HAWAII

Isle business tax climate slips

Hawaii ranks 23rd in the nation for its business tax climate, the Tax Foundation said in its October newsletter.

The nonpartisan tax research group based in Washington, D.C., said Hawaii fell two spots for fiscal year 2009.

“;Companies will locate where they have the greatest competitive advantage,”; the report said. “;States with the best tax systems will be the most competitive in attracting new businesses and most effective at generating economic and employment growth.”;

Hawaii improved its unemployment insurance tax system for fiscal year 2009, reducing the taxable wage base from $35,300 to $13,000, the report said. Formerly, Hawaii had the highest taxable wage base in the country, while its new figure is close to the national average. Hawaii's property tax collections rose sharply, offsetting the unemployment insurance improvement.

Wyoming took the top spot, while New Jersey rounded out the bottom.

Gas Company names new exec

The Gas Company, a Honolulu-based gas provider, has named Stephanie Ackerman as vice president of public policy and communications.

Ackerman will direct the company's corporate communications, public relations, government affairs and community outreach programs.

Prior to joining the Gas Company, Ackerman was senior vice president for Aloha Airlines.

Aqua Engineers wins contract

Kauai-based Aqua Engineers Inc. has been awarded a $229 million, 50-year military contract for the privatization of U.S. Army wastewater collection systems on Oahu. The firm expects to save the Army more than $18 million in financing charges by using new technology and funding initial capital upgrades internally.

The project includes the acquisition of wastewater installations at Fort Shafter, Aliamanu Military Reservation, Fort DeRussy, Tripler Army Medical Center, Red Hill Coast Guard, Hickam Air Force Base, Pililaau Army Recreation Center and Schofield Barracks.

Go! offers breast cancer program

Interisland carrier go! last week began a breast cancer awareness program for October, national Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

During the campaign, go! will donate $1 to Hawaii-based breast cancer awareness and support organizations for every roundtrip purchased through Oct. 15 for travel during the same period.

Tickets can be booked at http://www.iflygo.com.

Ruth's Chris extends Maui deal

Ruth's Chris Steak House is extending its anniversary kamaaina promotion through Oct. 31 at its two locations on Maui. The restaurant chain is celebrating its 10-year anniversary at Lahaina Center on Front Street.

Kamaaina, with ID, will receive a 25 percent discount on all food at Ruth's Chris Steak House at the Lahaina Center and in The Shops at Wailea.