BUSINESS BRIEFS
Airports get money for upgrades
Advertiser Staff
The U.S. Department of Transportation released $3.2 million in grants to plan improvements at Kahului Airport on Maui and repair the airfield at the Kona International Airport at Keahole, U.S. Rep. Mazie K. Hirono announced yesterday.
About $2 million in federal funds will be used to update the Kahului Airport master plan along with the conducting of a noise compatibility plan study at the regional facility. The state last conducted a master plans study for Kahului Airport in 1993.
The other $1.2 million in federal funds will go toward rehabilitating taxiways, airport aprons and a runway blast pad at the Kona International Airport.
The master plan update will be used to evaluate the condition of the airport and to address its development needs.
The repair work will help prevent foreign objects and other debris from posing a danger to aircraft, prolong the service life of the airfield surface, as well as enhance the overall safety of aircraft operations.
FREE TUITION FOR KEIKI OF ALOHA STAFF
The Cole Academy said it will provide 12 one-month tuition-free preschool and daycare scholarships to children of laid-off Aloha Airlines employees.
"We want to help alleviate just one of these parents' many worries so that they can focus on job hunting, interviews and all of the other details that go along with a career transition," said executive director Emily Awaya Leong.
Each of The Cole Academy's three locations — Downtown, Kunia and Kaimuki — will sponsor four children up to 5 years of age. The deadline to apply is May 10. The scholarships are available for one month through June 30. The total value of the donation is more than $15,000.
To apply, call the Lokahi Giving Project at 591-4295, or visit www.thecoleacademy.com for an online application.
RENEWABLE ENERGY COULD GET BOOST
The Legislature has approved up to $35 million in special purpose revenue bonds for local renewable energy technology firm Sopogy Inc.
The measure goes to the governor for final approval.
If approved, the bonds are expected to be used by Sopogy to develop a 10-megawatt solar farm plant on O'ahu. Honolulu-based Sopogy, which is headed by Darren Kimura, specializes in the development, manufacture and distribution of solar-powered systems.
Kimura applauded the Legislature and governor for taking the step to increase solar power production.
"Due to low energy cost and the high cost of construction, renewable energy has struggled to get traction on the island of O'ahu," Kimura said. "These special purpose revenue bonds are a critical enabler in bringing clean solar power energy to the residents."
The bill was introduced by Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu, D-41st (Waipahu, Village Park, Waikele) and Sen. Ron Menor, D-17th (Mililani, Waipi'o).
COMMPAC ANNOUNCES CHANGES
Christina Kemmer has been promoted to president of Communications Pacific after having served as the communications agency's executive vice president.
Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer Kitty Lagareta also named Bruce Coppa as chief operating officer at the company that has $8.8 million of revenues annually and employs 60.
The company provides public relations, community building, marketing and advertising services.
Senior Vice President Cindy McMillan was named head of the company's community building practice.
