BUSINESS BRIEFS
Many still miss phone-tax claim
Advertiser Staff and News Services
Hawai'i residents who have filed their federal tax returns and failed to claim the one-time telephone excise tax refund have missed out on an estimated $1.54 million in refunds, the Internal Revenue Service said.
The tax agency said about 30 percent of returns filed so far have failed to request the refund of telephone excise tax paid on long-distance and bundled service.
The refund is available to taxpayers who paid the 3 percent federal excise tax on the services between March 2003 and July 2006.
BIG ISLAND HIRES NEW FILM CZAR
Hawai'i County has hired a new film commissioner to replace Marilyn Killeri, who recently retired from the post after 12 years of service.
The new commissioner, John Mason, is a Big Island resident who previously worked as an executive in Entertainment Imaging Division of the Eastman Kodak Co. in Hollywood.
Mason's twenty-plus-year career with Kodak included working in Rochester, N.Y., and Hollywood. He served in numerous capacities, including sales and marketing, training and management. His last assignment was as director of Kodak's Worldwide Student Filmmaker Program.
Hawai'i County recorded $4 million in production revenue in 2006, according to the film office.
ATVS RECALLED OVER SAFETY ISSUE
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a safety recall for an all-terrain vehicle distributed by Montgomery Motors Ltd. in Honolulu and American Suzuki Motor Corp. of Brea, Calif.
The recall applies to Suzuki 2007 model year QuadSport Z90 vehicles. The safety commission said problems with the vehicle include possible improper welding that could lead to suspension arms breaking off while riding, posing risk of serious injury or death to riders. It said two incidents of the arm breaking have been reported.
The agency is recommending people stop using the vehicles immediately and contact their Suzuki all-terrain vehicle dealer for a free repair.
