BUSINESS BRIEFS
State to get $45K in AOL penalties
Advertiser Staff and News Services
The state of Hawai'i will receive $45,000 as part of a $3 million nationwide settlement with AOL that requires the company to make significant changes in honoring consumer cancellation requests and further orders refunds for consumers.
The payments to 48 states and the District of Columbia will be used to fund consumer education and enforcement of consumer protection laws.
The settlement resolves complaints that consumers faced difficulty and confusion when trying to cancel their AOL, formerly America Online, paid services over the telephone.
GOODWILL ADDS TO MANAGEMENT
Goodwill Industries of Hawai'i has expanded the management team of the agency's Human Services Division to support the addition of several new community and employment training programs.
Rose Shin will become Employment Services director, overseeing Goodwill's new Immigrant Services Program, as well as its employment and training programs for food stamp recipients and for people with disabilities.
Susan Smyre has been promoted to Goodwill's Community Services director, and will manage the agency's employment, educational and community services for its at-risk youth and ex-offender populations.
ABE LEE REALTY TO HELP HOMELESS
Local real estate firm Abe Lee Realty has created a nonprofit to help fund charities that assist the homeless and first-time homebuyers.
The firm's principal, Abe Lee, said he will donate a percentage of gross sales up to $100,000 a year for distribution to charitable organizations.
The company presented its first grant to Hawaii HomeOwnership Center last week.
Abe Lee Charities plans to distribute awards of $6,000 to $25,000 four times a year. Charities may apply for grants online at www.abeleerealty.com/charities.
