BUSINESS BRIEFS
Law gives center $2 million more
Advertiser Staff and News Services
A bill to raise the cap on revenues allocated to the Hawai'i Convention Center by $2 million was signed by Gov. Linda Lingle yesterday.
At present, the convention center receives 17.3 percent of transient accommodations tax revenue, with any collections in excess of $31 million going to the state's general fund. The new law, which takes effect July 1, raises the cap to $33 million. Tourism officials said the additional money is needed to help maintain and upgrade the facility.
The convention center also is to receive a one-time general fund appropriation of $1 million this year, bringing total additional funds to $3 million. The total convention center budget for the 2007 fiscal year that begins July 1 is $51 million.
PARADE OF HOMES IS OCT. 7-8, 14-15
The Building Industry Association of Hawaii is to hold the 50th annual Parade of Homes the weekends of Oct. 7-8 and Oct. 14-15.
The statewide showcase of new homes is designed to educate consumers on the latest trends, technology and design innovations in residential construction.
The deadline for entries is June 29. For more information, call 847-4666, ext. 201, or visit www.paradeofhomeshawaii.com.
JAPAN LIFTS BAN ON U.S. BEEF
Japan agreed yesterday to lift its ban on U.S. beef imports — imposed early this year amid concerns about mad cow disease — the Asian nation's Agriculture Ministry said.
The breakthrough resolves a thorny, long-running trade dispute between the two allies and gives U.S. ranchers access to what was once their most lucrative export market. American beef shipments to Japan were halted in January after Japanese officials found a veal shipment that contained backbone, which Asian countries consider at risk for mad cow disease. The cuts are eaten in the United States and other countries, but Japan's rules are stricter.
