Biz Quickies: Big Isle Auto Sales Rebound Highest in State

Big Island Leads in Auto Sales
New vehicle registrations in Hawaii County, or new auto sales, jumped more than 25% in Big Island in 2013 compared to the previous year, according to Hawaii Auto Outlook, a publication of the Hawaii Auto Dealers Association. That was the highest increase among the state’s four counties, all of which reported strong sales for the past year. New car sales were up 14.7 statewide and 9% nationally last year. HAO predicted that improvements will continue through this year with continuing pent-up market demand diminishing possibly in 2015.

New Tour Plane Blessing At Big Island Air Open House
Big Island Air will unveil its factory-new, 2013 9-passenger Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft next Friday, Feb. 28, at an open house and blessing at the Kona International Airport commuter terminal. BIA offers tour flights of Hawaii Island volcanoes, waterfalls, valleys and settlements, and charter flights to Lanai, Molokai Maui and Oahu. Call 329-4868.

KK Entertainment
The Kona Kozy Comedy & Magic Show is moving to its new home inside the King’s Grille at the Waikoloa Beach Resort. Award-winning comedy magician Paul Kozak (aka Kona Kozy), tour operator Raymond “Squire” Foat and renowed Las Vegas show producer Dick Feeney are partners in the production. Starting March 3, Kona Kozy will be performing six nights a week (not Thursday) at 7:30 p.m. Call 430-1957.

Coffee and Chocolate
Festivals featuring two of the Big Island’s favorite products are fast approaching. The fabulous Big Island Chocolate Festival will be May 2-3 at the New Fairmont Orchid. The Fairmont is offering special discounted room rate for the festival. Check the web site or call 324-6100 for details. Also opening May 2 with tastings and coffee-related events each day through May 11 is the Kau Coffee Festival. Call 929-9550 for the complete schedule.

Hualalai Academy Closing
The private K-12 school opened in 1996 and will close at the end of the school year, affecting about 100 students, Pacific Business News reported. Kamehameha Schools signed a letter of intent to buy the school property in Kailua-Kona for an undisclosed price.

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