Isle gas prices increase slightly

For the third consecutive week, gasoline prices increased slightly, according to AAA. Statewide, the gas price average rose by a penny during the past week at $2.34 a gallon.

Yesterday's average price in Honolulu was $2.27 a gallon for unleaded, up two cents from last week's price, no change from last month, and $1.10 lower than this time last year. In Hilo, the average price was $2.45 a gallon, one cent more than last week, a penny less than last month, and $1.10 lower than this time last year. The average price in Wailuku was $2.49 a gallon, one cent more than last week, down 24 cents from last month, and $1.36 lower than last year.

“;The volatility in oil prices continued for another week in the world market, and fuel prices in other parts of the country have continued to rise as well as in the islands,”; AAA Hawaii Regional Manager Richard Velazquez said in a statement.

Walgreens opens Maui pharmacies

Walgreens will open three additional pharmacy-only locations on Monday.

The pharmacies were formerly owned by Valley Isle Pharmacy, which Walgreens acquired in the fall of last year. Maui residents Marada Decker and William Masotti will continue working at the pharmacies and eventually transition to retirement.

Two of the pharmacies are in Wailuku and the third in Lahaina. Another pharmacy, formerly Lahaina Pharmacy, was also acquired by Walgreens in the fall, and opened in December.

Walgreens now has three full-service retail stores on Oahu, and four pharmacy-only sites on Maui. Another full-service retail store in Kailua is set to open in April.

HEI names chief financial officer

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. said yesterday that James Ajello has been named chief financial officer, effective Monday.

Ajello will report to President and Chief Executive Officer Constance Lau.

Ajello comes to HEI after eight years at Reliant Energy in Houston, where he most recently led expansion efforts.

His experience prior to Reliant includes 14 years with UBS in various positions.

Ajello takes over from Curtis Harada, who has been serving as acting CFO, along with his ongoing duties as controller, since February 2008

HTA selects programs for funds

The Hawaii Tourism Authority, along with the state's four counties, have selected more than 100 events and projects that will receive funding this year.

The choices were difficult, given that the amount set aside for the County Product Enrichment Program, which funds the programs, shrunk to $1.7 million from $2.3 million this year due to a smaller budget.

Through CPEP, the four counties receive HTA funding for activities, mostly cultural or artistic events and fairs, that support tourism.

Among some of the programs selected were the Hawaii Farm Bureau farmer's markets on Oahu, Kona Chocolate Festival and Symposiums on the Big Island, Festival of Lights on Kauai, and Maui Ukulele Festival.

Mobi to launch nationwide plan

Beginning in February, Mobi PCS will unveil a plan with a flat rate on the U.S. mainland instead a per-minute roaming fee.

The plan will be unlimited and available with no contracts for $50 a month. It includes local and long-distance calling, text messaging, mobile Web access and picture messaging.

Family plan customers may add nationwide roaming for $3 a month.

Don Ho's grill renews lease

Don Ho's Island Grill has renewed its lease at Aloha Tower Marketplace for an undisclosed duration.

Longtime local restaurateur Fred Livingston, who has seen more than 30 years of business cycles in Hawaii, expressed confidence that the economy will turn around.

“;Hawaii has seen its ups and downs but has always rebounded better than before,”; he said.

Aloha Tower Marketplace has seen several restaurants close over the past two years, including one of Livingston's.

Don Ho's, operated by F. L. Inc., continues to draw loyal clientele and is also a popular venue for fundraisers and private parties, the company said.