Standard & Poor's Ratings Services has raised it's rating on Kaua'i County outstanding general obligation bonds to AA, it's third-highest rating for municipal bonds.

The ratings agency also assigned an AA rating to the county's $120 million general obligation bond sale that's expected in early March. Standard & Poor's said the ratings upgrade related to Kaua'i's strong financial performance and its reserve position.

Fitch Ratings assigned an AA- rating on Kaua'i bonds that will be sold, and upgraded its outstanding general obligation debt to AA- from A+.

MOBI PCS ENHANCES LEEWARD COVERAGE

Mobi PCS activated a new cellular site at Keawa'ula, also called Yokohama Bay, that will enhance its 3G network on the Leeward Coast. The new site boosts coverage along Farrington Highway from Makaha to Ka'ena Point State Park, the company said.

Mobi said its 3G network handles an average of 1.5 million to 2 million calls per day, with dropped-call rates of less than 0.8 percent on O'ahu. Mobi PCS is the only locally operated wireless network in Hawai'i.

NEW RETAILERS MOVING INTO PEARLRIDGE

A number of new retailers are scheduled to open at Pearlridge Center this spring and summer, including a Panda Express outlet that will replace the recently closed Patti's Chinese Kitchen.

Making its first foray into the Hawai'i market will be Bed Bath & Beyond, which is scheduled to open in late summer in the former Circuit City location.

Aeropostale is set to open this spring in the first level of the Uptown wing. The casual apparel retailer will occupy the former Honolua Surf Co. location.

JHL Jewelry also is headed for the first level of the Uptown wing this spring. It will move into the former location of W.C. Jewelry.

— Advertiser Staff