BUSINESS BRIEFS
Parker Ranch CEO to step down
Advertiser Staff and News Services
Chris Kanazawa, who has served as chief executive officer of Parker Ranch for the past four years, is stepping down, the ranch announced yesterday.
Kanazawa, who also will give up his position on the board of directors, will remain as a private consultant to the 161-year-old Big Island ranch.
William Maris, who recently joined the ranch as chief financial officer, will serve as interim CEO while a search for a permanent replacement to Kanazawa is conducted.
DONGBU INSURANCE EARNS AN 'A'
Dongbu Insurance Co. Ltd. (USB) of Hawai'i has been upgraded to an "A" financial strength rating from "A-" by A.M. Best Co.
Dongbu, which was the first foreign insurer company to qualify for a Hawai'i insurance license under the state's 2004 Port of Entry legislation, said the new rating took effect Dec. 8 and also applies to its issuer credit.
Dongbu, one of South Korea's leading insurance firms, plans to begin offering automobile and homeowners' policies in Hawai'i.
ST. FRANCIS NURSES GET NEW CONTRACT
St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii, the operator of hospice, home care, community outreach and other healthcare services, said it has a new contract with its 60 nurses.
The one-year contract started this month after an agreement was reached with the Hawai'i Nurses Association. The accord calls for a 5 percent wage increase as well as adjustments to shift pay and on-call pay.
The contract was the first negotiated since St. Francis sold in 2007 its two medical centers to a group that operates them as Hawaii Medical Center.
KAILUA CHAMBER ROSTER BOOMING
The Kailua Chamber of Commerce said it has more than doubled its membership during the past year.
Founded in 1957, the business group has grown to 170 members from 70 at the start of the year.
"In these challenging economic times, businesses may be seeing more value in joining organizations in their local community to help keep the monies spent closer to home," said chamber President Evan Scherman.
The $200 annual membership fee provides a way for business owners to network, as well as promote their businesses through the chamber.
CEMENT IMPORTS FALL 3.4 PERCENT
Hawai'i imports of finished Portland cement, an indicator of construction activity, fell 3.4 percent in September, or less than the average of 16.4 percent decline nationally during the month.
There were 31,866 metric tons shipped during October for Hawai'i. The shipments have fallen for three consecutive months.
LANA'I SOLAR FARM DEDICATION JAN. 6
Castle & Cooke Inc. Chairman and CEO David Murdock and various government officials will dedicate the state's largest solar farm Jan. 6 on Lana'i.
The La Ola solar farm has 7,000 solar panels covering 10 acres, and will deliver up to 30 percent of the island's daily peak electrical needs, according to Castle & Cooke.
The blessing and dedication ceremony will include performances by Lana'i children and a ceremonial throwing of the switch to turn on the facility.
