BUSINESS BRIEFS
Cruises generate $702M in sales
Advertiser Staff and News Services
Hawai'i's cruise industry generated $702 million in direct purchases of goods and services last year, along with employment for 23,220 people, according to a new report for an industry trade group.
The report by the Cruise Lines Industry Association ranked Honolulu as the 10th biggest port for U.S. cruise embarkations. An estimated 318,000 people boarded cruise ships in Honolulu in 2006, or about 35 percent more than in 2005. The increase is consistent with NCL America's bringing more cruise ships to Hawai'i for interisland cruises.
The report said the North American cruise industry as a whole generated $17.6 billion in direct purchases.
NEW RULES TARGET DESTRUCTIVE MITE
The state is stepping up efforts to combat a destructive mite that's threatening Hawai'i's honeybee industry.
The Board of Agriculture has new rules to stop the mite from spreading to other islands, particularly the Big Island where beekeeping and queen bee production are major industries.
The rules require permits for transport between islands of live bees or beekeeping equipment that might contain dead bees.
The varroa mite is a tiny creature that feeds on the blood of honeybees and their larva.
KAIMUKI GETTING MOBI PCS STORE
Mobi PCS said it is opening its eighth O'ahu mobile phone store Saturday in Kaimuki.
The 940-square-foot store is at the corner of Wai'alae and 10th avenues, across from Tamura's Fine Wine & Liquors. Tyrone Bartoli will serve as store manager. The soft opening will be followed by a grand opening celebration Sept. 22.
In addition to the eight company-owned stores, Mobi PCS products and services are available through 68 dealer locations across O'ahu.
