With the recent addition of U.S.-flagged cruise ships operated by NCL America, Hawai'i has become the fastest-growing cruise destination market in the country, the study said. NCL America launched the Pride of Aloha in 2004, and the Pride of America in 2005. The company's third U.S.-flagged ship, the Pride of Hawaii, began cruises here this summer. All three sail weekly interisland cruises.

Nearly 236,000 passengers embarked on cruises in Hawai'i last year, a 38 percent increase over 2004, according to the study. The Pride of Aloha and the Pride of America largely contributed to the increase.

"The state of Hawai'i is pleased to see the economic benefits grow with the expansion of NCL America's operations," said state tourism liaison Marsha Wienert. "The cruise industry is a vital part in our tourism economy and we are proud to show people the beauty of our state while supporting local businesses."

The Hawai'i data was part of an economic impact study on the cruise industry in the U.S. The study, commissioned by the International Council of Cruise Lines, was conducted by Pennsylvania-based Business Research and Economic Advisors.

Local building supply firm acquired by U.S. affilate of Irish company

Honolulu-based RSI Roofing and Building Supply is being acquired by Allied Building Materials, a U.S. affiliate of an Irish company, RSI officials said today.

RSI, founded in 1983, is Hawaii's largest distributor of roofing, siding and waterproofing products with locations on Oahu, Maui, the Big Island and Kauai, according to the company. Allied Building Materials is an affilate of Dublin-based CRH.

The deal is expected to close by the end of the year. Terms were not disclosed.