---

[ FAST FACTS HAWAII ]

---

BACK TO TOP
|

MacFarms names Brown president

MacFarms of Hawaii LLC has named Hilary Brown president of Hawaii's second-largest macadamia nut grower and processor.

Brown, a 33-year industry veteran who has spent the last 22 years with MacFarms, most recently as general manager, takes over in what he calls "exciting times" for the company. MacFarms and Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corp., the state's largest nut processor, recently dropped plans to merge after an antitrust lawsuit was filed.

Brown said steady rainfall on the Big Island in the past year has led to some of the company's best-quality nuts in years. MacFarms recently made changes that will increase its capacity at its factory in South Kona to meet growing worldwide demand for macadamia products.

MacFarms of Hawaii maintains nearly 4,000 acres under macadamia cultivation on the Big Island's Kona Coast.

Hawaiian Air adding Vegas flight

Hawaiian Airlines said it will add a second daily nonstop flight between Las Vegas and Honolulu, starting next year.

Hawaiian will introduce the additional service with five flights weekly beginning April 4, 2005, before increasing to daily service starting May 1, 2005. The new flight will cater to Las Vegas regulars and westbound travelers coming from the U.S. East. Travel between Las Vegas and Sydney, Australia, also will be enhanced with same-day connections available in Honolulu in both directions, eliminating overnight layovers.

Hilton charges more in Hawaii

Hilton Hotels Corp., the No. 3 U.S. hotel company, said third-quarter earnings rose 79 percent, topping analysts' estimates, as a resurgence in business travel pushed room rates higher.

Net income rose to $61 million, or 16 cents a share, from $34 million, or 9 cents, a year earlier, the Beverly Hills, Calif.-based company said in a statement. Revenue rose 8.5 percent to $1 billion.

Hilton charged more at its city hotels as well as tropical resorts including the Hilton Hawaiian Village and Hilton Waikoloa Village. The average daily rate rose 3.5 percent to $146.84 a night at its owned hotels. Hilton follows larger Marriott International Inc. and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. in saying an increase in business travelers let it boost prices.

Profits rise for Ala Moana owner

General Growth Properties Inc., owner of Ala Moana Center and Victoria Ward Centers, said third-quarter earnings rose 4.1 percent on higher store sales and increased rents.

Net income increased to $64 million, or 29 cents a share, from $61.4 million, or 28 cents, a year earlier, the Chicago-based company said in a statement. Revenue climbed 22 percent to $397.5 million.