Cher's home in Kona's Hualalai Resort was purchased at auction for $8.7 million by a buyer from Arizona, Concierge Auctions said yesterday.

The home was one of five Kona residences auctioned Monday for a total of $19.4 million.

Concierge Auctions had estimated Cher's three-quarter-acre property was worth between $8 million and $12 million.

The six-bedroom, 8,800-square-foot Balinese-style residence features a gated center courtyard leading to the main residence. It includes a master wing, great room, kitchen, dining room, outdoor living area and infinity pool with spa overlooking the Hualalai Golf Course.

PROBLEMS DELAY HAWAIIAN AIR FLIGHT

A Hawaiian Airlines flight from Phoenix to Honolulu was delayed about 15 hours yesterday by mechanical and weather problems.

Hawaiian Flight 35 was scheduled to leave Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport at 8 a.m. yesterday but was held after a problem with a flight-warning indicator was discovered.

High winds and a winter storm delayed the company from flying in a replacement part, according to Keoni Wagner, Hawaiian's spokesman. Wagner said the flight's takeoff was rescheduled for 1 a.m. today. Other flights into and out of Phoenix Sky Harbor were delayed because of the severe weather.

There are 192 people on the flight and all have been provided food and lodging. Wagner said the passengers will be provided a $300 credit for a future flight.

SENIOR-CARE COMPANY NOW IN HONOLULU

Home Instead Senior Care has opened an office in Honolulu.

The franchise is one of 850 independently owned offices operated worldwide under the Home Instead Senior Care name.

The company bills itself as "the world's largest source of companionship and nonmedical home-care services for aging adults."

The Honolulu office is co-owned by two Home Instead Senior Care executives from California.