A relatively weak first quarter and limited airline capacity through the summer prompted the organization to lower its visitor forecast to 2.8 percent growth this year from the previous estimate of 3.4 percent growth.

At the same time, 2005 job growth has been revised upward and that strength has carried over into 2006. New jobs are now forecast to increase by 2.5 percent, up from the previous estimate of 2.1 percent.

As expected, there are now signs that slowing has begun to occur, particularly in neighbor island economies. In the face of a very tight labor market, further slowing is expected to continue over the next several years.

Cyanotech sales rise 27 percent in latest quarter

Kona-based Cyanotech Corp. today said sales rose 27 percent to $3.3 million during the first three months of the year, versus sales of $2.6 million in the same period in 2005. The maker of microalgae-based nutritional products said the higher sales came from increased orders of spirulina products.

Net income during the quarter was $194,000, or a penny a share, compared with a loss of $74,000 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005. Shares of Cyanotech rose 3 cents, or 5 percent, to close at 62 cents a share on the Nasdaq stock market.

HMSA schedules job fair for June 13

The Hawaii Medical Service Association will be accepting applications for a variety positions at a job fair June 13 at the HMSA Center on Ke'eamoku Street.

Job applicants should bring a resume and be prepared for an interview, the company said. HMSA, the state's largest health insurer, has openings for call center representatives, information systems specialists, and administrative and clerical workers.