“We are fortunate to have Mr. Choy join our team,” Whitcomb said. “He is an absolute expert in financing solar systems and maximizing energy production from these systems. With his talent and the experienced staff of Solar Wave, we believe we are the preeminent solar company in Hawaii.”
Hawaii lawmakers eyeing tea market
HONOLULU (AP) — University of Hawaii researchers have found Hawaii-grown tea could become a specialty crop for the state.
That’s why the state Senate is looking at ways to enter the multi-billion dollar specialty tea industry. The growing market is expected to double within five years, say the authors of Senate Bill 2957.
Hawaii has the opportunity to take advantage of this boom, proponents believe.
The bill sets regulations for marketing and advertising Hawaii teas, making it clear which are 100 percent Hawaii grown and which are blends that include local teas.
According to the bill, a blended tea can include up to 75 percent of tea from out of state, but must be labeled to make it clear it is not entirely Hawaii-grown.
Hawaiian Air earns first carbon credits
HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaiian Airlines says it is the first airline to receive verified carbon credits for reducing emissions.
The airline announced Monday it has reduced its carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 22,000 metric tons over the past six years by using environmentally friendly engine washing technology.
A carbon credit is a way to measure the reduction of industrial carbon dioxide emissions. One credit equals removing one ton of carbon dioxide. The airline says its credits have been certified by a leading independent standard for measuring and verifying greenhouse gas emissions and the creation of carbon credits.
The airline says its engine washing system has had the equivalent of taking 700 cars off the road annually.
United Airlines to sell Waikiki Seaside Hotel
HONOLULU (AP) — United Airlines is selling a Waikiki hotel it owns to an undisclosed buyer.
Airline spokesman Michael Trevino says the Seaside Hotel was put on the market some time ago. He says the deal hasn’t been closed.
The pending sale has sparked protest from airline workers and retirees who have been staying there for decades.
Hotel workers were notified of the pending sale in a termination letter, with their last day being Feb. 29. Some may have opportunities to work for the new managers.
Hotel industry observers say the transaction is noteworthy because it’s one of the few hotels in Waikiki on fee-simple land.
According to property tax records, the 125-unit hotel was assessed at $9.4 million last year.
Council to propose restrictions on bags
HONOLULU (AP) — Honolulu’s city council is proposing an ordinance requiring business to give out only bags that are biodegradable.
It would make Honolulu the last of Hawaii’s four counties to restrict the use of plastic bags. Meanwhile, state lawmakers want to attach a fee or tax to every paper or plastic checkout bag in the state to discourage their use.
A measure requiring businesses to distribute compostable bags, recyclable paper bags or reusable bags is expected to be introduced at the council’s monthly meeting on Wednesday.
Merchants could face fines of $100 to $1,000 for each day of a violation.
Two Hawaii solar companies merge
Haleakala Solar Inc. has merged with Solar Wave Hawaii to form one of Hawaii’s largest solar and renewable energy contractors. Haleakala Solar Inc. has installed more than 9,000 solar systems since 1977.
The company has solar systems on all the major Hawaiian Islands.
James Whitcomb, founder and CEO of Haleakala Solar, will take the helm as CEO of the combined company. Wendell Choy, CEO of Solar Wave, will act as Haleakala Solar’s president.
“We are fortunate to have Mr. Choy join our team,” Whitcomb said. “He is an absolute expert in financing solar systems and maximizing energy production from these systems. With his talent and the experienced staff of Solar Wave, we believe we are the preeminent solar company in Hawaii.”