Bill requiring autism coverage advances
The House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce unanimously voted to adopt a measure that would require health insurers, mutual benefit societies and health maintenance organizations to provide coverage for autism spectrum disorders next year.
A number of states have enacted legislation similar to House Bill 721, which requires that state-regulated health plans cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism.
The services that would be provided by the measure would help children develop social skills to better interact with others.
Hawaii outdoor recreation spending hits $6.7B
Outdoor recreation generates an estimated $6.7 billion in spending annually in Hawaii, according to a report published by an industry trade group.
The spending supports 65,100 jobs that produce $2.1 billion in wages and $478 million in state tax revenue, the Outdoor Industry Association reported.
"Hawaii offers spectacular outdoor recreation opportunities at treasured destinations, including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Haleakala National Park and many others, providing the types of outdoor experiences that produce these economic benefits," the association said.
Nationally, Americans spend an estimated $646 billion each year on outdoor recreation, supporting 6.1 million jobs and generating nearly $80 billion in tax revenue, according to the report.
Herbalife stock jumps after Icahn grabs stake
NEW YORK » Strictly business, nothing personal. That’s how Carl Icahn characterizes the latest turn in his clash with fellow Wall Street titan William Ackman.
Both men have a keen interest in Herbalife, a maker of dietary supplements designed to promote weight loss. Ackman claims the company is a fraud and has bet that its stock price will crumble; Icahn says it’s a great buy.
They both can’t be right, and for now it’s not clear which one is. Icahn, for his part, disclosed in a regulatory filing late Thursday that he had taken a 13 percent stake in the company, essentially betting that Ackman is dead wrong. Icahn says he’s not making his bet merely to spite Ackman.
Herbalife’s stock jumped $1.97 to $40.24 following the disclosure of Icahn’s stake as investors bet that the financier might be right in his positive assessment of the company.
Icahn said he sees "great value" in Herbalife and that Ackman had created an opportunity for him by pushing down the stock price. Herbalife slumped as low as $26.06 in December after Ackman said he was shorting the stock, a tactic in which he would benefit if the stock went down.
On the Move
The YMCA of Honolulu has named Lisa Ontai as director of marketing and communications. She has more than 25 years of experience in marketing and public relations for nonprofit organizations and local businesses. Ontai’s experience includes being co-owner and vice president of Ontai-LaGrange and Associates as well as serving as director of programs and communications for the March of Dimes-Chapter of the Pacific.
Royal Hawaiian Orchards has appointed Jon Miyata as its vice president and chief accounting officer. He was previously working at HPM Building Supply, where he served as a senior vice president of distribution operations for five years and vice president and chief financial officer for seven years. Prior to HPM, Miyata was a president of the Termite Mesh Co. as well as a controller of M. Sonomura Contracting Co.
