Hawaiian Air ranks high

Hawaiian Airlines was the top U.S. carrier in November for on-time performance and fewest consumer complaints, according to a U.S. Department of Transportation report yesterday. Hawaiian had 93.1 percent of its flights arrive on schedule during the month while it had only one complaint from nearly 677,000 passengers. Hawaiian was third for fewest canceled flights with five out of 5,328 but ninth out of 18 airlines for mishandled bags with 2.98 per 1,000 passengers.

Target to open store in Hilo

Hilo will become Target’s fourth Hawaii location this summer but its first to offer fresh produce and meat.

The retailer, which will open its Hilo store on July 24, will have about 10,000 square feet of cooler and freezer space. Hilo customers will be able to purchase about 75 percent of their grocery lists at Target, the company said.

"Target takes great pride in designing stores that meet the needs of our guests and the communities we serve," said John Griffith, Target’s executive vice president. "With the addition of an expanded fresh food assortment, our new stores will offer guests everything they need in one convenient location."

Minneapolis-based Target has 1,752 stores spread throughout 49 states.

Abercrombie to talk on innovation

A symposium co-sponsored by the University of Hawaii is set to bring together business and political leaders to focus attention on technological innovation, business formation and economic growth.

The annual conference at the Sheraton Waikiki will feature a keynote speech by Gov. Neil Abercrombie and panel discussions on bringing more federal dollars to the state, UH research and Hawaii’s near-term future.

U.S. Reps. Colleen Hanabusa and Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, U.S. Sens. Daniel Akaka and Daniel Inouye, and Ginger Lew, senior adviser with the White House National Economic Council, also will participate.

The National Academy of Sciences is co-sponsoring the two-day event, which begins at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Blazin’ Steaks adds Market City store

The proliferating Blazin’ Steaks franchise has opened a 1,200-square-foot store in Market City Shopping Center in Kaimuki and is offering a limited-time 10 percent discount for students with valid ID. The new store offers items not sold at other locations, including Loco Moco, steak and egg plates and acai bowls, as well as the regular Blazin’ Steaks menu, on which prices range from $6 to $10. The restaurant is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and has a website at www.blazinmarketcity.com.

Island Air Explorer Program to start

Island Air is launching a third season of its student Explorer Program with orientation night at 6:30 p.m. next Wednesday at Bishop Museum’s Atherton Halau. Students between the ages of 14 and 20 who have an interest in aviation are encouraged to attend orientation with their parents. Applications to the program will be accepted only at orientation, and only 15 students will be invited to experience the 10-week educational program.

Island Air’s Explorer Program offers interested students 10 hands-on sessions covering aviation careers such as flight attendant, pilot, aircraft mechanic and airport operations. More information, including a downloadable application, is available at www.IslandAir.com/Explorers.

On the Move

Jay Manzano has been named president of Unlimited Construction, which is building the Safeway store on Beretania Street in Honolulu as well as completing the Kapolei Judiciary Complex and the Waikiki Hard Rock Cafe Retail Center. Manzano was previously vice president of Kauai operations for the general contracting company.

The Pacific Beach Hotel has appointed Emerson Ribao as general manager of the Oceanarium Restaurant. He will be responsible for overseeing the restaurant’s daily operations. Ribao was previously general manager of Kobe Japanese Steak House in Waikiki.

Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties has announced Phil Fong as its newest Realtor-associate. He was previously president and chief executive officer of Jeans Warehouse.

Maryknoll School has chosen Dr. Lawrence "Larry" Tseu as the honoree for the 2011 Charles A. Kekumano Noblesse Oblige Service award. He is a retired dentist who was chosen for his dedicated assistance to organizations in Hawaii and around the world. Tseu will be given the award March 5 at Waikiki Edition hotel.