Business briefs

Advertiser Staff

Lingle optimistic of visa changes

After meeting with Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge last week, Gov. Linda Lingle is "cautiously optimistic" about the prospect of travel visa changes that could bring in more visitors from China, South Korea and other countries, her office said.

"Secretary Ridge was very sympathetic to some of the challenges Hawai'i is facing because of some of the visa restrictions" and "did indicate they would do everything they could to try to come up with some sort of resolution," said Lingle's spokesman Russell Pang.

Lingle proposed changes to allow more multiple-entry visas for visitors to the United States and additional money for embassies to process visa applications.

Dole buys out Maui L&P unit

Dole Food Co. has purchased the Costa Rican pineapple assets of Maui Land & Pineapple for about $15.3 million.

David Murdock, CEO of Dole, said the purchase will help Dole better supply customers in the central and eastern United States with premium "Tropical Gold" pineapple.

David Cole, CEO of Maui Land & Pine, said the unit was well run but he wants to focus resources on new business initiatives in Hawai'i.

Restaurant sales may lag nation

The National Restaurant Association predicts that Hawai'i's restaurant industry will lag the nation in sales growth, expanding 3.5 percent next year to $2.2 billion.

The forecast cited continued weakness in tourism as a key factor in the projection, which is lower than any other state.

The nationwide average is 4.4 percent.

Nevada is expected to lead the nation in restaurant-industry growth at 6.8 percent.