Business briefs

Advertiser Staff

Dods quits role to avoid conflict

Walter Dods, chairman and chief executive of First Hawaiian Bank's parent, BancWest Corp., has resigned from the advisory board of Oceanic Time Warner Cable to avoid a potential conflict of interest.

Dods is leading a local investor group that has partnered with Washington, D.C.-based Carlyle Group to purchase Verizon Hawaii for $1.65 billion. Oceanic and Verizon are both in telecommunications.

Nonprofits get tax exemption

Gov. Linda Lingle signed a bill yesterday granting an exemption from the general excise tax to certain nonprofit organizations that receive fees for renting out display and exhibit space at conventions, conferences and trade shows.

Entertainment system offered

Hawaiian Airlines next month will begin offering to passengers on its transpacific flights portable entertainment systems that will play a wide variety of video and audio programming.

The battery-powered lightweight units will play 10 to 15 first-run movies, eight to 10 short subjects or sitcoms, 20 music videos and 100 audio tracks. The units will be available free in first class and for a $10 rental fee in coach.

Hospitality expo opens

The Hawaii Lodging, Hospitality & Foodservice Expo starts today at the Blaisdell Center. The event is open only to people in the hospitality-related industries. The two-day expo will feature industry seminars and 540 exhibits.

Seminar focuses on identity theft

The Better Business Bureau of Hawaii will hold a seminar on preventing identity theft from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. tomorrow at the Pacific Club.

Representatives from Bank of Hawaii, the Hawaii Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs, Honolulu Police Department and U.S. Secret Service will provide tips on protecting your personal financial information. Cost is $15 for BBB members and $20 for nonmembers.