The 31st annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk — sponsored by the Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association — raised a total of $925,000 on Saturday.

Hotel officials said 8,935 walkers on O'ahu, Maui, Kaua'i and the Big Island participated in the fundraiser, which generates money for more than 100 of Hawai'i's charities.

"We are very proud of the effort that raised $925,000, especially given these difficult economic times that (are) putting financial strain on local people and all segments of the Hawai'i economy," said Fred Orr, general manager for the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani and chairman for this year's charity walk.

Themed "Back in the Plantation Days," this year's walk focused on its 31 years of taking care of the Hawai'i 'ohana.

Since its inception in 1978, the charity walk has raised more than $21 million for Hawai'i's charities.

ATLAS BUYS BANK'S INSURANCE OUTLET

Atlas Insurance Agency Inc. has agreed to buy Bank of Hawaii's retail insurance operation in a transaction to close at a later date. Terms were not disclosed.

Atlas, the state's largest insurance agency, said it will buy Bank of Hawaii Insurance Services Inc. Bank of Hawaii expanded into the insurance business in 1999 through the acquisition of Triad/IAG Insurance Agency.

Bank of Hawaii Insurance Services employs 23 people and provides insurance programs for businesses and consumers on O'ahu, Maui and the Big Island.

HAWAII SELF STORAGE AIDS STUDENTS

Hawaii Self Storage is giving 12 public high school students scholarships worth up to $4,000 each to be used toward their college education.

Each student will receive annually renewable $1,000 awards for a maximum of two years for associate degrees and four years for bachelor's degrees.

Hawaii Self Storage has committed more than $200,000 in its scholarship program since it began in 2005.

Company Vice President Shaun Salvador and the company mascot will present the students with scholarship certificates at a ceremony tomorrow at the Hawaii Self Storage location in Pearl City.

MOKULELE AIRLINES HITS MILESTONE

Mokulele Airlines said it carried 2,000 passengers on interisland flights Friday, the first time it hit that milestone since it formed a partnership with Republic Airways six months ago.

The airline said a recent agreement to make Mokulele fares available on the Expedia Web site has given the interisland carrier broader exposure.

Earlier this month, Mokulele launched its new jet service route between Honolulu and Hilo, adding to its already existing jet service to Kona, Lihu'e and Kahului.