Business briefs

Advertiser Staff and News Services

Maui bonds get AA- rating from Fitch

Fitch, a credit rating company, gave Maui's economy a vote of confidence yesterday, issuing an AA- rating on $30 million of new general obligation bonds the county plans to sell beginning today. The rating is four notches below Fitch's highest AAA score.

"The rating reflects Maui's stable economic performance, strong financial reserves and low debt burden," Fitch said. "The economy relies on tourism, although other areas, primarily agriculture, film production, and technology manufacturing, research, and development continue to add diversity."

The bonds will be sold by UBS PaineWebber.

Embassy Resort workers plan picketing

Workers at the Embassy Vacation Resort on Maui will begin picketing the hotel in protest over vacation and sick pay benefits and the firing of four employees, union officials said yesterday.

The Local 5 Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Union said the protests are the result of many months of failed negotiations and unfair labor practices committed by the employer.

Among the union's issues are the loss of accrued vacation and sick time and the "wrongful termination" of four men employed as bellmen and valets, union officials said.

The union represents about 270 workers at the hotel.

Program targets Island Hispanics

A special program for Hispanic business owners will be presented from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Business Information & Counseling Center, located at 1111 Bishop St., Suite 204

The program, titled "Hispanic Small Business: How to Succeed in the 21st Century," is sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Hawaii Hispanic News, Centro Hispano de Hawaii, Hawaii Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the United Puerto Rican Association.

Topics will include writing a business plan, tips for cleaner credit, and financial assistance for small businesses.

The cost is $15, which includes a light lunch. For more information, call Mary Dale of the SBA at 541-2983.