HAWAII

Maui Divers lays off 11 workers

Maui Divers of Hawaii Ltd. has laid off 11 workers in its factory and shipping departments following the slowdown in tourism and worries over the continued economic downturn.

The layoffs represent less than 2 percent of its 630-member work force, according to Robert Taylor, company president and chief executive officer.

“;It's a minor adjustment, most people are subject to rehire when the economy picks up and visitors come to Hawaii,”; he said.

Love's Bakery sale finalized

The sale of Love's Bakery Inc., a commercial supplier of bread in Hawaii established in 1851, has been completed, the company said yesterday.

Local management's purchase of 157-year-old Love's Bakery from its former parent company, Japan-based First Baking Company Ltd., was completed on Sept. 23.

The purchase of the bakery's statewide operations preserves the jobs of 349 employees on five islands.

Under a new limited liability company, Mike Walters will serve as president & CEO.

  Love's is adding new boilers and air compressors, as well as upgrading its fleet. A long-term strategic distribution plan is aimed at reducing distribution expenses to the neighbor islands.

Mobi PCS expands isle network

Mobi PCS said yesterday it has deployed 25 new cell sites on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Molokai and the Big Island since January.

The carrier is building its statewide 3G CDMA network to allow Mobi customers to use their unlimited voice and data services with fewer dropped calls and clearer in-building and outdoor reception, as well as provide expanded coverage to areas such as Molokai.

Mobi said it has invested tens of millions of dollars in expanding and strengthening its wireless network throughout the state this year.

State energy administrator named

Theodore Peck, a former naval engineer, consultant, and energy management specialist, has been named energy administrator at the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism.

“;Ted has the experience and the vision to advance the Lingle-Aiona administration's goal of reducing our dependence on foreign oil and developing the state's abundant renewable energy resources,”; said DBEDT Director Theodore Liu.

Peck has been with the state's energy office for the last year. Prior to working for the state, he was a principal with Booz Allen Hamilton and led the Honolulu office for its first five years.

Shelby's Sweets hosts blessing

Shelby's Sweets LLC is hosting a grand opening on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a Hawaiian blessing and lei ceremony. The bakery is located at 1130 N. Nimitz Hwy., Suite A-150. For more information, call 585-6258.

Promotions / New hires

» N&K CPAs has announced the following promotions:

* Yi Chen to audit senior from audit staff. She joined the firm in June 2007.

* Cheri Yoshioka to tax staff from bookkeeper, she joined the firm in Aug. 2005.

» Kiewit Building Group has announced the following new engineers:

* Matthew Castro was previously a student machine shop technician at the University of Hawaii and a builder's laborer at 3 D Builders and Design in Kahului.

* Chad Lee was previously a project engineer intern at Valley Crest Companies in Calif., and with McCarthy Building Companies and B&B Glass in Ariz.

* Kevin Lee rejoins the firm after interning with Kiewit in 2007.

* Timothy Mort is currently office engineer at the firm's Hale Koa project.

Board Elections

» The Society for Marketing Professional Services Hawaii chapter has announced its directors for 2008-2009: Mark Tawara, president; Julie Chen, president elect; Gail Atwater, treasurer; Marcie Farias, secretary; Cathy Handen, past president; Michelle Skupin, director at large; Howard Wolff; director at large; Kathryn Acorda, programs director; and Eamonn Kinsella; membership director.

» The American Society of Appraisers Hawaii chapter has named its officers for 2008-2009: Michael T. McEnerney, president; Richard B. Dole, vice president; Wayne W. Morioka, treasurer and membership chair; and Gary M. Kuba, secretary.

» The American Business Women's Association Na Kilohana O Wahine chapter has announced its officers for 2008-2009: Myrtle Ching-Rappa, president; Claire Arakawa, vice president; Patti Ann Hokama, secretary; Donna Miyashiro, treasurer; and Lynn Miller, president elect.

» The Cancer Research Center of Hawaii has elected Weinman Foundation president Virginia Weinman to its board of directors. She currently serves on the board of the Hawaiian Humane Society and President David McClain's UH Centennial Cabinet's planning committee, and previously served on the boards of the Professional Women's Forum, Honolulu Symphony and Children's Alliance of Hawaii.