HAWAII

Report: Travel costs increase

Global Insight, an economic and financial analysis company, said yesterday that while international arrivals are expected to increase, declines in business and leisure travel will make 2009 a challenging year for the travel industry.

“;Consumers and businesses are being buffeted by the combination of economic uncertainty, declining profits and real wages, and rising travel costs,”; said Kenneth McGill, executive managing director of travel and tourism services at Global Insight.

The report expects trip inflation to rise by 8.2 percent in 2008, driven by significant increases in transportation and accommodation costs.

Although total domestic trips are expected to increase 1.6 percent from the same period last year, leisure and business travel are expected to fall by 0.3 percent and 4.6 percent in the fourth quarter versus a year ago, respectively.

Full-year 2008 domestic travel is expected to decline 0.6 percent from 2007, while international arrivals could jump 7.2 percent from last year.

Isle visitor bureau launches site

The Big Island Visitors Bureau, in an effort to target eco-conscious travelers, has launched a microsite at http://www.bigisland.org/ecotourism, which it says is a first for Hawaii.

Through the site visitors can learn of green practices that hotels, resorts, restaurants and tours are incorporating into their operations.

Environmentally friendly tourism practices in 14 different areas are detailed, ranging from renewable energy to conservation.

Visitors can also learn ways to “;go green”; on the island, which include renting a hybrid vehicle.

Big Island Abalone to sell at KCC

Kailua-Kona-based Big Island Abalone Corp. said last week that it will begin selling abalone gift packs at the KCC Farmer's Market two Saturdays a month.

The pack consists of fully cooked “;Kona Coast Ezo Awabi”; abalone that is vacuum sealed and then pressure cooked. The pouches have a shelf life of two years.

The company is also preparing to sell live products at the market, and is accepting pre-orders for pickup or home delivery by calling 989-8852. Online orders are coming soon at www.bigislandabalone.com.

Construction event starts tomorrow

The second-annual Hawaii Construction and Career Days event will take place tomorrow and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Honolulu Community College campus.

The event is designed to provide high school and college students with a look at career and educational opportunities available in the construction industry. More than 600 community college and high school students attended last year, and an estimated 1,200 students are expected to attend this year.

Kaiser donates $10,000 to HPCA

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii said yesterday it has given a $10,000 grant to support the Hawaii Primary Care Association's Annual Education Conference and Quality Summit. Kaiser Permanente presented the donation to HPCA at the conference held recently in Waikiki.

  HPCA provides primary health care for medically underserved communities. Health care provider Kaiser Permanente Hawaii has 4,400 employees and more than 410 doctors in Hawaii.

BRIEFCASE

TASTY: Hank's Haute Dogs has unveiled a redesigned Web site, http://www.hankshautedogs.com, featuring a blog by owner Henry Adaniya. Hank's has also launched a new menu item, Duck Fat Fries, available on weekends at the 324 Coral St. location for $3.75. Its second location is at 2330 Kalakaua Ave. in the International Market Place.

MORE LIGHT: Cyberlux Corp., a provider of LED lighting, said earlier this week that it has received a purchase order from the Hawaii National Guard for an additional BrightEye tactical illumination system. BrightEye systems are available through the General Services Administration.

Taking Notice

Promotions / New Hires

» Hawaii Medical Center West has named Dr. Joseph Zobian as chief surgical officer. He has more than 14 years of ophthalmology surgical experience including chief resident at the University of Florida Department of Ophthalmology and operating his own private practice in Waipahu.

» Prudential Locations has promoted Robin Markle to vice president of new home sales from Watermark Waikiki sales manager. Her 30 years of experience include real estate agent at Coldwell Bank Pacific Properties; assistant to the vice president at International Business Machines; and marketing director for Dodge, Tanaka and Dodge.

» Bella Pietra has hired Charley Zerphey as store manager for its new Hilo store. He previously worked in logistics for FedEx and has also worked as a retail store chain owner, general contractor and professional motorcycle racing.

Awards / Certifications

» Technology News Bytes has honored local audio visual firm The Audio Visual Co. with the “;Technology Company of the Year”; award at the Technology Industry Awards, The Flavors of Technology gala.

» The Air Cargo Association of Hawaii has honored Aloha Air Cargo with the 2008 Air Cargo Award in recognition of the company's continued support and contribution to Hawaii's air cargo community.