New Kailua firm to hire 30 caregivers
A new business focused on caregivers’ services has opened in Kailua. Butch DePonte-Merideth, who has worked in the health care industry for more than 20 years, started Home Instead Senior Care — part of an international franchise network — to provide nonmedical care to seniors across the island.
The company will serve seniors in Ahuimanu, Aiea, Haleiwa, Hauula, Kaaawa, Kahaluu, Kailua, Kaneohe, Laie, Maunawili, Mililani, Pearl City, Wahiawa, Waimalu and Waimanalo.
The Kailua firm said it plans to hire 30 caregivers this year. The workers are thoroughly screened, trained, bonded and insured, the company said.
They will offer companionship, as well as personal and specialized care that can help seniors remain independent and provide respite for those caring for seniors full time. Call 744-0215 or go to homeinstead.com/797.
Bank workers plan Chinatown cleanup
American Savings Bank employees and executives will be working with members of the Chinatown community, including 808 Cleanups, to pick up trash and remove graffiti and paint from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday in the areas of College Walk, Sun Yat-Sen Mall and Aala Park. The group will meet at the 230 N. Beretania St. public parking lot, which is to be the site of the bank’s new headquarters.
American Savings plans to move its headquarters within the next couple of years from Fort Street Mall to the 62,595-square-foot Beretania lot. The lot is next to Nuuanu Stream and across the street from Aala Park, where homeless people in tents line the sidewalk.
Kraft Mac & Cheese is shedding dyes
NEW YORK » This is the last year that the original version of Kraft Mac & Cheese sold in the U.S. will contain artificial preservatives or synthetic colors.
In January, Kraft says, its macaroni and cheese will be colored using paprika, annatto and turmeric.
There has been a huge shift away from processed foods in the U.S., and larger food producers are trying to follow their customers in that direction.
A Change.org petition begun in March 2013 by food activist Vani Hari, who blogs as the "Food Babe," asked Kraft to remove dyes from its macaroni and cheese. The petition garnered more than 365,000 signatures.
The company already is selling a version in the U.S., called Kraft Mac & Cheese Boxed Shapes, which has no artificial flavors, preservatives or synthetic colors.
Kraft said that its other macaroni and cheese varieties sold in the U.S., such as Shapes Cups, Original Cups, Premium Flavors and Easy Mac will have no artificial flavors, preservatives or synthetic colors later next year.
ON THE MOVE
UHA Health Insurance has named Alan Saka senior vice president and chief information officer. He succeeds Chad Lee, who retired after nearly 18 years with the company. Saka has 14 years of experience in health care information services, recently serving as assistant vice president of production and support services for HMSA.
First Hawaiian Bank has announced the following promotions:
» Peter Hayase to vice president of bank properties at First Hawaiian Center, from facilities engineer. His 22 years of facilities management experience includes management of the center’s bank security and parking personnel.
» Laureen Kalawe to vice president, compliance, and program manager of FHB’s private banking division, from assistant vice president, compliance, and program manager. She joined the bank in 1979 and has 17 years of experience in the private banking division.
