BUSINESS BRIEFS
Hawaiian awaits test on runway

Advertiser Staff and News Services

The FAA will conduct a second inspection of the main runway today at Pago Pago International that could determine if Hawaiian Airlines will resume flights to the airport.

Hawaiian suspended flights between Honolulu and American Samoa on June 24 after two of its aircraft were damaged by debris on the runway.

"We are hopeful that the runway will pass the test and we'll be able to resume our service as soon as possible," said Hawaiian Airlines spokesman Keoni Wagner.

Longs trimming manager jobs

Longs Drug Stores Corp., seeking to cut costs, implemented a voluntary separation program for managers of its retail stores. The drug store chain said the program offers financial incentives based on years of service and base salary, as well as company-paid health insurance benefits and outplacement services.

Longs has 31 stores in Hawai'i.

WorldCom settlement OK'd

WorldCom Inc. cleared a major legal hurdle yesterday when a federal judge in New York approved a $750 million settlement that would resolve the Securities and Exchange Commission's fraud case against the nation's second-largest long-distance telephone company.

U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff's decision still needs the approval of the federal bankruptcy court.