The state Public Utilities Commission ruled that the top executives at NextEra Energy Inc. and Hawaiian Electric Industries have to respond to questions from the state Consumer Advocate as part of the review of NextEra’s $4.3 billion buyout of HEI.

In an order Wednesday, the commission said the Consumer Advocate can question NextEra CEO James Robo and HEI CEO Constance Lau in writing. The PUC, which must approve the sale for it to go forward, left open the possibility that it will require Robo and Lau to answer questions in person at a later date.

Previously, NextEra and HEI opposed the direct questioning of Robo and Lau. The companies said testimonies of other top officials — such as NextEra Chief Financial Officer Moray P. Dewhurst — should be adequate for the review.

The state Consumer Advocate and 28 official intervening groups are part of the PUC review of the sale. None of the approved groups in the case have supported the proposed sale in its original form. Most of the organizations — including the U.S. Department of Defense — said they either oppose the purchase or could accept it only with conditions.

Takai chastises Expedia-Orbitz approval

U.S. Rep. Mark Takai said Thursday he’s disappointed over the Department of Justice’s approval a day earlier of the proposed acquisition of Orbitz by Expedia.

“I know how important tourism is to Hawaii,” Takai said. “Our hospitality industry is one of the primary drivers of our state’s economy. By allowing this deal to move forward, we are granting permission for Expedia to control 80 percent of the domestic online travel booking market. I believe that this will prove to be detrimental for those small independently owned hotels that lack the ability to negotiate against a potential rise in the commission rate.”

The American Hotel & Lodging Association has opposed this deal due to the concern that consolidation of the two companies would prove harmful to consumers and businesses. Takai previously called for a formal hearing of the Small Business Committee to review this deal.

The Justice Department said it won’t challenge Expedia’s $1.3 billion purchase of Orbitz because the deal is unlikely to hurt consumers or reduce competition. The agency said it does not think Expedia will raise the commissions it charges to hotels, airlines and car rental companies, or charge new fees to consumers. It noted that Expedia still will have to compete with Priceline Group Inc. and others, and says the online travel business is changing rapidly, with new options and competitors emerging.

Amazon offers $50 tablet computer

SAN FRANCISCO >> Amazon is dangling a $50 tablet computer in its latest attempt to lure consumers who can’t afford or don’t want the more expensive Internet-connected devices made by Apple and other rivals.

The 7-inch Fire tablet unveiled Thursday marks Amazon’s most aggressive attempt yet to undercut Apple, which has been the market leader since its first iPad went on sale five years ago. The least expensive iPad Mini, which has an 8-inch screen, currently sells for $270.

U.S. homebuilding slowed in August

WASHINGTON >> Builders broke ground on fewer houses and apartment complexes in August, a possible sign that the housing market may be leveling off after accelerating for much of the year.

Housing starts last month fell 3 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.13 million homes, the Commerce Department said Thursday. Construction activity slowed sharply in the Northeast and Midwest last month, edged downward in the West and climbed in the South.

Computer woes plague American’s flights

DALLAS >> American Airlines flights to and from Dallas, Chicago and Miami were briefly stopped Thursday by a computer problem that prevented passengers from checking in.

Airline officials said they fixed their computer systems after less than two hours but were still trying to determine the exact cause of the interruption.

American spokesman Casey Norton said there was no indication that the airline’s computers had been hacked.

On The Move

>> Xerox Hawaii has announced the following three new marketing representatives, whose responsibilities include providing new and existing clients with services and solutions to manage their document workflow, allowing customers to focus on their core business:

— Prior to being named marketing representatives, Amber Kurosu and Ian Coronas were interns for Xerox Hawaii for a year while attending the Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawaii. Kurosu’s territory is East Oahu; Coronas’ territory includes Leeward Oahu.

— Prior to joining the company, Fabiano Da Silva served in sales positions at Marriott Hotels, Acura and BMW. His territory includes the Moiliili, Ala Moana and McCully districts.

Ship Ahoy!

Today’s ship arrivals and departures: