BUSINESS BRIEFS
Pacific Wings spreading to Georgia
Advertiser Staff and News Services
Honolulu-based Pacific Wings has received an endorsement from the Macon City Council to take over passenger service at Middle Georgia Regional Airport, according to a report in the local Macon newspaper.
The final decision will be made by the federal government, which had asked the city to recommend one of three airlines vying for the contract, according to the report in The Telegraph. Pacific Wings was the choice of a private management company hired by the city last year to run the airport.
Pacific Wings would create a local airline called Georgia Skies. Macon city officials had been looking for a company to take over passenger flights since last year when Atlantic Southeast Airlines announced it was pulling out. The U.S. Department of Transportation subsidizes flights from Macon as well as other underserved communities around the country through the Essential Air Service program.
Pacific Wings, which would receive an annual subsidy of about $1.39 million, would fly 26 roundtrip flights to Atlanta each week using a nine-passenger Cessna Grand Caravan single-engine turboprop aircraft.
HORIZON SHAKES UP TRADE LANE
Horizon Lines Inc. said it has placed six employees involved in the Puerto Rico trade lane on administrative leave as a result of management's review of issues raised by the Department of Justice investigation of pricing practices of some domestic shipping companies.
Two of the six employees subsequently submitted their resignation, according to a news release from Horizon, the second-largest shipping company serving Hawai'i. Horizon, based in Charlotte, N.C., "continues to fully cooperate with the Department of Justice in its investigation," according to the release.
Federal agents armed with search warrants and a grand jury subpoena last month searched Horizon's Charlotte offices and removed computers and boxes.
SUPERCOMPUTER LANDS AT COLLEGE
IBM Corp. has given Maui Community College a supercomputer for use in its Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology program.
The grant is part of a Shared University Research awards program, created by IBM "to demonstrate the partnership between academia and the technology industry to explore research in areas essential to innovation," according to a news release from the University of Hawai'i system.
The new P6 supercomputer given to the community college is valued at more than $400,000. The new technology will allow students direct access to computing capabilities that will prepare them for employment in a high-technology field, the release said.
HISTORIC HAWAI'I HONORS LAW FIRM
Historic Hawai'i Foundation has awarded its annual President's Commendation to the law firm of Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel for "outstanding community service."
At the foundation's annual meeting on May 22, Goodsill was recognized for its service to Historic Hawai'i Foundation, including pro bono services.
"Historic Hawai'i Foundation's current strength and bright future are a testament to Goodsill's legal expertise and community spirit," said HHF President Katie MacNeil.
Gary Slovin, managing partner at Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel, said the firm was honored to be recognized for its community contribution. "Historic Hawai'i Foundation's work is critical to ensuring the health and vitality of our island community," said Slovin. "It's a true honor for us to represent the foundation, and to help it continue its important work."
