BUSINESS BRIEFS
Farmers insurance plan expanded
Advertiser Staff and News Services
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Risk Management Agency recently expanded its Adjusted Gross Revenue-Lite insurance plan to include all counties in Hawai'i. The program provides farmers with insurance protection against revenue losses from natural disasters and market fluctuations.
Most agricultural producers are eligible for this program, including livestock, aquaculture and honey producers.
Farmers can apply for the program immediately, and the deadline to apply for coverage for the current period is March 15, 2008.
Previously, federal crop insurance was available in Hawai'i only for macadamia nuts and nursery plants. Earlier this year, a pilot program also made it available for papaya, banana and coffee crops.
Agricultural producers interested in finding more information on the AGR-Lite whole-farm revenue insurance may visit the RMA Web site at: http://www.rma.usda.gov/policies/agr-lite.html.
FRESH HERB SALES AT $9.1M FOR 2006
Hawai'i fresh herb sales rose 5 percent to a record $9.1 million in 2006, according to the National Agricutural Statistics Service. Production rose 30 percent to 5.7 million pounds, which also was a record.
'HIREVETSFIRST' JOB FAIR THURSDAY
The U.S. Labor Department will hold a "Hire Vets First" job fair from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday at the Disabled American Veterans Hall, 2685 N. Nimitz Highway.
The Honolulu event is one of 110 veterans job fairs to be held across the country in observance of Veterans Day. The "HireVetsFirst" campaign is aimed at increasing employer awareness of the skills of veterans and to encourage employers to hire veterans.
"These job fairs are an important part of our effort to help America's service men and women transition back to civilian life when their tours of duty end and a tremendous opportunity for employers looking for great workers," said Labor Secretary Elaine Chao.
For more information, see www.hirevetsfirst.gov.
NEW MANAGEMENT AT WAIKIKI HOTEL
Marc Resorts Hawaii announced yesterday that it has acquired the management contract for the Hawaiian Monarch Hotel in Waikiki.
The hotel, at Kalakaua Avenue and Niu Street, is the ninth property for the local hotel and resort management company in Hawai'i and its second on O'ahu.
Marc Resorts Hawaii properties include Marc Pono Kai, Pali Ke Kua at Princeville, Marc Pu'u at Princeville and Marc Hale Moi Cottages on Kaua'i. Other properties include Aloha Maui Vista Resort, Hotel Molokai, Marc Molokai Shores, the Hawaiian Monarch Hotel and Marc Diamond Head Beach Hotel & Residences on O'ahu.
FILMMAKER SPEAKS ON TAX CREDITS
Writer and director Edgy Lee is one of several representatives from the film and technology industry slated to speak on state tax credit programs next Friday at the Hawaii Science & Technology Council's monthly breakfast.
The event is scheduled from 7:30a.m. to 9:30a.m. at the Pacific Club. Admission is $15 for HISciTech members and $20 for non-members. For more information, call 536-4670.
