Business briefs

Advertiser Staff and News Services

Health insurer's status improves

Health insurer University Health Alliance, which was put under state control in July because of insufficient assets, is meeting its payment obligations and moving toward removal from state supervision, said Insurance Commissioner Wayne Metcalf.

In July, Metcalf said the state would try to find an investor or buyer to rescue the insurance company, which had fallen about $2.3 million short of minimum asset requirements.

Metcalf said in a statement Thursday that "numerous parties" have expressed interest in investing in UHA, and the state's Insurance Division is reviewing the proposals.

"I am very hopeful that UHA will be able to emerge from rehabilitation and that it remain a competitive contributor in Hawai'i's health care community," Metcalf said.

UPS rate hikes apply overseas

United Parcel Service Inc. said recent rate changes on the Mainland will not affect Hawai'i customers except for shipments to foreign destinations.

Mike Sasaki, Hawai'i district sales manager for UPS, said base rates for ground and air shipments within Hawai'i and to the Mainland will not increase next year.

Rates for International Express packages, which arrive in two to three days, will go up 3 percent. International Expedited, arriving in three to five days, will cost 5.9 percent more.

The rate changes go into effect Jan. 7.