In-flight smokes entice hundreds

Passengers smoke on U.S. jetliners at least twice a week, according to authorities, breaking the law without creating an international incident like an episode last week.

The FAA has brought 696 cases against people caught smoking aboard planes in the last five years, said Diane Spitaliere, an agency spokeswoman. The implications of trying to enjoy a cigarette on board were brought into focus Wednesday when a diplomat from Qatar allegedly attempted to do so in the lavatory of a United Airlines flight. When a flight attendant confronted him, he said he burned plastic on his sandal to mask the smell. The comments were seen as threatening, and two fighter jets were scrambled to escort the flight to Denver.

Military paper makes Hawaii return

Printed weekly editions of Stars and Stripes, an independent newspaper for U.S. military service members, will be returning to Hawaii after more than six decades.

The first issue of the Stars and Stripes U.S. edition will hit the streets this Friday and be distributed to military installations and the Hale Koa Hotel at no charge.

The Pacific edition of Stars and Stripes launched on May 14, 1945, and was based in Honolulu. During World War II a number of printing sites evolved throughout the Pacific region, and the operations were moved to Tokyo in October 1945.

The newspaper has since then been distributed almost exclusively overseas in Japan, South Korea and Guam. The U.S. edition will have stories from reporters in the Middle East as well as across the Pacific, Europe, in the Pentagon and in Washington, D.C.

“;Support for Stars and Stripes within Pacific Command is high and has been reaffirmed on several command visits,”; said John Panasiewicz, Pacific Stars and Stripes general manager.

Alcoa narrows quarterly loss

Alcoa Inc. opened the earnings season with a narrower first-quarter loss as demand for some aluminum products picked up from a year ago and prices rose.

For the quarter that ended March 31, Alcoa reported yesterday a net loss of $201 million, or 20 cents a share. That compared with a net loss of $497 million, or 61 cents a share, a year ago, when the company struggled with weak demand in the depths of the recession.

Alcoa's first-quarter results include $295 million, or 29 cents a share, in one-time charges related to the health care reform law and the closing of two smelters.

Bankoh backs UH group with $120K

Bank of Hawaii has made a three-year pledge totaling $120,000 to sponsor the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization.

The banks says such private support is key to the organization's ability to inform public- and private-sector economic decision-making through quantitative and analytical research. The pledge provides lead support for the organization's Economic Information Service, a free online resource that provides access to up-to-date information on a wide array of economic and social indicators for state and county economies. Bank Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Al Landon says the organization's research helps business owners manage their businesses and contributes to the development of sound public policy.

Phone accessory seller bows in isles

Utah-based Tricked Out Accessories, with 15 stores, has opened its first Hawaii store at the Royal Hawaiian Center in Building B behind the Apple Store.

It stocks cases for a variety of phone brands in multiple styles by designers such as Ed Hardy and Otterbox; crystal-encrusted cases; and other accessories including Skullcandy earphones. Tricked Out Accessories is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

ON THE MOVE

RevoluSun has hired Matthew Nagatori as project developer. He was previously a regional sales representative for Phiten USA.

MGA Architecture has hired June Foreman as a production employee responsible for construction documentation and specifications. She has more than 20 years' experience in AutoCAD, presentation graphics and illustration.

The Friends of the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii has named Thomas Madison as a new board member. He has served as an educator for more than 40 years and is a part-time teacher and coach at Punahou School.

Colliers Monroe Friedlander announced that the Central Pacific Plaza building at 220 S. King St. has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's “;Energy Star Award.”; The plaza is owned by Central Pacific Bank, managed by Colliers Monroe Friedlander and is the only building in the state to earn this recognition for six consecutive years.

Luiz Boscardin was recognized by John Hancock Financial Network with the “;Leading with Excellence Award.”; He is managing partner of John Hancock Financial Network-Hawaii Financial Partners based in Honolulu.