Philadelphia papers sold for $139M

NEW YORK » Creditors won the frenzied bankruptcy auction for Philadelphia's two major newspapers with a $139 million bid yesterday, despite last-minute pledges from area philanthropists to boost a local group's bid.

Publisher Brian Tierney fought strenuously to retain local control of The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News, rounding up business moguls Raymond and Ronald Perelman, H.F. “;Gerry”; Lenfest and others. But the final bidding went in eye-popping $10 million increments, and the investors ultimately felt they had to walk away.

Hawaii business ethics honored

The Hawaii Better Business Bureau honored businesses, a nonprofit organization and individuals for outstanding commitment to fair, honest and ethical practices at the 2010 BBB Torch Awards yesterday.

Awards were presented to the nonprofit Lanakila Pacific, to communications firm Loomis-ISC in the small business category, to Lex Brodie's Tire Co. in the medium business category, and to Servco Pacific Inc. in the large business category.

Honolulu Star-Bulletin consumer columnist June Watanabe and Robbie Dingeman, business writer for the Honolulu Advertiser, were presented the BBB Ka Mea o Kakoo award for consumer advocacy, as reported Tuesday.

On the Move

» Acute Care for the Hawaii Health Systems has named Dr. Ted Peskin medical director for the east Hawaii region. He has 32 years' experience in practice and teaching obstetrics and gynecology. He also has worked as a clinical professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

» The Building Industry Association of Hawaii has elected leaders for its 2010 BIA-Hawaii Parade of Homes Steering Committee: Douglas E. Pearson, president; McKibbin Mist, sponsorship; Laurie Lee, committee chairwoman; Olivia Morikawa and Judy Engkabo, sales; Mary Hakoda and Donna Tomita, marketing; Brad Ono, Ken Sekimoto and Todd Niizawa, golf; Jay Kadowaki, judging; Carol Marx, gala; and Brooke Kaneshiro Park, silent auction.

» Graham Builders has rehired James Jonah as a finish carpenter. He has 30 years of experience in the carpentry industry and was previously a master cabinetmaker and foreman for GavinWood as well as field supervisor for Darcey Builders.

» Hawaii State Federal Credit Union board of directors for 2010 are Beverly Ing Lee, chairwoman; Louise Akamine, vice chairwoman; Tit Mun Chun, treasurer; Amy Motooka, secretary; and Peter Leong, David Shimabukuro and James Takushi.