---

BACK TO TOP
|

DHHL seeks to buy land

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands will issue a "request for proposal" to purchase single-family subdivisions from private developers and landowners. The main reason for the RFP is to acquire land that can be developed quickly, according to Micah Kane, chairman of DHHL.

Much of the organization's current land inventory is not suitable for affordable development of subdivisions or will take too long to develop, Kane said.

The RFP includes two options for developers. One would require a developer to design a single-family subdivision to county standards and turn it over to DHHL. The second option would add construction of a home as well a subdivision development. The RFP notice will be advertised today, tomorrow and Thursday.

Landowners and developers have until April 1 to provide proposals. RFP packets are available from DHHL after today. For more information, call Kenneth Harada 587-6446.

Hawaii Biotech wins $5.6M grant

Hawaii Biotech Inc. has received a $5.6 million bioterrorism grant to conduct research which might lead to the development of a drug to treat people after an anthrax bioterrorist attack.

Work funded by the National Institute of Health grant will focus on optimizing the ability of two classes of compounds discovered by Hawaii Biotech that might inhibit the lethal toxin found in anthrax.

The grant will also be used to find out if these inhibitors have any affect on botulism, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease and osteoporosis.

Nonprofit wins grant for workshops

The Hawaii Community Services Council, a nonprofit organization that provides training and technical assistance for nonprofits, has been awarded a $30,000 grant from the Bank of Hawaii Foundation.

The grant will underwrite a series of HCSC workshops in financial management for nonprofits that will be offered statewide this year beginning in Hilo on Feb. 27.

The workshops provide practical financial know-how for nonprofit staff and board members. This year's program will highlight budgeting and cash-flow basis.

Catamaran to start isle tours

The Kaiolioli, a touring power catamaran, has arrived in Oahu and will be providing charter tours along the Leeward coast.

The catamaran tours will include snorkeling, dolphin watching, whale watching while in season, and sunset cruises.

Docked at Ko Olina Marina, the state-of-the-art catamaran is able to travel at 30-knot cruising speeds and has certification from the U.S. Coast Guard qualifying it to carry passengers up to 100 miles.

The certification gives the catamaran flexibility to travel to and from all islands.

The catamaran will begin its tour schedule in three to four weeks. For more information, call 864-2750.

Campbell Estate seeks nominees

The Estate of James Campbell is seeking nominations for its 15th annual Kapolei Outstanding Achievement Awards.

The awards recognize individuals, businesses and nonprofit groups and other organizations that best demonstrate a commitment to improving and advancing the community and businesses in the Kapolei area.

Award categories include community service, education, environment, entrepreneurship and lifetime service. Nominees do not need to live in Kapolei. The winners will be selected in May. Forms are available on line at www.campbellestate.com or www.kapolei.com. The deadline for nominations is March 29.

Aloha Airlines wins marketing accolades

Aloha Airlines has been named the American Marketing Association Hawaii Chapter's 2003 Marketer of the Year.

The airline, which will be presented with the award during an April 20 luncheon at the Sheraton Waikiki, was chosen for the honor because of its innovative marketing program, which includes expanding regional flights and customer service.

While other airlines are eliminating passenger perks, Aloha Airlines is offering customers complimentary mai tais, Pacific Rim cuisine and warm chocolate-chip cookies and milk. The airline has also targeted niche markets by adding flights to destinations such as Oakland, Calif.; Orange County, Calif.; Reno, Nev.; Rarontonga, Cook Islands; and Vancouver, B.C.

Past recipients include McDonald's Restaurants of Hawaii, Outrigger Hotels & Resorts and Kaiser Permanente.

Safeway to cash tax refund checks

Safeway Inc. said for the first time ever that its grocery stores will cash state and federal Internal Revenue Service refund checks up to $1,499.

For joint payee checks, both parties must be present. For individual and joint parties, identification and Social Security number must be presented.

Maui Tacos wins partner award

Anton Airfood Inc. has awarded its fourth annual Franchise Partner of the Year Award to Maui Tacos. The Mexican-style, Hawaii-themed restaurant, launched on Maui in 1993, was recognized for its franchise support system and its commitment to developing Anton operations in an airport setting.