BUSINESS BRIEFS
Bankruptcies down 77 percent
Advertiser Staff
Bankruptcy filings in Hawai'i last month fell 77 percent from the 2005 level to 57, according to figures released today by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Honolulu.
Through the first two months of the year, filings are down 81 percent from last year. Bankruptcies statewide spiked last year in advance of a change in federal bankruptcy laws making it tougher for people to erase debt.
Before last year, bankruptcy rates had fallen since 2001 during an economic expansion driven by strong real estate, construction and tourism.
GASOLINE PRICES RISE NEXT WEEK
The maximum wholesale price for gasoline will rise almost 7 cents a gallon Monday to $1.89 a gallon for regular on O'ahu, according to the state Public Utilities Commission.
That price excludes taxes and a retail markup. Hawai'i's gasoline price cap law sets a ceiling on wholesale prices but does not regulate retail prices.
HAWAIIAN MOST PUNCTUAL AIRLINE
Hawaiian Airlines in January was rated by the U.S. Department of Transportation as the nation's top airline for on-time service, fewest cancellations and baggage handling.
Hawaiian finished third in overall consumer complaints, with the DOT receiving only two complaints from the more than 486,000 passengers served in June.
ANNUAL MEETING HELD AT GARDENS
The Moanalua Gardens Foundation will present a report on the status of the gardens and Moanalua Valley at the foundation's annual meeting March 11.
The Damon Estate, which owns the property, is winding down its operations and is looking to transfer ownership to a private company, nonprofit group or local government agency that will take over the gardens.
The annual meeting is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. at Moanalua Gardens. A lu'au with Hawaiian entertainment will follow the meeting. Foundation members will vote on a slate of directors for 2006-07. Officers will be elected.
The event is free for members. Guests will be charged $25. Reservations deadline is tomorrow. For more information, see www.mgf-hawaii.org or call 839-5334.
