Ilikai general manager resigning

Isaac “;Ike”; Cockett, general manager of the Ilikai Hotel, is resigning from his position, effective today.

Cockett had been general manager at the Ilikai since July of last year.

In a letter, Cockett thanked fellow managers for their work ethic, saying he considered the friendships developed with employees a great accomplishment.

New York-based lender iStar Financial purchased the units that make up the Ilikai Hotel in a foreclosure auction. After initially deciding to close down the hotel, iStar negotiated a reopening with the union last month, naming Aqua Hotels & Resorts as its manager.

Cockett said he looked forward to spending more time with his family in weeks ahead.

Pleasant expands travel insurance

Pleasant Holidays has implemented a travel-protection plan for Hawaii that covers loss of employment.

“;This will help travelers thinking about a trip to Hawaii and allows them to cancel anytime prior to trip departure,”; said Jack Richards, president and chief executive officer, via e-mail.

The Cancel Anytime plan reimburses 100 percent of trip costs as a result of employer termination, illness, injury, death or terrorism, with a limit of $5,000 per person.

Air Pacific to begin Honolulu service

Fiji-based Air Pacific airlines will commence service between Apia, Samoa and Honolulu beginning Sept. 11.

The flight will operate with 160 seats, including eight in business class, aboard Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Originating in Nadi, Fiji, the flights will stop in Apia and continue on to Honolulu, arriving at 7 a.m. Fridays. Flights returning to Apia and Nadi will depart Honolulu at 8:10 a.m. Fridays.

New frozen yogurt to debut downtown

Canada-based frozen yogurt chain Yogen Fruez will open its first Hawaii store on Wednesday at 1102 Fort Street Mall.

The chain has more than 1,100 locations in more than 20 countries and, through local master franchisee TRMOP LLC, plans seven new stores in Hawaii, five of them on Oahu.

Yogen Fruez's assorted flavors can be blended into a cup, topped with fruit or other toppings or mixed into a fat-free, ice-free, dairy or nondairy smoothie.

ON THE MOVE

  Hawaii Preparatory Academy announced the following appointments:

» Keawe Liu as director of advancement and special projects. He previously was head of institutional advancement at Parker School.

» Fred Wawner as dean of student life. He has 10 years' experience as a member of the senior management team at the Miller School of Albermarle in Charlottesville, Va.

The Navy League of the United States, Honolulu Council, announced the following Merchant Mariner of the Year Awards:

» Alvin Aina, the David Lyman Award for Mariner of the Year

» Alvin Aina, the Tug Boat Industry

» Michael Freeman, the Large Vessel Industry

» Paul Burnett, the Service Vessel Industry

» Michael Jones, the Tourist Vessel Industry