Kuroiwa to lead
Republican hopeful
McCain’s campaign

James Kuroiwa Jr., the former chairman of the Hawaii County committee of the Republican Party of Hawaii, has been named to lead the Hawaii campaign of Republican presidential candidate Arizona Sen. John S. McCain.

McCain served with Kuroiwa during the Vietnam War.

Kuroiwa will lead a Hawaii team for McCain that includes attorney Kitty Kamaka, businessman Timon Tran, architect Hideo Kobayashi and tourism executive Lydia Lake.

Bonds A-OK

Hawaii continues to maintain its single-A bond rating from Standard & Poor's and scores a stable outlook, said Gov. Ben Cayetano.

Cayetano last week said the S&P rating is another good indication that Hawaii's economy is improving. He said state efforts to balance the budget, coupled with a $189 million general fund surplus this year, were key factors in getting a stable outlook.

State Budget Director Neal Miyahira said the rating will help the state to get a favorable interest rate when it sells $300 million of general obligation bonds.

The bonds, series 1999-CT, dated Sept. 1, 1999, and due Sept. 1, 2019, go on sale this week.