BUSINESS BRIEFS
California tops in gasoline prices
Advertiser Staff
Hawai'i no longer has the most costly gasoline in the nation, having been surpassed yesterday by California.
California's statewide average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline rose to $3.619 yesterday, according to AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report.
That compared with the $3.610 statewide average for Hawai'i, AAA figures show.
California's average prices for mid- and premium-grade gasoline also were more, as was the price for diesel fuel.
WAL-MART DRUGS SAVED US $2 MILLION
Hawai'i residents saved an estimated $2.03 million in the first 17 months of a $4 prescription program rolled out by Wal-Mart Stores here in the fall of 2006.
The company said nationwide more than $1 billion has been saved since it launched the program, with nearly 30 percent of the $4 prescriptions being filled without insurance. The company offers 361 generic prescriptions in up to a 30-day supply at commonly prescribed dosages.
Other retailers such as Kmart Corp. also offer discount prescriptions. Kmart's offering is $15 for a 90-day supply. Wal-Mart started the $4 drug program in Tampa, Fla., in September 2006 and expanded it to 49 states by Nov. 28, 2006.
Wal-Mart operates eight of its discount stores and two of its Sam's Club warehouse stores in Hawai'i.
QANTAS ADDING O'AHU-SYDNEY FLIGHT
Qantas Airways said it would add one flight per week between Honolulu and Sydney beginning April 5 as it commits to growing its U.S. services.
The addition will bring to four the weekly flights Qantas has between Honolulu and Sydney.
S&P REPORT LAUDS BANK OF HAWAII
Bank of Hawaii has received a positive mention in a new Standard & Poor's Equity Research report examining the current environment for bank stocks.
The report, while noting challenges facing the banking sector, said a few potential bright spots exist for investors, including stocks that are well-positioned players with upside potential.
"In today's turbulent banking environment, investors may need to look beyond the biggest players to the regional players to find value," said Erik Oja, an S&P regional banks analyst.
"While distinct challenges, such as residential loan portfolio difficulties, remain for some in the study, others, including Bank of Hawaii, Northern Trust, Bank of New York Mellon and Westamerica, performed well across all of the areas we examined."
SCOTT HAWAI'I CELEBRATING 75TH YEAR
Longtime slipper maker Scott Hawai'i is celebrating its 75th anniversary with some new designs and events that include a signing by a Big Island-based artist.
Artist Mike Field will debut his signature sandal and collectors box from Scott Hawai'i at a signing at 11 a.m. today at the new Nordstrom's store at Ala Moana Center.
Company spokesman Billy Berger said that Field is helping to develop a laser-etched leather embroidered sandal.
"Over the past 24 months, Scott Hawai'i has reinvented its company to accommodate this new sandal demand without compromising the kama'aina spirit," Berger said.
He said the company is opening up distribution outside of Hawai'i that reflects the increasing demand for premium slippers.
The company also recently hired sandal designer Vanessa Cassella to help the company present a high-end women's collection.
