The contenders from Hawai'i are Castle & Cooke Homes Hawaii, Inc. and D.R. Horton- Schuler Division; and from California are Enhanced Affordable Development Company, LLC and UniDev, LLC.

The four companies submitted proposals to the state Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawaii by the April 29, 2005 deadline after an initial interest by 18 entities. HCDCH expects to make a decision by July.

"The goal ... is to bring in someone who will produce the maximum amount of affordable housing units with an emphasis on rental units," said Stephanie Aveiro, executive director of HCDCH.

Hilton acquires 112 acres on Big Island

Hilton Hotels Corp. said it has acquired 112 acres of undeveloped land on the Big Island from Waikoloa Development Co. for $65 million.

Plans to develop the land are under consideration, the company said in a news release. The company, the third-largest U.S. hotel company, has more than 500 Hilton-branded hotels worldwide.

Aloha Airlines ensures safety of drinking water

Aloha Airlines has become the first airline in the nation to sign a consent order with the Environmental Protection Agency ensuring the continued safety of drinking water aboard its aircraft.

Aloha in November was one of 12 airlines to agree in principle to new aircraft water testing and disinfection protocols. With the signing of the consent order, Aloha becomes the first carrier to accede to an enforceable administrative order from the EPA.

"Aloha Airlines is taking this initiative so that passengers can be assured that our aircraft drinking water will continue to meet the highest standards," said Lee Steel, Aloha's senior vice president for operations.