Business briefs

Advertiser Staff

Cruise line exemption OK'd

The Senate approved an exception to federal law so Norwegian Cruise Line can use foreign-built ships under U.S. flags for interisland cruises in Hawai'i.

Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawai'i, added the provision to a bill that will finance the government in the current fiscal year. The Senate passed the bill late Thursday. It will be considered by a House-Senate conference committee before heading to President Bush's desk for signing.

Under federal law, a foreign-built ship may not operate between U.S. ports unless it stops at a foreign port in between or receives an exception from the government.

Cutter Maui sells outlets

Cutter of Maui Inc. has sold its General Motors and Nissan dealerships, along with its Hana Highway automotive center in Kahului, to Jim Falk, the owner of Valley Isle Motors Ford and Mercury dealership.

Cutter Vice President J.N. Wiedman said that the company plans to end its Hana Highway operation March 31.

Other Cutter operations on Maui, which include Volkswagen, Mazda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi, will be retained by the company at a second Maui auto center at the Kahului Beach Road-Ka'ahumanu Avenue intersection in Kahului.Ê

Nearly 100 employees will be terminated, but most will be rehired by either Cutter or Falk, Wiedman said.