Central Pacific stock hits another low

Central Pacific Financial Corp., which last week said it would lose $33 million to $37 million in the second quarter and conduct a $100 million secondary offering, continued its spiral yesterday as it fell to a new all-time low.

The parent of Central Pacific Bank saw its stock fall 9 cents, or 4.3 percent, to $2 on the New York Stock Exchange after hitting an intraday low of $1.81.

Ward gets 4 new merchants

Martin & MacArthur will open its flagship store at Ward Centre next to Kakaako Kitchen on Aug. 8 on the corner of Auahi and Kamakee streets.

So far this month, new tenants that have opened in the Ward complex are women's apparel and accessories shop Happy Haleiwa, in Ward Warehouse; Haili's Backyard Luau, a lunchwagon operating in the open-air parking lot across from Ward Entertainment Center; and Taco Del Mar, which opened at midmonth in a street-front location in Ward Centre.

Maui hotel puts Days Inn nationwide

The opening of the Days Inn Maui Oceanfront has given Days Inns Worldwide a presence in all 50 states.

The hotel, formerly the Best Western Maui Ocean Front Inn, is on Keawakapu Beach and houses Sarento's restaurant. Its rooms include in-room microwaves, mini-refrigerators and Tempur-pedic mattresses.

Days Inn is a member of Wyndham Hotel Group's roster of lodging brands.

Isle company uses sun to blast heat

Honolulu-based Sopogy Inc. is manufacturing equipment used by Southern California Gas Co. in testing that uses solar-heated water to power air-conditioning systems.

Solar-thermal air conditioning improves resistance of buildings to traditional grid power outages and may help businesses meet government-mandated energy-use reduction targets, said Hal Snyder, a vice president of Southern California Gas Co.

Mobi upgrades Hele Wireless speed

The speed of Hele Wireless Broadband connections in urban Honolulu has been doubled in an upgrade by Mobi PCS. Download speeds have been measured at 3.1 megabits per second. The point-to-point network allows Mobi cell sites to connect directly to the company's switch, avoiding bottlenecks that can occur using third-party T1 lines.

The speed upgrade will be expanded later this year on Oahu and to the neighbor islands over time.

Ad club presents fall TV preview

The American Advertising Federation Hawaii chapter and the Hawaii Association of Broadcasters will jointly present the 2009 TV Fall preview beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 10 at the Hawaii Prince Hotel.

Senior Mediaweek television writer Marc Berman will host a showcase of the upcoming 2009-2010 season and provide his insights as to which shows may or may not succeed. The morning workshop and luncheon costs $60 for AAF and Ad 2 Honolulu members, $80 for nonmembers, though morning session- and luncheon-only pricing is available. Reservations can be made online at www.hafspot.com or by phone at 532-0555.

ON THE MOVE

» Peter Vincent Architects has promoted Max Guenther to partner. He has been with the firm for 12 years and has more than 24 years of experience. Also, Lupe Zarate has been promoted to associate. She joined PVA in June 2005 and has been a driving force on the project management team.

» Bennet Group Strategic Communi- cations has promoted Crystal Yamasaki to senior account executive from an account staffer. She is part of the consumer marketing division, working with clients such as Whole Foods Market, Punahou School, Consolidated Theatres, Windward Mall and Special Olympics Hawaii.