U.S. bank earnings up 6.6 percent, most in 6 years

WASHINGTON >> U.S. banks earned more from July through September than in any other quarter over the past six years. The increase is further evidence that the industry is strengthening four years after the 2008 financial crisis.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. said Tuesday that the banking industry earned $37.6 billion in the third quarter, up 6.6 percent from $35.3 billion in the third quarter of 2011. 

About 57 percent of the banks reported improved earnings, which allowed them to set aside less for losses on loans. And the number of troubled banks fell to the lowest level in three years. For the second straight quarter, loans to consumers increased in most categories, including home mortgages and auto loans. That suggests banks are becoming less cautious.

Hawaiian to hire 240 new flight attendants

Hawaiian Airlines will interview approximately 2,600 applicants for 240 new flight attendant positions during group interviews today at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center.

All applicants have been preregistered for interviews by Hawaiian.

Hawaiian, which currently has more than 4,800 employees — the most in company history — hired more than 500 new employees this year. Including the hiring of the new flight attendants, Hawaiian plans to add more than 500 new employees in 2013.

The airline, which announced Monday it will begin flying nonstop three days a week between Taipei and Hono­lulu in July, is especially interested in hiring Mandarin-speaking flight attendants as part of its recruitment.

Aloha Pacific opens another credit union

Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union has added the Stevedores/Castle & Cooke Hawaii FCU branch at Dole Cannery to APFCU’s existing nine branches on Oahu and one in Las Vegas.

"This is our fifth partnership in five years, and it represents a wonderful opportunity for both credit unions," said Wallace Wata­nabe, APFCU president and CEO.

APFCU in recent years has merged with Inter-Island FCU, First Insurance FCU, Word of Life FCU and Media Hawaii FCU.

The Dole Cannery branch is at 650 Iwilei Road, Suite 160, across from the Regal Theatres complex.

APFCU is the third-largest credit union in Hawaii with more than $730 million in assets. Membership is open to employees of the City and County of Hono­lulu, members of the Hawaii Government Employees Association and more than 1,400 select employee groups and their immediate families.

Oceanic adds over-50 network to lineup

Cable network RLTV, which embodies Rethinking Life beyond 50, has been added to Oceanic Time Warner Cable’s basic digital tier on Channel 169.

The network and its website at www.rl.tv are geared for viewers ages 50 and older with diverse programming about health and wellness, relationships, redefining oneself, finance, political and public policy matters and more.

Key shows include "Good Food, Good Deeds," hosted by Florence Henderson and produced in partnership with Meals on Wheels. The show combines cook-offs with the nonprofit’s mission. Also in the lineup is "Money Matters with Jean Chatzky," in which personal finance tips are offered.

Volunteers needed to provide free tax help

Several volunteer income tax assistance groups in Hawaii are seeking volunteers to provide free tax assistance for those in their communities who need help the most: seniors, the disabled, non-English speaking and those with limited incomes. Bilingual volunteers are particularly needed.

Volunteers can help as a return preparer, site coordinator or greeter.

Volunteers will be provided with free training materials on how to prepare basic individual income tax returns and, in most cases, how to file them electronically. Instruction will cover both federal and Hawaii state tax returns.

Training is usually held between November and January, and volunteers generally study online with Link & Learn Taxes to obtain their volunteer certification. Classroom training also may be available. Once certified, volunteers spend as little as three to four hours per week volunteering between February and April.

To volunteer, send an email to taxvolunteer@irs.gov or contact any of the following organizations:

» AARP Foundation Tax-Aide: Sign up to volunteer at www.aarp.org/money/taxes/info-2006/volunteer_aarp_tax_aide.html?cmp=RDRCT-MONTXAID_JUL15_010.

» HACBED (Hawai‘i Alliance for Community-Based Economic Development): Family and Individual Self-Sufficiency program coordinator, Susan, at 548-1012.

» Legal Aid Society of Hawaii: Contact Elise von Dohlen at elvondo@lashaw.org or call 527-8056.

» Goodwill Industries of Hawaii: Volunteer program coordinator Lori Lau, 946-9675.

» Leeward Community College Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program: Contact Roy at 455-0294 or kamida@hawaii.edu.

Orthopedic Associates moves to Hale Pawa‘a

Orthopedic Associates of Hawaii, which combines the specialty practices of seven doctors, has signed a 10-year lease to occupy two floors totaling more than 20,000 square feet at the new medical office building Hale Pawa‘a in late 2013. The offices will include an Ambulatory Surgery Center.

On the Move

Hunt Cos. has promoted Jose Busta­mante to vice president of its Hawaii region development division. He joined the company as a development manager in November 2010. Prior to joining the company, he was a commercial real estate investment and leasing broker for CBRE in San Francisco.

Servco Automotive has named Brian Rothe digital marketing manager. He was previously an editorial producer at Disney Interactive and has a background in video production for television and commercial advertising projects.

Communications Pacific has hired:

>> Erin Kealoha Fale as a senior account executive. She was previously a chief of staff for state Rep. Aaron Ling Johanson as well as an account coordinator for an international public relations firm called Ketchum in Venice, Calif.

>> David Lato as an account executive. He was previously an Easter Seals Hawaii grants program administrator and also worked at Community Links Hawaii.