BUSINESS BRIEFS
Booking deals woo business visitors
Advertiser Staff and News Services
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BOOKING DEALS WOO BUSINESS VISITORS
In looking for a new way to generate more business customers, the Hawai'i Visitors and Convention Bureau this week launched a program to boost bookings through 2010 called "Hot Rates, Hot Dates!"The new initiative is being done in partnership with member hotels and resorts statewide to provide money-saving deals on accommodations, meeting facilities and other specials. At BusinessAloha.com, HVCB's business meetings Web site, an online clearinghouse has been created for groups to see and take advantage of the special offers.
Michael Murray, the bureau's vice president of sales and marketing for corporate meetings and incentives, said the new program pitches the special saving opportunities now available at resorts statewide.
HOKU EXECUTIVES REFUSE BONUSES
Honolulu-based Hoku Scientific Inc. said the company's four executive officers have requested that they not be paid any cash bonuses for the company's fiscal year ending March 31.In March 2008, the independent members of Hoku's board of directors approved an executive compensation plan that provides for a combination of stock and cash bonuses that would be awarded, at the board's discretion, based on the company's successful progress in raising capital and in operating the planned polysilicon production facility in Idaho.
"Hoku's management team should be commended for their leadership. They have demonstrated their commitment to building a long-term sustainable business. Their personal loyalty to each other, and to Hoku, is unmatched in my experience," said Dean Hirata, chairman of the board's audit committee, and lead independent director.
GENERAL GROWTH IN TALKS WITH LENDERS
General Growth Properties Inc., the U.S. shopping-mall owner with $900 million in loans due yesterday, remains in talks with its lenders, a spokesman said.General Growth, whose Hawai'i properties include Ala Moana Center and Ward Centers, had extended until yesterday payment of a $650 million loan on the Fashion Show Mall and a $250 million loan on the Shoppes at the Palazzo, both in Las Vegas.
The loans originally were due in November, and both properties have been up for sale since October. General Growth has said it may have to file for bankruptcy protection if it's unable to refinance debt.
