Honolulu Star-Bulletin Local News
Business Briefs

Reported by Star-Bulletin staff & wire

Thursday, August 22, 1996


Tower developers,
Mitsui get OK for banking plan

The state agency that oversees the development of the Aloha Tower waterfront complex has approved a plan to set up a separate banking account for payments to creditors.

The so-called "lock-box" agreement received unanimous approval yesterday by the Aloha Tower Development Corp.'s seven-member board of directors.

Last week, the developer of the marketplace, Aloha Tower Associates, and Mitsui Trust & Banking Co. agreed to set up the special banking account that would give Mitsui some control over payments to creditors.

The arrangement was an alternative to Mitsui's request Aug. 14 that a court-appointed receiver be placed in charge of the marketplace. Circuit Judge Allene Suemori last Thursday named local real estate executive Sanford Murata as receiver to the Aloha Tower Marketplace.

Last month, Mitsui filed a foreclosure suit against Aloha Tower Associates, alleging that the developers made no payments on a $60 million loan that it issued back in September 1993.

In May, Aloha Tower Associates sued Mitsui, alleging that the lender reneged on more than $600 million in financing.

The legal actions should not affect marketplace operations, both sides have said.



Fixed mortgage rates edge up from last week

WASHINGTON - Thirty-year mortgage rates rose to 7.93 percent this week from 7.88 percent a week ago, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. said today.

Still, the increase leaves fixed, 30-year rates near a 17-week low of 7.88 set earlier this month.

Freddie Mac said the average adjustable mortgage rate, more sensitive to immediate swings in interest rates, fell to 5.79 down from 5.81 percent a week earlier. Fifteen-year mortgage rates averaged 7.45 percent, up from last week's rate of 7.39 percent.



Boston Chicken plans accelerated expansion

GOLDEN, Colo. - Boston Chicken Inc. said today plans to accelerate the opening of Boston Market stores following strong second-quarter financial results.

The restaurant chain said its developers will open about 2,700 stores over the next seven years, tripling previous plans. It also is evaluating international expansion. A spokeswoman said the company is not looking for a Hawaii site.

The company has about 970 stores, 91 company owned.



For more local, national and international business news,
see the Hawaii Inc. section in today's Honolulu Star-Bulletin.




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