Hawaii gets $1.2M for Energy Star rebates

Hawaii will receive $1.2 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to dole out to consumers who buy eligible Energy Star-rated appliances. The funds are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The state will determine which appliances will be eligible from choices including water heaters, air conditioners, washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators and freezers.

The state must file an initial application by Aug. 15 with a full application to follow by Oct. 15 in order to receive the rebate funds for consumer purchases.

Hawaiian Electric wind projects awarded $750,000

The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded Hawaiian Electric Co. $750,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for development of wind power programs.

The funding will be used by HECO's Hawaii utility integration initiatives.

HECO currently operates the Kaheawa Wind Power Farm on Maui, but additional wind farm projects are also in the works for Maui, Lanai and Kahuku.

New-home building help is offered

Families who own or lease property and are in need of a new or renovated home can seek help from Honolulu Habitat for Humanity by attending one of six informational meetings next month.

The nonprofit organization builds homes in partnership with low-income families who can then purchase the home through a 20-year, no-interest loan.

Potential applicants must attend a session, and six are scheduled around Oahu at three sites: the Papakolea Community Center, Waimanalo Public Library and Kahuku Public Library.

More information is available by phone at 538-7070 or online at http://www.honoluluhabitat.org.

Training program offered for managers and supervisors

A new training program for managers and supervisors is being offered by SmartBusiness Hawaii, formerly known as Small Business Hawaii.

“;A Manager's First Year,”; presented by SBH Director and business consultant Bob Sigall, will address the new set of skills needed by an employee who is promoted into a management-level position.

The program will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the SBH office at 6600 Kalanianaole Highway, Suite 212.

The $20 cost includes pizza and materials, and reservations can be made by phone at 396-1724.

Coming Up

» Today: The Conference Board releases leading indicators for June. Hasbro Inc. and Texas Instruments Inc. release second-quarter financial results.

» Tomorrow: Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke testifies about the economy before the House Financial Services Committee. Caterpillar Inc., Coca-Cola Co., Continental Airlines Inc., Merck & Co., Southwest Airlines Co., Starbucks Corp., UAL Corp. and Yahoo Inc. release second-quarter financial results.