Nissan North America will start taking reservations today from the public for its new Leaf electric car through its www.NissanUSA.com website.

Nissan has said Hawai'i will be one of the early markets where the Leaf will be available next year. It will be available in select markets in December.

The Leaf carries a suggested price of $32,780. But it's eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit and a $4,500 Hawai'i rebate.

HTA FESTIVALS SEMINAR SET FOR JUNE 10

The Hawai'i Tourism Authority will hold its sixth annual Festivals & Events Seminar in June, featuring local, national and international experts who will speak on how to evolve and market festivals and events to attract visitors.

Professional development workshop sessions will focus on such issues as how to attract sponsorships and measure satisfaction among attendees.

The seminar is scheduled for 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. June 10 at the Hawai'i Convention Center. For more information or to register, go to www.htafestivalsandevents.com or call 528-4050.

UH BUSINESS CENTER GETS FEDERAL GRANT

The University of Hawai'i's Shidler College of Business received a $387,551 federal grant for its Center for International Business Education and Research.

The grant from the U.S. Department of Education is expected to be renewed annually for a total of $1.55 million through 2014.

"UH CIBER is strategically positioned to capitalize on a wealth of Asia-Pacific resources and fulfill our goal of promoting U.S. competitiveness through enhanced collaboration, communication and trade in the Asia-Pacific region," said Shirley Daniel, the program's director.

During its past grant cycle, UH CIBER created new Asia-Pacific-related programs, including microfinance field study to South Asia, faculty development field study to Vietnam, online business modules in Chinese, and interdisciplinary international research.

MOBI UPGRADES IN 'EWA BEACH, WAIKAPU

Mobi PCS has upgraded its 3G voice and Hele Wireless Broadband networks with the activation of new cell sites, on Maui in Waikapū and on O'ahu in 'Ewa Beach.

The Waikapū site addition provides enhanced in-building and street coverage throughout the Waikapū residential area, Mobi said in a news release. It also improves coverage in Wailukū Heights, South Kahului and along Honoapi'ilani Highway, West Waiko Road and Old Waikapū Road.

The 'Ewa Beach site enhances in-building coverage in the residential communities along Geiger Road and Fort Weaver Road, and along Keaunui and Kolowaka drives and Kapolei Parkway. It also improves coverage at Coral Creek Golf Course and Holomua Elementary School.

The company has activated seven new cell sites to date in 2010. New sites in Waikīkī, Hālawa Valley and at Keawa'ula Bay — also known as Yokohama Bay — on O'ahu and in Ocean View and Ka'ū on the Big Island were previously announced.