Kona Target hires 310 at 4-day event

Target has hired 310 people from the four-day mass-hiring event it held last Thursday through Sunday for its new store in Kona.

Those employed during the Big Island event will begin work at the start of June. The store's grand opening is in late July.

The retailer said all available positions were filled at last week's event and that its total work force at the Big Island store is now 325, including the already employed supervisors and managers that are currently going through orientation.

About 1,400 people showed up during the four-day period for full-time, part-time and casual employment for various roles such as the sales floor, cashiers and shift managers.

Visitor industry walk raises $925,000

The 31st annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk, sponsored by the Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association, raised $925,000 for more than 100 charities on Saturday.

“;We are very proud of the effort that raised $925,000, especially given these difficult economic times that is putting financial strain on local people and all segments of the Hawaii economy,”; said Fred Orr, general manager for the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani and chairman for this year's charity walk.

Sponsored by the Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association, the annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk is one of the largest single-day fundraisers in the state, providing opportunity for the visitor industry to collectively give back to the local communities.

Since its inception in 1978, the Charity Walk has raised more than $21 million for Hawaii's charities.

New HVCB program offers group deals

Groups that have either booked or planned a meeting in the islands, with a minimum 10 peak hotel room nights, may select a complimentary product or service from a participating Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau member as part of a new Booking Advantage program.

“;More than 100 of our members are taking part in this program and offering an inviting selection of cultural and 'made-in-Hawaii' products, and other specialized services, to help make the business meeting experience even more special,”; said Gina Salvador, HVCB's membership director.

The new program is meant as a win-win for visitors and hosts alike and is a continuation of Hawaii's efforts to create value and cost-savings opportunities for groups, said Michael Murray, an HVCB vice president of sales and marketing.

Dentistry convention to attract 2,500

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) will hold its 62nd annual session Thursday through Sunday at the Hawai'i Convention Center.

The session is expected to draw an international attendance of 2,500 participants and generate nearly $12 million in statewide spending. Tax revenue is estimated at over $1 million with the center's hotel partners benefiting with more than 20,000 booked rooms.