While the Irvine, Calif.-based company is licensed to do business in Hawaii and is registered as a travel agency, the state ruled that it violated state securities laws in the way its multi-level marketing system worked.
For an investment of $49, individuals earned the right to sell travel to their friends and family as representatives of the travel agency. For an additional $495 they got a tutorial kit and became distributors with additional commissions supposedly flowing to them as they recruited other sales people.
It was that pyramid aspect of the plan that attracted state attention.
Russel Yamashita, state securities commissioner, said World Class Network agreed to refund investments - minus any commissions that the travel representatives might be owed - if investors meet a deadline.
All Hawaii investors should have received a certified-mail letter advising them of their options, he said. If they fill out a form and send it back to the company within 15 days of receiving the letter, they can get their money back, he said.
The company has until Aug. 30 to mail the refund checks, Yamashita said.
Hawaii travel agents said many of those entering the World Class Network program would be unlikely to get the cheaper accommodations and other benefits that the program said they would get.
However, supporters of the business said they were offering healthy competition.
Those with questions about the refund program may call Patricia Moy, state securities enforcement attorney, at 586-2740.