Name: Arthur J. Obester
Age: 56
Position: Vice president, marketing and business development, Roberts Hawaii Tours
First job: Cashier
Pastime: Biking

"We're seeing more single visitors coming in small groups of three or four," Obester said. "They're coming for shopping and to see one or two exciting events." These tourists, often Japanese women in their late 20s or early 30s, will need new tour services, he said.

Roberts Hawaii also is getting into some new businesses, including a contract to provide school bus transportation for 37 routes to Big Island schools.

Obester worked 30 years for the Export-Import Bank of the United States, most recently as its West Coast manager. He earned a master's degree in business administration at the University of Massachusetts.