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Acoba Dons Robe
The purchase of a second major Hawaii coffee company was announced by Paradise Beverages Inc. Paradise Beverages to
buy Hawaii CoffeeThe liquor and beverage distributor will buy the assets of Hawaii Coffee Co., which produces coffee and other products under the Royal Kona brand name, from C. Brewer and Co., according to a joint announcement yesterday.
Paradise Beverages announced plans to buy Lion Coffee earlier this month.
Hawaii Coffee Co. manufacturing operations will be merged with Lion Coffee Co., but the separate brands will continue to be offered.
James M. Wayman, Hawaii Coffee Co. president and chief executive, will continue as president of the combined entities, which will operate as Hawaii Coffee Co.
Paradise Beverages President Mike Shibuya said: "This will be good for the customers of all three companies. We can now provide a stronger employment base for the people of Hawaii."
When the Lion Coffee sale was announced, Shibuya said Lion's 53 full-time employees would be added to the Paradise work force of about 300. The announcement yesterday did not say how many Hawaii Coffee Co. employees will be retained.
Gas stations fined for tank violations
The state Department of Health has fined six petroleum facilities on Oahu and Maui for violating new underground storage tank rules.The fines run from $50 to $550, and the facilities have 30 days to correct the violations, according to state health officials.
"Given Hawaii's reliance on groundwater sources, preventing releases from underground storage tanks is crucial," said Bruce Anderson, health director.
The West Maui Shell station in Lahaina received the highest fines for not providing release detection equipment on piping at one of their storage tanks.
The Arco station on Vineyard Boulevard in Honolulu failed to conduct annual maintenance for their release detection equipment.
Both service stations were cited for their failure to maintain all release detection records.
Rep. Herkes to run for Big Island mayor
HILO -- State Rep. Bob Herkes has announced his candidacy for mayor of the Big Island. A Democrat, Herkes said he reconsidered an earlier decision not to run after state Insurance Commissioner Wayne Metcalf announced he would drop out of the race.Last November, Herkes, under pressure from the Internal Revenue Service to choose between the Legislature or working for the Bishop Estate (now Kamehameha Schools), decided to continue working for the estate's for-profit arm, Kamehameha Investment Co.
Explaining his change of mind, he said, "I have been besieged with people asking me to stay in the political arena and continue with the work I've been able to accomplish for the people of this community."
Herkes cited his accomplishments in auto insurance reform and fostering telephone competition.
Lane closures to slow tomorrow's H-1 traffic
The freeway through Honolulu will not be the fastest way to head west tomorrow.The Ewa-bound lanes of the H-1 freeway near the Lunalilo offramp will be closed from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. while contractor's crews continue the resurfacing project.
Lanes will also be closed tomorrow at the intersection of Dole and Metcalf streets, and on University Avenue, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Starting Monday, the King Street on-ramp to the Koko Head-bound freeway lanes will be closed from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. The ramp across from Hawaiian Humane Society will be closed nightly through Friday.
Corrections
Castle right fielder Anthony Haugen was incorrectly identified in a story in Thursday's sports section.
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffHonolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
Marine, 22, loses life on new motorcycle
Speed was a factor in a motorcycle accident that killed a 22-year-old Kaneohe Marine this morning, police traffic investigators said.The motorcyclist was on Nimitz Highway and getting onto the H-1 west on-ramp when he failed to make a turn and lost control of his 2000 Kawasaki Ninja at 12:40 a.m., police said. The Ninja was new and had temporary, paper license plates.
The victim was thrown from the motorcycle into a guardrail, police said. The motorcycle hit another motorcyclist, a 23-year-old Kaneohe Marine who suffered minor injuries.
Both men were wearing helmets, investigators said. Alcohol use is unknown.
Robbers in Wahiawa slash victim with knife
Police are searching for two suspects who robbed a man near the Wahiawa Zippy's Restaurant last night.The man was getting out of his car on Maalo Street when he was confronted by two men who took his money, watch and a necklace at 11:30 p.m., police said.
The suspects also slashed the man on the leg and shoulder with a knife, police said.
Liberty House worker accused of repeat thefts
A part-time Liberty House employee has been arrested in connection with the theft of thousands of dollars in merchandise over the past several months.An investigation by Liberty House led to the arrest yesterday of the 32-year-old woman, a worker at the Kahala Mall store, police said.
She was arrested on a charge of first-degree theft, an offense which alleges the theft of more than $20,000.
