C&C Security Inc. has been ordered to pay more than $115,000 in back pay and damages to security guards who worked on film and TV show productions in Hawaii.

Investigators from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division found that the company, which does business as Cast and Crew Security, failed to pay its guards time-and-a-half for hours worked in excess of a 40-hour workweek.

The investigation showed that the employer also paid a number of guards on a salary basis and considered them exempt from overtime requirements in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The guards worked during productions including “Predator,” “Soul Surfer,” “Hawaii Five-0” and “The Descendants.”

“Violations are particularly troublesome in situations like this, where low-wage workers are denied access to all of their lawfully entitled earnings which must cover the essential expenses of living in Hawaii,” Terence Trotter, director of the division’s Honolulu District Office, said in a statement.

Under terms of a judgment filed with the U.S. District Court, Cast and Crew Security will pay 65 employees $57,785 in unpaid overtime wages plus an equal amount in liquidated damages, for a total of $115,570.

State tourism bureau announces grants

The Hawaii Tourism Authority will split $3.3 million in financial support among 162 community programs and events statewide that applied for grants to perpetuate Hawaii’s sense of community, natural environment and native culture.

“Each community is vital at creating memorable experiences for our residents and visitors, and we are proud to support organizations that enrich and strengthen Hawaii through our programs,” said George D. Szigeti, president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority. “These funds help enhance communities-based projects and events, perpetuate the Hawaiian culture, and preserve Hawaii’s pristine natural resources.”

Ninety-four community-based projects and events are receiving HTA support through the County Product Enrichment Program in partnership with the four counties. CPEP awards go to tourism product development activities to support cultural tourism, eco-tourism, agri-tourism, edu-tourism, health and wellness tourism, sports and techno-tourism.

Thirty-three environment-based programs are receiving HTA support through the Natural Resources Community-Based Program in partnership with the Hawaii Community Foundation. This program supports efforts to manage, improve and protect Hawaii’s natural environment and areas utilized by residents and visitors.

HTA’s Kukulu Ola – Living Hawaiian Culture Program provides support to Hawaiian programs and cultural practitioners, craftsmen, musicians and other artists perpetuating the Hawaiian culture. Thirty-five programs were funded this year.

New-home sales surged as 2015 ended

WASHINGTON >> Americans rushed to buy new homes in December at the strongest pace in 10 months, with 2015 marking the strongest year for this segment of the housing market since 2007.

The Commerce Department said Wednesday that new-home sales surged 10.8 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 544,000. It was the third consecutive monthly gain since sales collapsed in September. The increase nearly pulled the sales rate even with the level of 545,000 in February 2015 and points to continued momentum for real estate and construction in the opening months of this year.

“This is a promising sign for the housing market as we move into 2016,” said Tian Liu, chief economist at Genworth Mortgage Insurance. “We expect the strong increase in new home sales to continue as the fundamentals in the housing market remain strong and newer vintage homes are in short supply.”

Sales of new homes accelerated sharply in 2015, rising 14.5 percent on the entire year to 501,000. Steady job growth that cut the unemployment rate to a healthy 5 percent has given many homebuyers increased confidence, while relatively low mortgage rates improved affordability.

Federal Reserve lets key interest rate stand

WASHINGTON >> The Federal Reserve sounded a note of concern Wednesday about how global pressures could affect the U.S. economy, while keeping a key interest rate unchanged.

The statement it issued after its latest policy meeting signaled that it might consider slowing future rate hikes if market losses and global weakness don’t abate.

But the Fed did not commit to slowing its pace of rate increases, and stock investors appeared disappointed. The Dow Jones industrial average closed down about 223 points, or 1.4 percent. The Dow had been up slightly before the Fed issued its statement.

The Fed’s new statement said it’s studying “global economic and financial developments and is assessing their implications for the labor market and inflation.

Cutter Automotive director to address auto enthusiasts

The monthly Auto Lunch Bunch gathering is moving back to the Waikiki Yacht Club at the invitation of luncheon co-founder Bill Maloney.

The gathering starts noon Monday at 1599 Ala Moana Blvd., and free parking is available.

Cutter Automotive Galleries will present a 2016 “Mixed Plate” for the Kars at the Kurb display, including a 2016 Mazda Miata, a 2016 Jeep Renegade compact SUV and a 2016 Fiat 500X, Fiat’s largest auto.

Luncheon speaker Gary Scheuring, Cutter’s director of training and development, will discuss the company’s recent grand openings of two new showrooms along Ala Moana Boulevard.

Lunch choices each cost $18, which includes the meal, iced tea, tax and tip. Only credit or debit cards are accepted — no cash.

Reservations are required and can be made via Ed Kemper at 225-2965 or edracers@aol.com.

On The Move

>> Bank of Hawaii has announced the following new promotions:

—James “Hobbs” Lowson to senior vice president, West Pacific regional manager, from vice president. He joined the bank in 1996 and was previously Saipan island manager in the West Pacific Region Branch Division.

—Curtis Tom to senior vice president, Maui regional manager, from vice president. He joined the bank in 1980 and was previously Kahului branch manager and district sales manager.

—Dean Uyeda to senior vice president, corporate risk division, from vice president. His experience at Bank of Hawaii includes business banking officer in 2005 and vice president and primary relationship officer in its commercial banking department in 2010.

Ship Ahoy!

Today’s ship arrivals and departures: