Biz Wrap: Jason Fujimoto Makes ’20 to Watch’ List

There’s a lot happening in the world of business in Hawaii County this week.

The Big Island’s own Sen. Malama Solomon introduced legislation to reduce inter-island travel costs, while HPM Building Supply’s Jason Fujimoto was recognized by Hawaii Business Magazine as one of 20 leaders to watch.

Here’s a look at what’s happening:

Senate Committee Considering Inter-island Travel Bill

The Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection heard a bill today that would make inter-island travel more affordable for local consumers.

Senate Bill 451 was introduced by Solomon who represents District 4 comprised of Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa and Kona.

The bill puts the owners of air carriers under the purview of the Public Utilities Commission and would essentially allow the PUC to regulate airfares and make it more affordable for local consumers.

Right now, air carriers are exempt from regulation of the PUC.

Testimony may be emailed, if less than five pages in length, to the Committee at [email protected].

Hilo Native Named One of 20 People to Watch 2013

Hawaii Business Magazine named Jason Fujimoto, senior VP/CFO of HPM Building Supply, as one of the “20 for the Next 20: People to Watch 2013.”

The list showcases 20 business people around Hawaii believed to make an impact on the state in the next two decades.

The 32-year-old Hilo native, who graduated from Wharton, the renowned business school at the University of Pennsylvania, was the only Big Island resident to make this year’s list.

Jason is the fifth generation to work at the employee-owned company founded by his great-great-grandfather, Kametaro Fujimoto.

Hawaii Public Radio to Air in Kona by April

Hawaii Public Radio will be on the air in Kailua-Kona by April 14, the on-air date deadline it filed as part of its application with the Federal Communications Commission.

According to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Michael Titterton, Hawaii Public Radio president and general manager, says the group has raised a little over $100,000 to fund the station.

The funding will cover the purchasing and installation of the equipment, as well as overhead expenses for the first year.

KHPH-FM 88.7 will feature the same national and local public radio programming currently heard on Oahu at KIPO-FM 89.3, on Maui at KIPM-FM 89.7 and in the Hilo area on KONO-FM 91.1.

New Location for Hilo DIA Office

Alice Moon, executive director of the Hilo Downtown Improvement Association, wants everyone to know that the non-profit organization has a new office location.

The group is located in the former Lycurgus Building, now known as the MJD Building at 56 Waianuenue Ave., #219. The DIA phone number is the same.

Moon also mentioned that the 1939 building, which is currently being repainted, has a couple of upstairs units available for rent. Ernest Medeiros at Ala Kai Realty is the commercial manager.

First Hawaiian Bank Unveils Free iPad App

First Hawaiian Bank said it has become the first local bank to introduce an iPad app for its FHB online banking services.

The free FHB iPad app, which is available for download from the App Store, allows FHB online customers with an internet connection to view account balances, including new money management charts; view recent transactions; pay bills; transfer money between their FHB accounts.

Customers can also locate nearby branches and ATMs by GPS, zip code or address; and click on links to open an account or view current specials.

If your business has an opening, closing, promotion, retirement, new product release, special event, award, new location, or expansion, please let us know. Email us at [email protected].