Group picks Nauru Tower as Building of the Year

Nauru Tower was chosen as Hawaii's Building of the Year by the Institute of Real Estate Management for its efforts to create a more sustainable living environment for the building's residents and businesses.

In the past 18 months, the luxury condominium building at 1330 Ala Moana Blvd. has been transformed to include the latest environmentally friendly equipment and make more efficient use of common areas. These improvements have helped to cut costs, conserve natural resources and reduce waste and energy.

New initiatives include the use of biodegradable cleaning products free of phosphates and other chemicals; the installation of low-energy light bulbs throughout the residential building structure, common areas and service rooms; and window glass tinting for the expansive 4,000-square-foot makai lobby.

Future plans include researching the use of solar panels to meet the building's hot-water needs, as well as the installation of timed drip irrigation and low-energy lighting throughout the main lobby gardens. Major 2009 environmental initiatives included putting in new cooling towers, repainting the building and upgrading ventilation.

First Hawaiian offers transfers via e-mail or cell phone

First Hawaiian Bank has begun offering a new service, POPmoney, that enables a secure way for customers to send money to friends and family via the person's e-mail address or mobile phone number.

Senders can include a personalized e-mail or text message in the notification that will be sent to the recipients letting them know that funds are available for them to electronically deposit to just about any U.S. bank deposit account they choose. The recipient will be required to enter a secret code that is sent to the e-mail address or mobile phone number provided by the sender to verify their identity.

For more information, go to www.fhb.com/email-popmoneynotice.htm.

Aloha Pacific FCU opens branch in Kaimuki

Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union has opened its eighth branch on Oahu.

The Kaimuki location is open from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. It features a Wi-Fi Internet cafe and espresso machine.

Aloha Pacific FCU is the third-largest credit union in Hawaii with more than $612 million in assets.

Coming Up

» Today: ConAgra Foods Inc. releases second-quarter financial results. Walgreen Co. releases first-quarter financial results.
» Tomorrow: Commerce Department releases third-quarter gross domestic product.
» Wednesday: Commerce Department releases personal income and spending for November.
» Thursday: Labor Department releases weekly jobless claims.
» Friday: Christmas Day, markets closed.