The Hawaii Farm Bureau Foundation and Aloha Air Cargo have formed a new partnership that they say "champions local farmers."

The program gives foundation members access to an exclusive discount program, including up to 35 percent off air freight from Aloha Air for locally grown and "Made in Hawaii" packaged products. Foundation President Dean Okimoto says it's the first time a discount program of this magnitude has been provided to the group's entire member base.

The Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation is a nonprofit, voluntary organization governed by and representing 1,600 farm and ranch families.

MOBI BEEFS UP LEEWARD CELL COVERAGE

Mobi PCS said it has activated cellular sites in Waipahu and Mäkaha that enhance its voice and data coverage in those areas.

The Waipahu site provides enhanced in-building coverage in Waipahu, including Village Park and the Waipahu industrial area. It also strengthens coverage in West Loch residential neighborhoods, the locally owned wireless provider said in a news release.

In Mäkaha, the new cell site enhances in-building coverage throughout Mäkaha Valley, including all residential areas, Makaha Resort & Golf Club and Makaha Valley Country Club. It also improves coverage along Farrington Highway from Poka'í Bay to Yokohama Bay.

Mobi PCS said it is nearing its goal of activating 20 new cell sites across the Islands in 2009.

NEW BROKERAGE FIRM OPENS DOORS

Matthew Bittick, a 15-year commercial real estate market veteran, has launched his own brokerage firm, Bishop Street Commercial LLC.

Bittick most recently was senior vice president and Hawai'i market leader for PM Realty Group, one of the 25 largest commercial real estate firms in the U.S.

Bishop Street Commercial represents investors, developers, landlords and tenants in leasing, sales, acquisition-disposition, property management and commercial investments, the firm said in a news release.