New vehicle registrations are expected to exceed 66,000 units this year, which would mark the fourth consecutive annual increase. However, sales are expected to soften later this year and in 2006 as consumers take a beak from accelerated spending on new cars created by low interest rates and high incentives.

Taxpayers have until Monday to file late state tax returns

Hawai'i taxpayers who haven't filed their individual tax returns yet have an automatic extension until Monday, said Kurt Kawafuchi, director of taxation.

To qualify for the automatic extension, returns must be electronically filed, postmarked, or hand delivered to any Department of Taxation office by the close of business Monday, and include payment for any balance due, Kawafuchi said.

Filers who don't make Monday's deadline can request an additional extension until Oct. 20, subject to certain conditions. They must: file an extension request using Hawai'i Form N-101B; explain on the form the reason for needing the extension; and pay any additional amount needed to equal at least 90 percent of the amount due. Forms are available at the Department's Web site: www.state.hi.us/tax.

Shidler Group buys Phoenix commercial center

Honolulu-based real estate firm The Shidler Group has closed on the purchase of a mixed use commercial center in Phoenix.

The City Square center includes three high-rise office towers, a 156-room Hilton hotel, a health club, restaurants and other retail establishments.

The Shidler Group purchased the project for an undisclosed amount as part of a portfolio of assets from the Praedium Group. The Shidler Group plans to invest $10 million into improvements designed to restore the "long-forgotten campus-like setting" of the project, partner Matt Root said. The renovations will help create a more pedestrian-friendly environment and improve accessibility between buildings, he added.