Hoku Scientific Inc. is committed to finishing a $390 million polysilicon plant in eastern Idaho despite difficulties in raising money for the project, the company's chief financial officer said.

CFO Darryl Nakamoto said it has invested too much time and money in the plant planned for Pocatello to walk away from the project.

"Our intention is to complete the plant," Nakamoto told the State Journal. "But, again, it's a tough economic time."

Hoku officials said financial problems could delay construction of the plant, where the company plans to make polysilicon for solar panels.

The company will need more money to complete construction on time, Nakamoto said. The plant is projected to produce 4,000 metric tons a year of polysilicon and add about 200 jobs to the region by mid-2010.

STATE GAS PRICES HIT $3 A GALLON

Hawai'i has become one of two states where a gallon of gasoline is averaging more than $3 a gallon.

The AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report show's Hawai'i's statewide average hit $3.001 yesterday, and that it trails California's $3.014 average.

Gasoline prices have been rising in recent weeks as they trace upward rising crude oil prices. Hawai'i's prices are expected to rise further on July 1 when a general excise tax exemption for ethanol fuel expires.

Prices in Hilo, Hawai'i, were $3.102, up 7.4 cents from yesterday. Wailuku, Maui, still has the highest prices of the three areas monitored by AAA in the state, with prices averaging $3.25. Honolulu's price averaged $2.924.

The prices are still below the high recorded on July 31, 2008, when statewide prices averaged $4.507 in Hawai'i.

FIRM OFFERS SERVICES FOR ELDERLY

A pair of Honolulu businessmen have launched a new venture offering specialized home maintenance and monitoring services to help with caring for the elderly at home.

EOM Hawaii offers nearly 100 specialized home maintenance and monitoring services for Hawai'i's elderly and their families with quality of life issues such as personal safety, cleaning and repair, comfort and convenience for independent home living and care.

EOM Hawaii, created by Bryan Mukai and Dexter Suzuki, provides an assessment of a person's living environment and health status as well as room-by-room home inspections for hazards. Specialized home maintenance service is also provided and range from grocery purchases to light bulb changes, cleaning and repairs.

For more information, go to www.EOMHawaii.com.