Reported by Star-Bulletin staff & wire
Friday, May 16, 1997
Honolulu Cellular today became the first wireless phone carrier in the state to offer both analog and digital service. Honolulu Cellular first to offer
digital and analog serviceThe company modified its network to handle digital traffic and is now selling a wireless phone - the cheapest version is $99 with a two-year service contract - that can be used in either mode. The company said the charges and calling rates for its digital phones are the same as its analog service.
Digital is the latest in wireless phone technology, which transmits calls using complex computer coding. The older analog technology transmits voice in a wave form that is an "analog" to radio waves.
Honolulu Cellular said the dual-mode phones are able to automatically switch from digital to analog if the user is in an area where the digital signal is weak. The dual-mode capability also allows customers to use their phones throughout North America without wondering if the area is supported by a digital system, the company said.
With personal communications services, the digital service offered by Hawaii's newest wireless carriers, calls are limited to areas served by digital systems.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's rural development division has issued guarantees backing more than $1 million in loans to three Hawaii businesses. Three isle businesses get
federal loan guaranteesXCEL Hawaii Inc., a Haleiwa manufacturer, wholesaler and retailer of wetsuits, swimwear and clothing, received a USDA-backed loan of $610,000 from Bank of Hawaii. Aloun Farm Inc., a produce grower in Ewa, received a $250,000 loan from First Hawaiian Bank.
First Hawaiian also lent $176,000 to LFL Inc., doing business as the Peacock House Chinese Restaurant in Kealakekua on the Big Island.
The business and industry guaranteed loan program promotes economic development in rural areas by assisting new or developing businesses.
Michael J. Chun, president of Kamehameha Schools, has been elected chairman of the board of directors of the Hawaii Medical Service Association, the state largest health insurer. Chun elected chairman
of board of HMSAThe new vice chairman is Andrew I.T. Chang, vice president of government relations at Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc.
Gov. Ben Cayetano and two other state officials are in Manila for meetings of the Pacific Basin Economic Council. Cayetano touting isles
to Pacific Rim leadersCayetano said the state's participation in the meetings is "essential to positioning Hawaii in partnerships with international businesses."
He said he will explore new opportunities for Hawaii firms with PBEC participants and will sign a memorandum with Philippine officials to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the biomass-to-energy potential of the Philippines.
Following the summit, which continues through Wednesday, Cayetano will lead a trade mission to Taiwan. He is scheduled to return to Hawaii May 27.
Some 12,000 workers in the tourism industry are expected to take a hike tomorrow in the annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk to kick off Tourism Week in Hawaii. Tourism industry workers
taking a walk for charityOn Oahu, the walk is seven miles from Ala Moana Park through Waikiki and back. Similar walks will take place on the other islands. Proceeds from the walks will go to more than 100 charities.
Other events scheduled to salute the importance of the tourism industry in Hawaii's economy will include a statewide radio promotion next week sponsored by the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism and a tourism-themed contest.
The contest, run by the Hawaii Hotel Association, consists of a questionnaire included in a 12- page Tourism Week tabloid in today's newspapers statewide, boosted by radio broadcasts next week. Prizes donated by the tourist industry include travel, hotel stays and golf.
NEW YORK - Shares of Hewlett-Packard Co. fell more than 11 percent today following lower-than-expected second-quarter earnings. Hewlett-Packard, VeriFone
shares tumbleHewlett's dive rubbed off on shares of VeriFone Inc., the electronic commerce company Hewlett agreed in April to acquire through a stock swap.
Late yesterday, Hewlett said it earned $784 million, or 75 cents a share, compared with $723 million, or 69 cents a share, the year before. A First Call Inc. survey had anticipated earnings per share of 80 cents.
Several analysts said early this week that Hewlett's earnings would probably be disappointing. But the stock still made gains as the company introduced new products and released price reductions on others.
In trading today, Hewlett-Packard shares closed at $52.371/2, down $6.50. VeriFone shares closed at $51, down $6.50. Both companies trade on the New York Stock Exchange.
VeriFone, headquartered in Redwood City, Calif., was founded in Hawaii, where it still has a research and development facility in Mililani and a product testing office on the Big Island.