Mesa Air delays earnings

Mesa Air Group Inc., parent of interisland carrier go!, said in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing yesterday that its fiscal 2008 earnings for the quarter and year ended Sept. 30 will be delayed while the company completes its analysis of net operating loss carryover limitations that may affect the financial statements.

The Phoenix-based carrier said it anticipates its full-year consolidated loss for 2008 will be less than the consolidated net loss of $2.63 a share in fiscal 2007.

HECO partners on new technologies

Hawaiian Electric Co. and Khosla Ventures said yesterday that they recently signed an agreement to collaborate on the early deployment of green-energy technologies.

Under the memorandum of understanding, the two companies will share information new products and services in clean technology development. Testing will include solar, efficient lighting, battery and storage technologies.

Khosla, based in Menlo Park, Calif., offers venture assistance and funding to entrepreneurs.

“;Through this first-of-its kind agreement, Hawaiian Electric will be able to evaluate and test promising technologies on our systems, with the hope that contributing to their development will allow even greater opportunities for us to use them in Hawaii,”; said Karl Stahlkopf, HECO's chief technology officer.

Papaya production down

Hawaii fresh papaya production is estimated at 3 million pounds for October, up 21 percent from September, but down 11 percent from October a year ago. January to October sales totaled 25.5 million pounds, 1 percent above the comparable period a year ago, the state Department of Agriculture reported.

Heavy rains fell on parts of the state, but drought conditions persisted. Orchards depending on natural rainfall experienced slower growth and fruit development.

Papaya growers were expected to receive 43 cents a pound for fresh fruit in October, 4 cents less than last month, but 5.2 cents more than October 2007.

PEOPLE

Horner to be First Hawaiian chairman

First Hawaiian Bank said yesterday that President and Chief Executive Officer Donald Horner, 58, will become chairman Dec. 31 as part of a previously announced transition.

Walter Dods, 67, who has served as board chairman since 1989, will retire as chairman. Dods will remain a member of the bank's board and the executive committee.