Holland America Lines said it will offer five cruises from the West Coast to Hawai'i next year, making it the latest company to announce an expanded cruise schedule for the Islands in 2010.

Holland America said the 1,432-passenger ms Zaandam will make five 14-day roundtrip voyages between San Diego and Hawai'i from October through December. After leaving San Diego, the ship will make ports of call on the Big Island, O'ahu, Kaua'i, and Ensenada, Mexico, before returning to San Diego.

YOUNG NAMED COO OF GAS COMPANY

The Gas Company has promoted longtime executive Thomas K. L. M. Young to the post of senior vice president and chief operating officer.

Young, a 28-year veteran with the company, will oversee the utility's operations on all of the Hawaiian Islands and will be responsible for an initiative to produce half of the company's gas from renewable sources within five years.

Young joined The Gas Company in 1981 as an assistant chemist and worked his way up to chief of O'ahu-based operations in 1998. In 2008 he became senior vice president of operations statewide, including manufacturing, distribution, sales, compliance and project management.

UNITED AIR TO OFFER TRADER VIC'S MENU

United Airlines starting today will offer Trader Vic's entrees to first-class passengers on flights between Hawai'i and the Mainland.

United described the cuisine as "South Pacific fare," including items such as "island-inspired chicken with grilled vegetables, fried rice, sesame noodles and Mai Tai spears." The menu was designed by Trader Vic's Corporate Executive Chef Paul Fabre in collaboration with United Corporate Executive Chef Gerry Gulli.

Founded in 1934 by Bay Area restaurateur Vic "The Trader" Bergeron, Trader Vic's now includes an expanding collection of upscale, company-owned and franchised restaurants, stretching from the United States to Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Caribbean.