Honolulu Airport is ranked as third worst
Hawaii’s main airport is the third worst in North America in a recent survey of travelers.
Honolulu Airport is not as bad as worst-ranked LaGuardia International Airport in New York or second-worst Los Angeles International Airport, according to users of online travel site sleepinginairports.net.
The site’s editors advise travelers not to get stuck in the listed airports because they are unclean, confusing, dull or dated.
Honolulu Airport is "probably the worst airport I’ve ever attempted to sleep at," one traveler said. "Loud music played throughout the night. It was about the same dozen Hawaiian songs on a loop. Nowhere comfortable to sleep."
The website also cited the early closing hours of the "handful" of shops and restaurants, boarding gates that don’t open until right before a flight, and the lack of free Wi-Fi.
The rest of the top five worst airports are Newark Liberty International Airport at No. 4 and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York at No. 5.
Information officer now with U.S. Treasury
Sanjeev "Sonny" Bhagowalia, Hawaii’s first chief information officer, on Monday started a new position as deputy assistant secretary and chief information officer for the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
In July 2011, Gov. Neil Abercrombie appointed Bhagowalia CIO for the Office of Information Management and Technology, assigned to modernize the state’s antiquated technology infrastructure and systems.
He became the governor’s chief adviser on technology and cybersecurity in February but was mostly stationed in Washington, D.C.
A state spokesman said Bhagowalia was mostly on the mainland as "part of his position in advocating for Hawaii at the federal level."
HECO OKs microinverter for PV systems
Hawaiian Electric Co. approved a microinverter that can help residents hook up photovoltaic rooftop solar systems faster.
Los Angeles-based Chilicon Power’s CP-250 microinverter is now available in Hawaii.
"Use of an approved inverter will make the approval process quicker for a Net Energy Metering agreement applications on circuits that can accept more PV (photovoltaic) capacity at this time," said Peter Rosegg, spokesman for HECO.
The microinverter will help protect against potential safety and reliability risks that go along with rooftop solar.
The rapid rise and fall in voltage along electric lines from rooftop solar energy can cause damage to utility or customer equipment, HECO said.
Costs fueling desire for renewable energy
Costs are driving Hawaii residents to be strong supporters of renewable energy.
The University of Hawaii at Manoa released a study Friday that showed 97 percent of the adult population said they wanted to increase development of at least one form of renewable energy. Some 85 percent of those surveyed supported developing more renewable energy sources for the state.
High electrical rates were the major driving force for most responders with 35 percent of participants saying the main issue is the cost of energy, followed by environmental benefits at 17 percent.
The study was produced by the UH Center on the Family.
"Everyone in Hawaii should be concerned about energy policy and the balance of renewable and conventional energy sources that we use," said Dr. Barbara Debaryshe, co-author of the study. "The economic, environmental and cultural stakes are so high."
Applicants for health-related grants sought
The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii is accepting grant applications until Dec. 15 for health-related initiatives on Oahu.
Through the Public Health Fund, the chamber provides grants to nonprofit organizations implementing "meaningful public health education and research projects," with a preference for proposals that require collaborative effort and for which funds are not available from other sources.
Since 1985 the organization has awarded grants totaling nearly $3.5 million. Interested applicants can download an application at www.cochawaii.org/public-health-fund or email phf@cochawaii.org.
ON THE MOVE 
Lokahi HomeLoans, an affiliate company of Honolulu HomeLoans, has promoted Lori Chong to vice president, senior loan officer. She has 23 years of mortgage experience and previously worked for 21st Century Mortgage, Mortgages Etc. and United Mortgage.
The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii has inducted new board members. Incoming directors for the 2014-2015 fiscal year are Ann Botticelli, senior vice president of corporate communications and public affairs at Hawaiian Airlines; James "Jimmy" Chan, general manager and owner at Hawaiian Chip Co.; Jennifer A. Hee, chairwoman of the Steering Committee at the Young Professionals Program; Neil "Dutch" Kuyper, president and chief executive officer at Parker Ranch; Bryan Luke, president and chief operating officer at Hawaii National Bank; Alicia Moy, president and chief executive officer at Hawaii Gas; Peter Schiller, chief executive officer at Honsador Holdings; and Christine van Bergeijk, vice president and chief operating officer at Hawaii Community Foundation.
Rays on the Bay, at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay, has named Keith Mallini as its new general manager. He has more than 20 years’ experience in food and beverage management, including previously serving as a general manager and wine director at Prasino Restaurants in Chicago since 2011.
