a solid job market.

The Labor Department said Thursday that weekly unemployment applications climbed 4,000 to a seasonally adjusted 277,000. The four-week average, a less volatile measure, increased 5,500 to 271,500.

Applications, which are a proxy for layoffs, are near the lowest levels in 15 years. Two weeks ago the four-week average dropped to its lowest point since April 2000. That is a sign that employers are confident enough in the economy’s future growth to hold onto their staffs.

On The Move

» KonaRed Corp. has hired Kyle Redfield as its new president and chief operating officer. He has extensive experience in profitability and revenue in the beverage, food, healthy snacks and dietary supplement industry.

» Central Pacific Bank has promoted Michael Smith to vice president and division manager of Information Security and Solutions. He has 20 years’ experience in implementing and overseeing technology programs as well as providing IT security solutions for telecom providers and community banks.

» RevaComm has hired Erica Kunihisa as a UX designer. She was previously a freelance designer and intern at RevaComm.

Ship Ahoy!

Today’s ship arrivals and departures: