State defers Waiawa solar farm decision
The state Land Use Commission wrapped up a hearing Wednesday to consider approving a utility-scale solar farm on land in Waiawa previously approved for a master-planned residential community, but held off on making a decision.
Landowner Kamehameha Schools and photovoltaic power firm SunEdison Inc. asked the LUC to amend a 1988 commission decision allowing urban development with up to 7,900 homes on 1,395 acres so that photovoltaic energy production can be an interim use on part of the site, which is between Pearl City and Waipio.
The trust and SunEdison want to have a 50-megawatt first phase on about 300 acres generating power by June 2016, followed by a 65-megawatt second phase.
The project, if realized, would be the largest photovoltaic power plant in the state, eclipsing a 12-megawatt facility on Kauai that began operating in July.
Urban Outfitters gets help for isle debut
The late-November opening of the first Urban Outfitters store in Hawaii will include popular and trendy local businesses including The Pig and the Lady restaurant, organic Wow Wow Lemonade and Kakaako plant shop Paiko Hawaii, among others.
Pow!Wow!Hawaii artist Kristin Farr has been commissioned to create an original mural and tote bag designs. The bags will be available for purchase in the store, which will open in the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa.
Pennsylvania-based, publicly traded Urban Outfitters will work to build street credibility and preview its Hawaii presence through sponsorship of the hip Honolulu Night Market on Nov. 15, as well as an in-store beauty event and concert at The Republik in December.
However, the Urban Outfitters statement gave no exact date for the store opening.
Starbucks plans delivery after sales lag
NEW YORK >> After reporting disappointing quarterly sales Thursday, Starbucks said it will offer a delivery option on its mobile app in select areas of the U.S starting next year.
The Seattle-based company declined to provide more details but has been pushing to get people to use its app as a way to build customer loyalty.
It also previously said it plans to let customers across the country place orders ahead of time on their smartphone by next year, an option intended to get people in and out of stores quicker.
"We are playing offense," CEO Howard Schultz said in explaining the various steps the company is taking to adapt to changing customer habits, including their move toward online shopping and away from brick-and-mortar stores.
The delivery plans for the second half of 2015 were announced by Schultz during a conference call Thursday discussing the company’s fiscal fourth-quarter results. For the period ended Sept. 28, Starbucks reported sales that rose 10 percent but fell short of Wall Street expectations. Global sales at established locations rose 5 percent, including in the Americas and Asia.
For the quarter, Starbucks earned $587.9 million, or 77 cents a share. Not including one-time items, it earned 74 cents per share, which was in line with Wall Street expectations, according to Fact Set.
Revenue came in at $4.18 billion, short of the $4.24 billion analysts expected.
Jobless aid applications rise to 287,000
WASHINGTON >> The number of people seeking unemployment benefits rose slightly last week but remained at historically low levels that signal a strengthening job market.
Weekly applications increased 3,000 to a seasonally adjusted 287,000, the Labor Department said Thursday. The four-week average, a less volatile measure, declined 250 to 281,000, the lowest level in more than 14 years.
ON THE MOVE
Bishop Museum has promoted Brad Evans to director of exhibits and production. He has been with the museum for 24 years while holding numerous positions, including archaeologist, exhibit designer, videographer, multimedia designer, cartographer, illustrator and web master.
Group 70 International has hired architect Ma Ry Kim as principal and design director. She has 20 years of industry experience, including serving 15 years at Gensler, an internationally renowned design firm.
Central Pacific Bank has promoted Brandon Higashi to vice president and senior commercial banking officer of the neighbor island team. He was previously an assistant vice president and senior commercial banking officer and has more than 10 years of finance and banking experience.
