HAWAI'I

Maui Divers Jewelry will take over operations of two jewelry concessions aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of Aloha on Sunday.

Galleria Fine Jewelry and Ocean Treasures will bring the number of Maui Divers' stores to 50. The company, established in 1959, owns and operates stores on all major Hawaiian Islands, in San Diego and Orange, Calif., Las Vegas and Orlando.

Maui Divers CEO Bob Taylor said, "Cruise ship passengers are already a substantial part of our business, and this offers a great fit as we continue to grow our retail operations."

DESIGN CENTER SWITCH APPROVED

The state agency governing redevelopment of Kaka'ako yesterday approved a plan to allow a home furnishing and design center to occupy commercial space in the twin-tower Moana Pacific condominium under construction on Kapi'olani Boulevard.

The Hawai'i Community Development Authority allowed the retail use as part of a proposal by Moana Pacific's developer to build a residential high-rise on a nearby Kapi'olani site that would provide the state with public parking before and after the condo is constructed.

NATION WORLD

HEALTHCARE GIANT IN THE MAKING

Looking to bolster its clout in the lucrative Medicare market and boost its West Coast customer base, UnitedHealth said it will buy PacifiCare Health Systems for $8.1 billion.

The merger, the second-biggest ever in the sector, solidifies UnitedHealth's position as the No. 2 health insurer behind WellPoint, which merged with Anthem last year.

DISNEY PHONES TARGET PRETEENS

The Walt Disney Co. announced it will sell a wireless phone plan next year, targeting families with kids as young as 8.

Disney, which will carry its service over Sprint Corp.'s wireless network, says parents will sign up because they trust the family-friendly brand.

Firefly Mobile Inc., meanwhile, said its child-friendly phones are now available at Target Corp.'s stores.