Biz Quickies: Hilo Paint Job, Starbucks Prizes, Ocean Adventure

Let The Painting Begin
A “Pre-Paint Party” with Benjamin Moore photo booth, live free music and art walk next Friday, Jan. 3, from 5-9 p.m., will herald downtown Hilo’s makeover won in a community-wide show of support for the project. Check out Benjamin Moore’s free photo booth next to the Kress Building by Connections Public Charter School. The painting is expected to start in January.

HomeStreet Makes Inroads
HomeStreet Bank will open a home loan center and mortgage lending branch at Parker Ranch Center, Waimea, in January, Pacific Business News reported. The lender is looking to work with the Department of Hawaiian Homelands on Lalamilo Waimea and Lai Opua homestead projects. Its only other Big Island branch is in Hilo. Shirley DeRego will be the senior loan officer.

Discount Rooms, Starbucks Prizes
Good deals await those attending the Waimea Ocean Film Festival Jan 2-10. The Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel is offering discounted room rates to pass holders and Starbucks awards a prize to festival attendees who complete the festival’s 20-punch card showing they attended 20 films or presentations.

Real Estate Classes
The West Hawaii Association of Realtors is conducting classes for its Graduate Realtor Institute program. Professionals teach contracts, business planning, property management, landlord tenant relations, ethics and adapting to the changing face of the industry. Register here.

Whales, Waterfalls, Wildlife
Lava Ocean Tours in Pahoa started running its “Natural Wonders of Hilo Whales, Waterfalls & Wildlife” tour again in December and will continue into 2014, as well as a new “Hilo Whale Watching tour aboard the “Lavakai.” Call 966-4200.

Garden to Table
The Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa’s executive Sous Chef Jayson Kanekoa has added a hydroponic herb and vegetable garden fronting the open-air, outdoor Hawaii Calls Restaurant & Lounge. He’ll use the basil, shiso, mint, sweet potato and taro in his culinary creations. To try them, call 886-6789 for reservations. Last year Kanekoa had the hotel staff plant Kona coffee trees on the resort grounds.

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