Weight Watchers Hawaii might close

Hawaii's Weight Watchers franchisee is getting out of the business, according to a notice filed with the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

California-based Chicorel Enterprises Inc., which does business as Weight Watchers Hawaii, believes that Weight Watchers North America Inc. or one of its affiliates will take over the assets of the company on or about Dec. 31 and may offer employment to the 124 employees that would otherwise lose their jobs.

According to http://www.weightwatchers.com, there are 17 meeting sites for members on Oahu; five on Maui; seven on the Big Island and three on Kauai.

Verizon to debut iPhone challenger

NEW YORK » Verizon Wireless' answer to the iPhone — the Droid — will go on sale for $200 next week as the company taps into the growing appetite for smart phones that go far beyond making calls.

The Droid could help Verizon retain its status as the nation's largest wireless carrier and contribute to a turnaround of its manufacturer, Motorola Inc., which hasn't produced a hit since the wildly popular Razr phone in 2005.

The new device also could give a boost to Google Inc., which used the Droid to unveil new mapping software that could challenge stand-alone navigational devices. GPS gadget maker Garmin Ltd.'s stock plunged after yesterday's announcement.

Verizon is targeting 15- to 35-year-olds who are highly engaged with their gadgets for social networking, blogging and other online tasks.

Pearl City 24 Hour to open Nov. 6

The grand opening of 24 Hour Fitness Pearl City Super Sport is set for Nov. 6 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and free workouts.

The new 24 Hour Fitness, which moved into the former CompUSA store at Pearl Highlands Center, offers an indoor pool, steam room and full-sized basketball court.

From Nov. 6 to 11, 24 Hour Fitness also will offer free workouts to all active, reserved or retired military members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and National Guard.

Sopogy to bring solar product to isles

Sopogy Inc. recently introduced SopoFlare, a new technology designed specifically for rooftop installations, at a conference in California.

Sopogy, based in Honolulu, has plans to demonstrate the new product in Hawaii.

SopoFlare, a Concentrating Solar Power technology, is designed for easy installation. It creates steam, solar thermal air conditioning, drying, dehumidification, desalination and hot water.

Sopogy says it is priced an average of 30 percent less than competing rooftop solar technologies, and offers a smaller, lightweight collector that is 8 feet long by 2 1/2 -feet wide.

ON THE MOVE

RevoluSun has announced Robert Braunthal as the newest partner and residential construction manager. He has 20 years of construction experience and owns One Palm Woodworks, a high-end custom door and cabinet shop.

The National Association of State Energy Officials has named Ted Peck as secretary of the board. He is the state's energy administrator for the Strategic Industries Division at the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

Ivan Lui-Kwan has been elected to the national board of directors of the American Judicature Society. He is an “;Of Counsel”; attorney with Starn O'Toole Marcus and Fisher.