The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 142 and Starwood Hotels & Resorts have reached an agreement on contract renegotiations for employees at Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa, the hotel said yesterday.

The five-year contract affects approximately 150 union employees. The contract covers food and beverage, engineering, housekeeping, bell staff and culinary departments.

"We are delighted to have successfully reached an agreement that rewards our employees for their hard work yet remains cognizant of the difficult economic situation our industry is faced with," Sheraton Keauhou Bay general manager Tetsuji Yamazaki said in a statement.

Starwood has managed the 521-room resort, formerly the Kona Surf, since it reopened in late 2004 following renovation.

CANCER TREATMENT CENTERS MERGE

Two of the state's leading cancer radiation treatment facilities have merged under the Cancer Center of Hawaii banner and will offer services to patients in the state as well as from Pacific Islands.

The merger involved The Cancer Center of Hawaii, operator of a radiation oncology cancer treatment center in Liliha, partnering with Leeward Radiation Oncology, which operates in 'Ewa. The latter will change its name to Cancer Center of Hawaii Leeward.

Cancer Center of Hawaii said the venture combines strengths of each operation while reducing duplication of services and allowing for additional collaborative services. Dr. Virginia Pressler, Cancer Center chairwoman, said the merged operation expects to announce other partnerships, programs and services shortly.

"This innovative partnership model developed at The Cancer Center of Hawaii is unique in Hawai'i and promises to make a difference in the lives of those we serve," Pressler said.

Owners of the venture include Hawaii Pacific Health Partners, St. Francis Healthcare Enterprises and physician group PRO Associates LLC.

HAWAIIAN AIR'S GIFT HELPS MUSEUM

Hawaiian Airlines announced a $150,000 gift to Bishop Museum in support of its mission to preserve the heritage and culture of Hawai'i.

The gift, in celebration of Hawaiian's 80th anniversary of service, is a combination of cash and in-kind transportation in support of museum programs from 2009 to 2011. Bishop Museum will use the donation for its educational and collections care programs, including the transporting of curators and educators to schools and communities on the Neighbor Islands.

"This gift is a breath of fresh air as we continue to face economic challenges. We are very grateful to Hawaiian Airlines for its generosity, as this will ensure the continuation of our science and cultural educational programs to schools on the Neighbor Islands," said Timothy Johns, president and chief executive officer of Bishop Museum.

Collection items that are loaned to other museums or historic artifacts in need of analysis will also be transported aboard Hawaiian, including a wax cylinder used to record the voice of King David Kalakaua in 1891.

BANK OF HAWAII AIDS HOMEBUYERS

The Bank of Hawaii Foundation has given a $10,000 donation to the Hawaii HomeOwnership Center to support the organization's homebuyer and counseling services for first-time home buyers.

The Hawaii HomeOwnership Center has been providing education, information and support to create successful first-time homeowners in Hawai'i since 2003.

HHOC has helped more than 550 families purchase or qualify for a loan to purchase their first home. Nearly 60 percent of the center's successful first-time homeowners have low to moderate income under federal income guidelines.