BUSINESS BRIEFS
Scam fakes UH credit union e-mail
Advertiser Staff and News Services
A fraudulent e-mail targeting University of Hawai'i Federal Credit Union members puts a new twist on phishing e-mails. Instead of asking people to click through to a Web page, it provides a toll-free number to call.
The credit union said it is aware of the bogus e-mail and is taking steps to protect its members. The message does not include a greeting and begins with a line saying irregular activity has been detected on the recipient's check card.
It says the recipients must reactivate their cards by calling the toll-free number.
MORE BEER GOT TO HAWAI'I IN JUNE
Hawai'i is one of 21 states where beer shipments rose in June compared with a year earlier, according to data from the Beer Institute.
The numbers reported by Bloomberg News show beer shipments to Hawai'i's totaled 89,000 barrels, 1.7 percent more than a year earlier.
The increase compared to a decline nationally of 2 percent. Several large states reported lower shipments, including California, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan.
UH MEDICAL SCHOOL REORGANIZES
The John A. Burns School of Medicine has two new departments in a reorganization that's been approved by University of Hawai'i-Manoa chancellor Virginia Hinshaw.
A Department of Medical Technology has been created, while the former Speech Pathology & Audiology program has become the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Their interim chairmen are Dick Teshima and Dr. James Yates, respectively.
At the same time, the Allied Health Department was abolished.
The school said creation of the two departments will help it recruit faculty and sustain training programs.
CPAS SALUTE STATE'S TAX DIRECTOR
Kurt Kawafuchi, director of the state Department of Taxation, has been honored with an Outstanding CPA in State Government Award from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Kawafuchi, who last month was given a similar award by the Hawai'i Society of Certified Public Accountants, was recognized for contributions that increased the efficiency and effectiveness of government organizations.
During Kawafuchi's tenure, the department's improvements have included a record $308 million in annual collection of unpaid taxes, and more customer service programs.
WORLD BREWING CONGRESS IS HERE
An international group of brewers will be attending the 2008 World Brewing Congress this week at the Hawai'i Convention Center.
Sponsors say the event — today through Wednesday — brings together an international community of brewers to discuss product advances, state-of-the art technologies, and the latest research results. The WBC 2008 program includes plenary sessions, symposia and workshops.
This year's congress is expected to draw 1,000 participants spending more than $4.7 million statewide and generating more than $458,000 in tax revenues. Sponsors said more than 8,000 hotel rooms have been booked for the event.
