Job market still weak despite gains, Bernanke says

WASHINGTON >> Ben Bernanke says the job market isn’t as strong as the steadily declining unemployment rate might suggest.

Responding to questions at a Senate hearing Tuesday, he noted that the unemployment rate doesn’t capture the plight of millions of people who have stopped looking for work or part-timers who can’t find full-time jobs.

His cautious view helps explain why the Federal Reserve plans to hold interest rates at record lows until late 2014. Many economists were looking to see whether Bernanke might waver on that stance after Friday’s news that hiring surged in January and the unemployment rate dropped to a three-year low of 8.3 percent. The Fed chairman stuck with the three-year time line.

Bernanke maintained the Fed’s position: The economy is improving at a frustratingly slow pace, and low rates are necessary to boost growth.

Hawaiian Air passengers up in January

Hawaiian Airlines carried more passengers in January than a year ago as it expanded service and brought in larger aircraft. The state’s largest airline said today it transported 738,981 people, up 6.8 percent from 691,932 a year earlier. The load factor, or percentage of seats filled, edged up 1 percent to 83.4 percent from 82.4 percent.

Available seat miles, or one seat transported one mile, increased 11.4 percent to 1.1 billion from 959.2 million while revenue passenger miles, or one paying passenger transported one mile, rose 12.9 percent to 891.5 million from 790 million.

Big Isle farm company files for bankruptcy

A Hawaii island company that transports livestock between Hawaii and the mainland has filed for bankruptcy.

American Pacific Inc. International sought protection from creditors on Feb. 1 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Honolulu.

The firm, based in Paauilo on the Hamakua Coast, estimated that it has between 100 and 199 creditors collectively owed between $1 million and $10 million. American Pacific estimated that it has less than $50,000 in assets.

Bankoh to be title sponsor of Goodwill event

Bank of Hawaii will be the title sponsor of the inaugural Goodwill Goes GLAM! Talent Showcase and Treasure Marketplace.

The Aug. 23-26 shopping and fashion event will spotlight Hawaii’s style industry and contribute to job creation, while allowing attendees to learn more about Goodwill’s educational, employment and training programs. Interactive daily activities will showcase job talent and "green" career pathways specific to Hawaii’s fashion, retail and style industries.

The event will begin with a high-fashion kickoff gala dinner and fashion show on Aug. 23.

The "Call for Talent" will take place on Feb. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ward Warehouse on the second floor at the Hifi Coop and at the Ward Warehouse conference rooms. Walk-ins are welcome, but those who register for the Call for Talent by Feb. 20 will receive priority line placement. To register online, go to www.higoodwill.org and click onto Call for Talent Volunteer.

For more information, call 836-9675, email info@higoodwill.org or go to @GoodwillHawaii on Twitter, TheGoodwillHunter.com blog and Goodwill Industries of Hawaii on Facebook.

Theme parks help boost Disney earnings

LOS ANGELES » Vacationers are opening their wallets more freely than they have in years at Disney’s theme parks, adding to signs of growing consumer confidence and contributing to a climbing quarterly profit at the entertainment conglomerate.

The Walt Disney Co. said Tuesday that operating income in its parks division, watched as a barometer of the broader economy, increased 18 percent in the most recent quarter to $553 million. Revenue increased 10 percent, to $3.2 billion. Higher ticket prices contributed, but so did increased food and beverage spending inside Walt Disney World in Florida and the Disneyland Resort in California.

Overall, Disney reported net income of $1.5 billion, or 80 cents a share, up from $1.3 billion, or 68 cents a share, in the same quarter a year earlier. Revenue inched up 1 percent to $10.8 billion.

Sales in Asia lift Coca-Cola to profit

Coca-Cola Co., the world’s largest soft-drink maker, reported a fourth-quarter profit that topped analysts’ estimates as teas and juices boosted Asia sales. Profit excluding some items was 79 cents a share. That exceeded the 77-cent average of 14 analysts’ estimates. Net income fell to $1.65 billion, or 72 cents a share, from $5.77 billion, or $2.46, a year ago, when the company posted a gain from an acquisition.

CEO Muhtar Kent is expanding sales of beverages in Asia with global marketing campaigns and products such as its Minute Maid Pulpy juice drink. Fourth-quarter sales volume climbed 5 percent in Japan and 10 percent in China.

ON THE MOVE

Kuakini Medical Center has appointed the following: 

 >> Wayne Becker as patient care coordinator of emergency services. He was previously a PCC for the progressive care unit and acute hemodialysis. Becker has more than 20 years of health care experience, including as an emergency medical technician/paramedic and a critical care nurse. 

>> Eric Miura as PCC of the intensive care unit, critical care unit and critical care float pool. He was previously an assistant PCC of ICU, CCU and CCFP. Miura has more than 20 years of health care experience.

KCAA Preschools of Hawaii has announced Coreen K. Lee as project manager of the new Center of Early Education and Development. She has worked in the early-education industry for several years.