HAWAII

Phase 2 partners with Aria

Phase 2 International, a Honolulu-based software company, said it has partnered with Aria Systems, a supplier of on-demand billing and lifecycle management choices.

The partnership offers businesses Microsoft Project Web access in a software-for-rent model to create efficiency and cut costs, Phase 2 said in a statement.

AAA Hawaii offers free car clinics

AAA Hawaii and Masaki's Auto Repair, a AAA-approved auto repair facility, are presenting free car care clinics during October AAA Car Care Month to help motorists take better care of their vehicles.

At the car care clinics, an oil change demonstration, tire checks, battery tests and brake inspections will be held during several sessions at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. All clinics will take place Oct. 11 at Masaki's Auto Repair, 211 South Beretania St. Participants must register in advance for the free seminars. Reservations must be made by 5 p.m. Wednesday by calling Masaki's at 943-1550.

Polynesian center extends sale

The Polynesian Cultural Center has extended its keiki age range through Dec. 31.

The center originally offered keiki ticket pricing to guests ages 5 to 15 during the summer, but due to demand, will continue it until the end of the year.

Normal keiki admission prices are for ages 3 to 11. Prices start at $33. For more information, call the ticket office at 293-3333 or visit http://www.polynesia.com.

Oceanic launches 4 HD channels

Oceanic Time Warner Cable said this week it will launch four new high-definition premium channels on Monday. The new channels, which will be available on Oahu and Kauai, will include Hallmark Movie Channel HD on digital Channel 1453, Fox Business HD on digital Channel 1108, Big Ten HD on digital Channel 1248, and the Travel Channel HD on digital Channel 1325.

With the addition of the four new HD channels, Oceanic now offers 42 HDTV channels, including local broadcasters KITV, KHNL, KHON, KHET; and cable networks such as Discovery HD Theater, ESPN, National Geographic Channel, HBO, Showtime and HD Showcase On Demand. Oceanic plans to add more HD channels by the end of the year.

Akimeka wins business award

American Savings Bank presented Akimeka Technologies LLC with its 2008 Native Hawaiian Business of the Year award earlier this week at the annual Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement. The award, now in its fifth year, recognizes native Hawaiian entrepreneurs and businesses that work to support and advance the native Hawaiian community.

Akimeka Technologies provides information technology products and services.

American Savings Bank will make a $5,000 donation to a nonprofit organization of Akimeka's choice. Akimeka has selected Aha Punana Leo and the Honolulu Habitat-for-Humanity which will support native Hawaiians on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

NATION

30-year mortgages rise to 6.1%

WASHINGTON » Freddie Mac, the mortgage company, reported yesterday that 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages averaged 6.10 percent this week, up slightly from 6.09 percent last week. It was the highest level since 30-year mortgages averaged 6.35 percent for the week ending Sept. 4. Rates on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages edged up to 5.78 percent, compared to 5.77 percent last week. Rates on one-year adjustable-rate mortgages were unchanged at 5.16 percent.

New hires / Promotions

» PHASE 2 International has hired Mike Peterson as vice president of sales. His 25 years of technology sales experience include IBM and Cisco Systems.

» Hawaiian Airlines has named Dennis “;Manny”; Manibusan vice president of maintenance and engineering effective Oct. 13. His 37 years of aviation experience include senior vice president of maintenance and engineering for ABX Air in Wilmington, Ohio and related positions at Alaska Airlines and Continental Airlines, and 26 years of service in the U.S. Air Force.

» Atlas Insurance Agency has named Vincent T. Miyoi senior vice president of its client consulting services division. He will continue his duties in managing the risk consulting and claims division. His 16 years of insurance and risk management experience include Fortune 500 companies, healthcare, hospitality, construction, long shore, manufacturing, restaurants and retail operations.

» Bella Pietra has promoted Teva Beatty to Big Island manager from Kona store manager. He was previously estimator, salesperson and operations manager for Bartlett Tile and Marble and worked in food and beverage management at the Hilton Waikoloa.

» Sheraton Kauai Resort has named Ben Takahashi executive chef for the Naniwa Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar, Shells Steak & Seafood Restaurant and The Point Cocktails. His experience includes executive chef at Cassis by Mavro, executive sous chef at the Mauna Lani Bay and Bungalows and executive chef the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa.

» Allstate Insurance Co. has named Marc Dixon as an exclusive agent in Pearl City. He replaces agent Garret Owan, who retired on Aug. 30. As an exclusive agent licensed in Hawaii, Dixon is approved to offer consultation and direction for all lines of property, casualty, life and health insurance.

» Hawaiiana Group Incorporated has named Albert “;Al”; Pattison executive vice president. His 35 years of experience include senior vice president of human resources and administration at Aloha Airlines, where he also served as assistant corporate secretary and director of industrial relations since 1985. He has also worked for Hawaiian Airlines in the same capacity from 1973 to 1985.

» Carlsmith Ball has named the following new partners at the firm:

* S. Scott Beizaie practices in the corporate, general business, real estate and tax areas and is based in Los Angeles

* Sean E. Frink practices in the commercial litigation, construction, procurement, insurance defense, telecommunication and government relations areas and is based in Saipan.

* Gerald A. Sumida rejoined the firm in 2002 after serving as general counsel of the Asian Development Bank in Manila, the Philippines. He was previously head of the firm's corporate/business department.