Honolulu Star-Bulletin Business

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Saipan factory sued by U.S.

A Saipan-based garment factory that makes clothing for several American retailers and other companies was sued by the U.S. government yesterday for allegedly discriminating against employees based on their nationality.

Sako Corp. failed to renew its employment contracts with long-standing Filipino, Thai and Bangladeshi garment workers and hired Chinese workers in their place, according to the lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Company officials did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.

The EEOC's Honolulu office found about 100 workers lost their jobs to younger and less experienced workers from China, most of whom were women in their late teens to early 20s, said Wilfredo Tungol, an EEOC trial attorney in Honolulu.

Judge refuses to dismiss lawsuit

A state Circuit Court judge in Kona declined yesterday to dismiss a lawsuit seeking to block a merger between the state's two largest macadamia nut processors, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corp. and MacFarms of Hawaii LLC.

Judge Ronald Ibarra set a hearing for Wednesday to consider a preliminary injunction that would halt the merger until a trial could be held. If a preliminary injunction is enforced, a trial likely would be held in about a year. The lawsuit was filed by the state's largest grower, ML Macadamia Orchards LP, and three smaller growers.

The state Attorney General's Office filed a brief in the case saying private parties had a right to sue to block a merger on antitrust grounds. Mauna Loa and MacFarms argued that private parties didn't have the right to challenge a merger before it occurs and that they couldn't sue until after they had been damaged.

State to receive $896,708

Hawaii will get $896,708 to upgrade the state unemployment insurance system by providing employers with Internet access for tax and wage reporting and funding information security projects.

The money is part of $18.6 million in funds awarded by the Employment and Training Administration of the U.S. Labor Department.

Entrepreneurship course starting

Kapiolani Community College, in partnership with a revolving fund of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, will offer a 51-hour course in entrepreneurship starting Tuesday.

The class will be held Tuesday and Thursday nights at the college, with a preview to be held 5:30 to 8:30 tonight. For more information, call 734-9256.

Murdoch's pay jumps amid 'Idol' success

News Corp. Chairman and Chief Executive Rupert Murdoch's pay rose 42 percent to $17 million as television shows such as "American Idol" and larger audiences for the FX cable network lifted profit in fiscal 2004. Murdoch, 73, received a bonus of $12.5 million, up from $7.5 million in the previous year. His salary was little changed at $4.5 million for the year ended June 30, News Corp. said in its annual report.

Daiei said to accept bailout agency audit

Daiei Inc., Japan's third-largest retailer, will let a government financing agency audit its books as a step toward the company's third bailout since 2001, people familiar with the plan said.

Accountants and lawyers from the Industrial Revitalization Corp. of Japan will begin the review, or due diligence study, of Kobe-based Daiei's assets as early as this week, said the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The acceptance of IRCJ inspectors marks a reversal for Daiei's management, which had been trying to win support from banks for its own plan to halve its $9.1 billion debt through the sale of assets and tapping private equity funds.

Dates change for Verizon sale hearings

Hearings on the pending sale of Verizon Hawaii in Hilo and Kona have switched days.

A hearing in Kona will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Kealakehe Intermediate School Cafeteria, while the Hilo meeting will be 6 p.m. Oct. 20 in the Hilo Intermediate School Cafeteria.

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Business Briefs Reported by Star-Bulletin staff & wire [ FAST FACTS HAWAII ] BACK TO TOP \| Saipan factory sued by U.S. A Saipan-based garment factory that makes clothing for several American retailers and other companies was sued by the U.S. government yesterday for allegedly discriminating against employees based on their nationality. Sako Corp. failed to renew its employment contracts with long-standing Filipino, Thai and Bangladeshi garment workers and hired Chinese workers in their place, according to the lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Company officials did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment. The EEOC's Honolulu office found about 100 workers lost their jobs to younger and less experienced workers from China, most of whom were women in their late teens to early 20s, said Wilfredo Tungol, an EEOC trial attorney in Honolulu. Judge refuses to dismiss lawsuit A state Circuit Court judge in Kona declined yesterday to dismiss a lawsuit seeking to block a merger between the state's two largest macadamia nut processors, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corp. and MacFarms of Hawaii LLC. Judge Ronald Ibarra set a hearing for Wednesday to consider a preliminary injunction that would halt the merger until a trial could be held. If a preliminary injunction is enforced, a trial likely would be held in about a year. The lawsuit was filed by the state's largest grower, ML Macadamia Orchards LP, and three smaller growers. The state Attorney General's Office filed a brief in the case saying private parties had a right to sue to block a merger on antitrust grounds. Mauna Loa and MacFarms argued that private parties didn't have the right to challenge a merger before it occurs and that they couldn't sue until after they had been damaged. State to receive $896,708 Hawaii will get $896,708 to upgrade the state unemployment insurance system by providing employers with Internet access for tax and wage reporting and funding information security projects. The money is part of $18.6 million in funds awarded by the Employment and Training Administration of the U.S. Labor Department. Entrepreneurship course starting Kapiolani Community College, in partnership with a revolving fund of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, will offer a 51-hour course in entrepreneurship starting Tuesday. The class will be held Tuesday and Thursday nights at the college, with a preview to be held 5:30 to 8:30 tonight. For more information, call 734-9256. Murdoch's pay jumps amid 'Idol' success News Corp. Chairman and Chief Executive Rupert Murdoch's pay rose 42 percent to $17 million as television shows such as "American Idol" and larger audiences for the FX cable network lifted profit in fiscal 2004. Murdoch, 73, received a bonus of $12.5 million, up from $7.5 million in the previous year. His salary was little changed at $4.5 million for the year ended June 30, News Corp. said in its annual report. Daiei said to accept bailout agency audit Daiei Inc., Japan's third-largest retailer, will let a government financing agency audit its books as a step toward the company's third bailout since 2001, people familiar with the plan said. Accountants and lawyers from the Industrial Revitalization Corp. of Japan will begin the review, or due diligence study, of Kobe-based Daiei's assets as early as this week, said the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The acceptance of IRCJ inspectors marks a reversal for Daiei's management, which had been trying to win support from banks for its own plan to halve its $9.1 billion debt through the sale of assets and tapping private equity funds. Dates change for Verizon sale hearings Hearings on the pending sale of Verizon Hawaii in Hilo and Kona have switched days. A hearing in Kona will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Kealakehe Intermediate School Cafeteria, while the Hilo meeting will be 6 p.m. Oct. 20 in the Hilo Intermediate School Cafeteria.	— ADVERTISEMENTS — — ADVERTISEMENTS —