BUSINESS BRIEFS
State rejects HMSA fee plan

Advertiser Staff

The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations rejected a proposed health plan by HMSA that's cheaper to business but more costly to employees, saying it does not conform to standards set by the Prepaid Health Care Act.

The plan, which is similar to its popular Preferred Provider Plan, would double patient co-payments to 20 percent for medical services but cut the premiums paid by firms by an average of 5.7 percent. However, the plan would boost such benefits as preventive healthcare and mental ailments.

HMSA spokesman Chuck Marshall said the insurer remains committed to proposing "less expensive options so employers can have more choices." HMSA expects to unveil another proposal in a couple of months.

Wailea center work to begin

A Mainland development partnership plans to begin construction next month on Maui's Wailea Town Center, a 51,000-square-foot complex offering fee-simple retail, professional services, residential condominium and office space.

America Medical Office Partners of Dallas and Phoenix-based Shea Commercial in July acquired land for the $23 million development at 161 Wailea Ike Place.

Island Title control shifts

First American Title Insurance Co., one of the country's largest title insurers, has expanded its stake in Island Title Corp. to 60 percent.

Island Title, with six offices and about 100 employees, handles property transactions that deal with refinancing, fee conversions, condominium projects, and subdivision and timeshare development.