BUSINESS BRIEFS
Hoku finishes solar power systems
Advertiser Staff
Hoku Solar Inc. yesterday announced the completion of two photovoltaic power systems for Paradise Beverages Inc. — one at its Kailua, Kona, office and another at its Lihu'e, Kaua'i, facility. Combined, the systems include approximately 100 kilowatts of photovoltaic panels and are expected to produce more than 150,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year.
Paradise Beverages is the Hawai'i distributor for Coors, Heineken, Corona and Miller products.
Hoku Solar is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kapolei-based Hoku Scientific Inc.
Hoku Scientific's shares closed down 12 cents at $10.65 yesterday on the Nasdaq Stock Market.
TESORO FORECASTS LOWER OUTPUT
Tesoro Corp., operator of seven refineries, forecast lower output at its Hawai'i refinery during the first three months of 2008 compared to a year earlier.
The San Antonio, Texas-based company projected 70,000 to 80,000 barrels daily output at its Campbell Industrial Park refinery during the January to March period.
That compares with the 83,000 barrels it averaged during the first quarter of 2007 at what is the state's largest oil refinery. The refinery is capable of processing as much as 95,000 barrels daily.
Bloomberg News reported Tesoro cut fuel production this month after record crude-oil costs cut into its profit margin.
SEMINARS ON FESTIVALS OFFERED
The Hawai'i Tourism Authority, in partnership with the International Festivals & Events Association, next month begins the first seminars in a two-year certification program for professionals who develop and present festivals and events.
During this year and next, the complete Certified Festival and Event Executive core curriculum seminars will be at the Hawai'i Convention Center. The first three seminars are on Feb. 20, 21 and 22.
Agency organizers said the certificate program is being offered at a discount of nearly $1,500. For more information on enrolling, contact Julie Parke at julie@ifea.com or call 208-433-0950, ext. 810.
The association program was founded in 1983. Last year, the state's lead tourism agency handed out $1.35 million to support a variety of festivals and events including Koloa Plantation Days Celebration on Kaua'i, film festivals on Maui and O'ahu, the Diamond Head Crater Festival and the Pan-Pacific Festival on O'ahu.
INCREASE IN AIRLINE SEATS EXPECTED
The number of airline seats to Hawai'i from the West Coast is expected to increase 5.8 percent in the next three months compared to the same months in recent years.
That gives the visitor industry a little boost, according to statistics from the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.
Seats from Hawai'i's largest gateway, Los Angeles, are projected to increase 2.9 percent during the winter, while San Francisco, the second-largest gateway, is expected to show an 11.3 percent drop, partially offset by an increase in airlift from Oakland (up 22.8 percent).
Increases in other top markets come from Seattle (up 41.9 percent), Phoenix (up 15.8 percent), Las Vegas (up 12.4 percent) and San Diego (up 45.4 percent).
The first quarter 2008 air seat capacity outlook for Hawai'i predicts nominal growth entering into the new year
