The Hawai'i Tourism Authority has selected 27 community-based projects to receive 2010 funding through its Natural Resources Program.

The state tourism agency's president and CEO, Mike McCartney, said the program is designed to showcase Hawai'i's "unique tourism product."

One of the 27 projects is an effort by the Nature Conservancy to restore near-shore fisheries and coral reefs at Ka'ūpūlehu on the Big Island.

The state agency provides at least $1 million a year to projects and programs that support efforts to manage, improve and protect Hawai'i's natural environment and areas frequented by visitors.

FRESENIUS DIALYSIS NURSES RATIFY CONTRACT

Unionized nurses at seven Fresenius Dialysis centers on O'ahu have ratified a three-year labor agreement.

The pact, which covers 85 nurses, includes wage increases of 2.5 percent per year through 2013, an increase to eight weeks from four weeks of paid orientation, and strengthening of arbitration provisions. It maintains the "no cap" benefits in medical and dental premiums paid by nurses. The contract is effective Feb. 1.

VERIZON WIRELESS GIVES TO ABUSE SHELTERS

Verizon Wireless last year donated more than $86,000, in cash and cell phones, through its HopeLine program to support women in Hawai'i affected by domestic violence, the company said.

The HopeLine program donated 227 phones, each with 3,000 prepaid minutes, to shelters in the state. The value of the donated phones and airtime was put at $68,100.

In addition, three domestic-violence organizations received $18,500 in HopeLine grants.

For more information on Verizon Wireless' HopeLine program, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.