Mobi PCS activated a new cellular site on the Big Island that will enhance its 3G network in the Orchidland area.

The new site boosts coverage throughout Orchidland, as well as between Pahoa and Keeau, Mobi PCS said in a news release. It also provides enhanced in-building coverage throughout the Orchidland Estates residential area.

Mobi PCS said it plans to deploy some 20 new cell sites across the state this year.

Mobi's 3G network handles an average of 1.5 to 2 million calls per day, with dropped-call rates of less than 0.8 percent on Oahu — well-below the industry standard and the only dropped-call rate published by any local carrier.

TESORO CITED FOR GAS-STATION TANK ISSUES

The state has issued a notice of violation and order against Tesoro Hawaii Corp. for underground storage tank violations at two of its Oahu gas stations.

Tesoro's station at 707 Kapahulu Ave. was cited for failure to obtain a permit prior to the installation of three underground storage tank systems and failure to provide 30-day and seven-day notices prior to the removal of old storage tanks. The state Department of Health Solid and Hazardous Waste Branch imposed a penalty of $45,000.

A station at 98-1277 Kaahumanu St. was cited for failure to provide 30-day and seven-day notices prior to storage tank removal. A penalty of $20,000 was imposed.

Tesoro may request a hearing to contest the allegations.

STATE POSTPONES $623.5 MILLION BOND SALE

The state government postponed its plans to sell $623.5 million in general obligation bonds to refinance debt after tax-exempt borrowing costs rose to the highest in more than a month, Bloomberg News Service reported.

Bloomberg reported that Hawaii may move forward with the sale of $32 million in taxable Qualified School Construction Bonds, which provide a low- or no-interest loan to the state and compensate investors with federal tax credits.