Gov. Linda Lingle today announced several initiatives aimed at fostering a more business-friendly environment in Hawai'i, while protecting the interests of consumers.

Among the proposals Lingle plans to introduce to the Legislature this year is one that would allow the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to further cut fees the state charges to businesses for registration, licenses, permits and certificates.

The Lingle administration also is proposing a workers compensation reform package that would lower workers compensation costs by reducing fraud by both employers and employees.

The consumer-related initiatives include ones that would return unclaimed property to owners, provide rebates to cable television subscribers and healthcare insurance policyholders, and guard against identity theft.

Final offer to buy home at Hawai'i Kai's The Colony

Stanford Carr Development is offering potential homeowners a final opportunity to purchase a home in The Colony at Hawai'i Kai Peninsula.

On Saturday, The Colony will hold it's last home selection event for the 111 condominiums in Building 3, the final stage of the development. The deadline for all reservations is Friday at 5:00 p.m.