Macy’s earnings surge

Macy’s Inc.’s net income jumped in the second quarter as it saw a payoff from its focus on exclusive moderate-price fashions and tailoring merchandise to local markets. The company boosted its profit outlook and increased its forecast for a key revenue measure as it takes market share from rivals such as J.C. Penney. The chain posted profits of $147 million for the period ended July 31 versus $7 million a year ago. Revenue rose 7.2 percent to $5.54 billion.

Kaiser hit with $13,750 asbestos fine

Kaiser Foundation Hospitals this week was fined $13,750 by the Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Division for mishandling asbestos procedures at its Moanalua Medical Center.

The state’s largest health maintenance organization was cited for failing to post notices in areas exposed to asbestos; failing to properly inform and train workers on how to handle asbestos; and failing to provide information about the asbestos within 15 days of a request by Unite Here Local 5, the union representing 1,750 Kaiser workers.

"As an employee of a company whose mission is supposed to be focused on addressing the health care needs of our community, it’s a shame that Kaiser would put us and this community at risk with such negligent actions," said Rani Vargas, a Kaiser occupational health medical assistant, in a release issued by the union.

The union said it was notified by members in November 2009 of the possible exposure to asbestos, but that Kaiser repeatedly denied providing information, which resulted in Local 5 filing a complaint with HIOSH on March 1. Local 5 said Kaiser had been aware of the asbestos since June 2008, but didn’t notify workers until about 18 months later.

Kaiser spokeswoman Jan Kagehiro said: "HIOSH has notified us of ways to improve our work-force notification and training regarding hazardous materials at our Moanalua Medical Center campus. We are pleased that there were no safety concerns raised."

Kaiser, which is currently in contract negotiations with the union, can contest the findings, including the amount of the penalties, within 20 days of the citations.

Beachcomber to become Holiday Inn

Outrigger Enterprises Group said it has signed a licensing agreement to rebrand its Ohana Waikiki Beachcomber as the Holiday Inn Waikiki Beachcomber Resort.

Outrigger will continue to own and manage the hotel, and all workers will keep their jobs and will remain employees of Outrigger, the company said yesterday. The rebranding is expected to completed in November.

"We are proud to include the Holiday Inn — and its exciting look, feel and guest experience — as part of our family of quality Outrigger hotels," said David Carey, president and chief executive officer of Outrigger Enterprises Group.

Guests at the Holiday Inn will be able to earn or redeem points under the IHG Priority Club Rewards program, the world’s largest hotel loyalty program.

ML Macadamia finalizes Big Isle deal

ML Macadamia Orchards LP has completed its purchase of the Big Island macadamia farming operations of California-based International Air Service Co. Ltd. for $12.5 million.

The purchase includes 4,843 acres of land in the Kau district, including 1,100 acres planted in macadamia trees.

ML Macadamia in June announced it had an agreement to buy the property, which also includes about 2,750 acres of undeveloped land covered by lava rock that IASCO may repurchase in three years for $1 million under certain conditions.

IASCO had a long-term contract to supply its macadamia nuts to Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corp., which is owned by the Hershey Co. ML Macadamia, which bills itself as the world’s largest grower of macadamia nuts, also supplies nuts to Mauna Loa.

ON THE MOVE

Liz Chun has been named director of philanthropy for Pali Momi Medical Center, an affiliate of Hawaii Pacific Health, and will continue to host the Coach Mack Show as well as work on special projects for Hawaii News Now. She has 15 years of television news experience at KGMB/Hawaii News Now, where she served as the state’s first and only female sports director.

The Kauai Visitors Bureau said the Princeville Prince Course has been ranked 22nd in the "Top 100 Courses You Can Play" list in GOLF magazine. Princeville Prince Course, Poipu Bay, Princeville Makai Course, Puakea and Kauai Lagoons also made the state of Hawaii "2010 Best Courses You Can Play" list in the magazine.

Prudential Locations has announced the winners of its Diamond Head office who received the top agent awards for July 2010:

» Brenda Mahoney is "Newcomer of the Month."

» Stephanie Chan is "Salesperson of the Month."

» Russell Nishimoto is "Listor of the Month."

» Sherrie Kuroda is "Highest Producer of the Month."