More women going to ‘Off the Map’

A growing number of women appear to be tuning in to "Off the Map," ABC TV’s drama about doctors in the jungle, according to Nielsen ratings released yesterday by the network.

Wednesday night’s episode, the drama’s fourth, hit a series high among women 18-34. It attracted 2.3 percent of the total TV viewing audience and 7 percent of those who were watching TV at the time.

"Off the Map," which is filmed in Hawaii, also finished second in the hour to "Law & Order: SVU" among adults 18-49. Overall viewership rose from last week to 5.4 million from 5.1 million, but the show still finished third behind CBS TV’s "Blue Bloods" with 11.5 million and NBC’s "Law & Order: SVU," with 8.8 million.

Verizon Wireless isle investments rise

Verizon Wireless said it invested nearly $40 million in Hawaii last year to provide new wireless services, network coverage and additional capacity for its customers across the state.

The spending brings Verizon Wireless’ total investment in Hawaii to more than $254 million in the last decade, and more than $65 billion nationally.

The 2010 investment funded, among other things, Verizon’s new wireless switch facility in Mililani, continued growth of the company’s 3G network and the roll-out of its 4G high-speed wireless network.

Hotel workers picket Sheraton Kauai

POIPU, Kauai » About 230 Sheraton Kauai workers picketed the hotel Wednesday in a labor dispute over benefits and other issues.

Local 5 spokesman Cade Watanabe told The Garden Island newspaper the hotel’s management company, Starwood, should provide medical benefits to food and beverage workers who will lose their jobs for about seven months while the hotel is renovated.

Watanabe says Starwood provided workers at the Princess Kaiulani in Waikiki with benefits when that hotel was redeveloped.

Sheraton Kauai General Manager Chip Bahouth said in a statement the hotel’s ability to provide a world-class experience for its guests is made possible by "the hard work and spirit of aloha of our associates."

The workers’ contract expired in June. Local 5 is in the midst of negotiations for a new contract.

Publisher recycling old phone books

The Berry Co., publisher of the Hawaiian Telcom Yellow Pages, said its Think Yellow Go Green recycling campaign will continue for three more weeks — today through Sunday, next Friday to Feb.-13 and Feb. 18-20.

The four drop-off locations on Oahu, which will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., are Ward Centre (next to the trolley stop on Auahi Street, outside of Pictures Plus), Windward Mall (on Haiku Road near the Kamehameha Highway intersection, on the corner of the lot between Macy’s and Sears), Kahala Mall (next to the trolley stop on Kilauea Avenue, across from Macy’s) and Town Center of Mililani (behind Consolidated Theatres next to Tesoro Gas Express, near the Reynolds Recycling location).

30-year mortgage rate up to 4.81%

NEW YORK » The average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage edged up this week as bond yields increased.

Freddie Mac said yesterday the average rate rose to 4.81 percent this week from 4.80 percent the previous week. It dropped to a 40-year low of 4.17 percent in November.

The average rate on the 15-year loan slipped to 4.08 percent from 4.09 percent. It reached 3.57 percent in November, the lowest level on record starting in 1991.

ON THE MOVE

Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, has promoted Ian F. McPhee to hotel manager from food and beverage director. He has been with the company for 14 years at various locations across the globe.

Hoakalei Country Club has named Jordan Thomas as apprentice golf professional. His responsibilities include assisting other golf professionals with day-to-day operations and member services. Thomas’ experience includes working at Ko Olina Golf Club and Waikele Golf Club.

First Hawaiian Bank has announced the following promotions:

» Ernest L. Bonser to senior vice president from vice president in the bank’s risk management department
» Rene M. Chinen to senior vice president from vice president of the legal corporate services center
» Marion M. Kamei to senior vice president from vice president in the private banking division
» Kenneth L. Miller to senior vice president from director of investment services of the investment services department
» Candice Y. Naito to senior vice president from vice president and business banker of the Kapiolani banking center