BUSINESS BRIEFS
Technology jobs rose 6% in 2006
Advertiser staff
The number if technology jobs in Hawai'i rose to 14,902 in 2006, a 6 percent increase from 2005, according to a survey released yesterday.
Hawai'i ranked 46th in the nation in high-tech jobs, and 26th in average high-tech wages at $68,363 a year, the American Electronics Association said in its annual Cyberstates report. The average high-tech wage was 90 percent higher than the average private-sector wage, the report said.
There were 1,387 high-tech companies with a total payroll of about $1 billion in the state, according to the report. The study also noted that Hawai'i ranked 38th in research and development per capita and 45th in venture capital investments.
WAIKIKI BOUTIQUE CATERS TO FEMALES
Kuhio Collection, a specialty boutique that caters to women and girls, has opened at the Ohana East Hotel in Waikiki.
The store offers clothing, swimwear, jewelry and accessories, including designs from Dean Alan; swimwear by Maui's Paula Daian; Liquid Roots collection of jeans; bags and jewelry by designer Sergio Gutierrez; as well as Aromatique scented candles, decorative fragrances, bath oils and soaps.
Originally from Jacksonville, Ark., owners Susan and Jim Phillips said this is their first venture into retail and fashion. "We opened our business here in Hawai'i because we fell in love with the culture and the people on this island," said Susan Phillips.
Kuhio Collection is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
MAUI PINE LAUNCHES NYSE TRADING
Shares of Maui Land & Pineapple Co. will begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange today.
Listed under the ticker symbol "MLP," the stock used to trade on the smaller American Stock Exchange.
Company spokeswoman Teri Freitas Gorman said the NYSE invited the Maui company to join the nearly 4,000 companies listed on the exchange.
NAKED FURNITURE CLOSING IN 'AIEA
Naked Furniture of Hawaii will close its store in 'Aiea on April 30 after 13 years at the location, company president Larry Robles said yesterday.
The store's closing will be preceded by a monthlong clearance sale that will run from today until the store closes.
"We had to make a very difficult decision on what to do with the business after our lease at the Harbor Center runs out on the 30th," Robles said.
"With fewer solid-wood vendors, we were faced with having to increase prices, carry particleboard products or move to a higher-end niche. Therefore, we made the decision to exit the market with our legacy intact."
"I want to thank all of our loyal customers who have supported our business over the past 13 years," Robles said.
"For any customers with orders currently in-house, rest assured our manufacturers have confirmed that all items will arrive by Saturday, April 26, and we promise our usual prompt service and follow-up as soon as these items arrive."
PAPER ROSES MOVES TO SOUTH STREET
The Paper Roses stationery and greeting card store has moved from Ward Centre to 627 South St.
The South Street location, which opened yesterday, is near the Kaka'ako fire museum and fire station.
With 1,800 square feet, the free-standing store will continue to offer the same lineup of products, including stationery and cards by Vera Wang, Crane, Kate Spade and Papyrus.
