Isle gas prices increase slightly

For the first time in 15 weeks, gasoline prices rose slightly in some areas of the islands, according to AAA. But statewide, the gas price average remained the same during the past week at $2.30 a gallon.

Yesterday's average price in Honolulu was $2.23 a gallon for unleaded, up a penny from last week's price, 20 cents less than last month, and $1.13 lower than this time last year. In Hilo, the average price was $2.44 a gallon, seven cents more than last week, 13 cents less than last month, and $1.11 lower than this time last year. The average price in Wailuku was $2.43 a gallon, six cents less than last week, down 46 cents from last month, and $1.42 lower than last year.

Isle accommodation choices rise

Visitors to Hawaii had more choice in accommodations last year as compared to 2007, according to a visitor plant inventory released yesterday by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

The number of visitor accommodation units statewide for 2008 rose 1.3 percent from 2007 to 74,177 total units. The choice of accommodations grew on Kauai, the Big Island and Oahu; however, it remained the same on Lanai and shrank on Maui and Molokai.

“;The Visitor Plant Inventory Report provides the most comprehensive list available of visitor accommodations in the state,”; said State Tourism Liaison Marsha Wienert.

The majority of visitor units statewide, 57.2 percent, remained in hotels. Condominium hotels, which posted a 22 percent share of the visitor accommodation market, were the next largest category. However, the number of hotel rooms has shrunk by 3 percent while the number of condominiums has increased by 10.2 percent. Timeshares grew by 4 percent and individual vacation units decreased by 5.1 percent.

Kai Sensors to partner with SAIC

Kai Sensors Inc., a Honolulu-based developer of wireless vital signs monitoring products, said yesterday it will partner with Science Applications International Corp. to pursue opportunities for bringing Kai products to market.

The two companies plan to work together starting next month to develop applications for intelligence gathering, border security, law enforcement missions and monitoring of U.S. troops on the front line.

“;We feel there is promising potential for our products in national security applications, and SAIC, with their extensive experience, resources and expertise in this field is an ideal partner for us,”; Andrea Yuen, chief executive officer, said in a statement.

Commission seeks isle firms

The Hawaii 50th Anniversary of Statehood Commission is seeking assistance in identifying isle companies and organizations that began operating in 1959, the year Hawaii became a state.

“;As Hawaii marks its half-century anniversary as a state, we are grateful for the businesses that have grown with Hawaii, employing local residents and helping build the state's prosperity over the last 50 years,”; commission Chair Kippen de Alba Chu said in a statement.

Contact Chris Hossellman at 586-0193 or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) with information.

Halekulani forges Japan deal

Halekulani Corp. said yesterday it will partner with luxury hotel group Imperial Hotel LTD of Tokyo.

The alliance, effective April 1, allows Imperial Hotel to provide reservations service, sales, marketing and public relations activities within Japan for Halekulani and Waikiki Parc Hotel. Planning is under way for opportunities to include joint marketing and promotions in Tokyo and Hawaii.

Halekulani owns and operates the Halekulani resort and Waikiki Parc Hotel.

Suntech to host solar session

Suntech Hawaii said it will host a solar open house in Waialae to highlight residential solar systems that can help cut electric costs. All attendees will also be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a free solar attic fan.

  The open house will be held Sunday from 11a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1328 Ekaha St. Suntech had previously installed a 80-gallon solar hot water system and six-panel photovoltaic system that generates more than 13.3 kilowatts of electricity a day at this residence. Suntech staff will be on hand to answer questions about residential solar installations.