Hawaiian Electric Co. is expanding a test of technology to deliver new services, including high-speed Internet, via power lines from six to about 25 homes in McCully.

However, a large-scale demonstration of so-called broadband power line technology to about 100 or so homes has been pushed back from this year to next year.

The utility's plan is to continue to test current generation technology that meters electricity use and improves network reliability, said Lynne Unemori, Hawaiian Electric Co. spokeswoman. A larger-scale test of second-generation broadband power line technology now is scheduled to begin during the second quarter of 2006, she said.

CYANOTECH HIRES RUSSELL GROUP

Kona-based Cyanotech Corp., a world leader in producing high-value natural products from microalgae, has appointed Russell Communications Group to coordinate its investor relations, marketing and communications efforts.

As the company's investor relations counsel, RCG will assist Cyanotech in communicating with shareholders and prospective investors. RCG also will coordinate Cyanotech's marketing communications efforts, highlighting the company's focus on the business-to-business wholesale market for its ingredients.

NATION WORLD

PEPSICO PROFITS INCREASE 13%

NEW YORK — Soft drink and snack food maker PepsiCo Inc. yesterday posted a 13 percent rise in second-quarter earnings, driven by strength in China and other developing markets as well as strong domestic sales of cereal and pasta in its Quaker Foods business.

The company, which also owns the Frito-Lay line of snacks, said it would bolster investment in its North American beverage business and overseas in order to revive sluggish soda sales. The increased spending on new products comes as PepsiCo and archrival Coca-Cola Co. each grapple with declining soda sales, as global consumers are increasingly drawn to coffee, tea and juice items.