There were 360 total filings last month, versus 267 in May of last year, according to figures released today by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court's Honolulu office. During the first five months of the year bankruptcies were up about 2 percent from the same period a year earlier.

A bill signed by President Bush last month scheduled to take effect in October will require many people to work out repayment plans instead of having their obligations erased in bankruptcy court.

St. Francis executive takes job in West Virginia

St. Francis Healthcare System executive Roger Eitelman has been named president and chief executive officer of West Virginia University Hospitals-East.

Eitelman is scheduled to start work July 18, the board of directors announced today. For the past two years, Eitelman has been administrator of St. Francis Medical Center-West in 'Ewa Beach and senior vice president of the St. Francis Healthcare System.

St. Francis this week is expected to announce plans for its two acute-care hospitals on O'ahu, which could include a sale, joint venture or other business relationship.

Ground blessing set for condo at 909 Kapi'olani

A ground blessing is scheduled to be held tomorrow for a planned high-rise condominium at 909 Kapi'olani Boulevard in Kaka'ako.

POSEC Hawaii Inc. is the developer of the project at the corner of Ward Avenue and Kapi'olani Boulevard. Prudential Locations has taken reservations and $2,000 deposits for nearly all of roughly 113 units that will be sold as a first phase of the 225-unit tower.