Foodland, Hawaiian team up on miles

Foodland Super Market Ltd. shoppers can now earn frequent-flier miles on Hawaiian Airlines for purchases through a program that began yesterday.

Under a new partnership with the grocer’s Maika’i Card frequent-shopper program and the HawaiianMiles frequent-flier program, shoppers can earn points for purchases at Foodland, Sack N Save and Foodland Farms stores.

Foodland is the only local supermarket to offer mileage benefits with Hawaiian.

Customers get 1 Maika’i point for every dollar they spend, and after earning 250 Maika’i points will receive a certificate to redeem 200 HawaiianMiles, grocery discounts or free or reduced priced items. Customers must register their Maika’i Card number and HawaiianMiles account number online at www.HawaiianAirlines.com/Foodland.

The companies also are offering Maika’i members a sweepstakes through Feb. 15 for a pair of round-trip tickets to the mainland. To enter, go to www.foodland.com/sweepstakes.

Maui man sells energy to HECO

A Maui businessman has become the first customer of Hawaiian Electric Co. to sell renewable energy back to the utility under the so-called feed-in tariff program enacted last fall. The program makes it easier for developers of small- and medium-sized clean energy projects to sell their electricity to HECO in an effort to accelerate the state’s move toward energy self-sufficiency.

Doug McCleod, who owns the 6.58-kilowatt photovoltaic system mounted on the roof of a commercial building in Kihei, will sell the electricity to Maui Electric Co., a HECO subsidiary, for 21.8 cents a kilowatt-hour. The system was designed and installed by Hilo-based ProVision Solar Inc.

McCleod, a former environmental lawyer with experience developing renewable energy projects in Hawaii and on the mainland, was recently named energy coordinator in the administration of new Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa.

Starbucks gives logo a new look

Starbucks Corp., the world’s largest coffee company, unveiled a new logo yesterday that drops the words encircling its iconic sea nymph and gives her a few subtle updates.

Starbucks says the fresh look goes with a new direction for the company as it makes its way back from its toughest times in its 40-year history. Prior versions of the logo helped build Starbucks into one of the world’s best recognized brands, and the company felt it no longer needed to reinforce its name at every turn. The new wordless logo also is better suited to the company’s expansion beyond coffee into a wider array of business lines and into more international markets.

Delta OKs deal on claims against Mesa

Delta Air Lines Inc. reached an agreement to resolve its claims for payments from regional air carrier Mesa Air Group Inc. as part of Mesa’s bankruptcy reorganization.

Delta, which filed claims for more than $67.75 million against Mesa, will have those claims reduced to $7.3 million, Mesa said yesterday in a filing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York.

Mesa, which owns go! Mokulele, said there is "substantial risk" that continued litigation with Delta might not succeed and asked a bankruptcy judge to approve the settlement. Mesa filed for bankruptcy a year ago and is scheduled to seek court approval for a restructuring plan later this month.

ON THE MOVE

Inspiration Interiors has hired Dean Calibraro as director of the contract/business sales division. He has 20 years in sales and management and was previously in management with Spotlight Publishing and Gold’s Gym.

Hawaii Pacific Federal Credit Union has donated 118 presents of gift cards and merchandise to the 2010 Lokahi Giving Project. The credit union has been participating in the Lokahi Giving Project every year since 2002.

Communications Pacific has promoted the following:

» Andrew Garrett to director. He was previously a legislative office manager to Rep. Kenneth Hiraki during the 2003-2005 legislative session.

» Puanani Crabbe to account executive. Her experience includes a range of industries, including dental, hotel, and home theater design and installation.

The American Association for Respiratory Care has honored Jo Ann Ikehara in the diagnostics section with the specialty practitioner of the year award at its recent International Respiratory Congress held in Las Vegas. Ikehara was one of nine respiratory therapists honored.