Young Brothers Increases Cargo Rates

Monday, August 4th, 2008

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has approved Young Brothers, Limited’s application for a 5.5-percent zone increase on all cargo categories effective August 1. Under the PUC Decision and Order number 24139, the company has rate flexibility within a range, called a “zone of reasonableness.”

The proposed zone increase does not include or reflect the increased cost of fuel, which is covered in the company's separate fuel price adjustment. Young Brothers may request a zone of reasonableness rate increase once per year and may adjust fuel prices quarterly.

At the time of its application, Roy Catalani, vice president of strategic planning and government affairs for Young Brothers, noted that Young Brothers will maintain a “good value” for inter-island shipping.  With the rate increase, for example, shipping 2,000 pounds of locally grown cabbage (shipped via refrigerated pallet) will go from $59 to about $63, 2,000 pounds of frozen chicken will go from $85 to about $90, 40 cubic feet of canned goods (about 1,920 cans of soup) will go from $29 to about $31 and a 60-cubic foot pallet of beverages (about 495 six-packs) will go from $39 to about $41.

 “Young Brothers has kept increases to its operational expenses low despite cost pressures in many sectors,”said Catalani,in June when Young Brothers filed the application. “Among other things, we will pay higher labor costs in 2008 while we remain committed to our long-term $186 million capital reinvestment plan to develop and maintain essential transportation infrastructure.”

Reinvestment efforts include making substantial investments in vessels, containers, cargo handling equipment and information systems.

In 2008, Young Brothers will embark on several major customer service enhancements,
including placing into service its second and third new barges (with the fourth new barge coming
into service in 2009). These four state-of-the-art barges are expected to be in service over a period of 25 to 30 years and will be 40 percent larger than the older barges. The new barges have new, more fuel efficient hull forms that allow for increased cargo load and cargo growth without increasing fuel consumption for the towing tug and also will substantially reduce air emissions. These vessels are part of Young Brothers’ larger strategic plan that includes partnering with the state on plans to improve and create more efficient facilities in ports statewide.

Young Brothers, Limited provides inter-island cargo service throughout the State of Hawaii with ports in Honolulu, Kahului, Molokai, Lanai, Nawiliwili, Hilo, and Kawaihae. F or more information visit
Young Brothers at www.youngbrothershawaii.com.

Health Care for Keiki

Saturday, August 2nd, 2008

Temporary assistance for children from families impacted by business closures.
Press Release

The Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA) and the State of Hawaii are working together to ensure local keiki are taken care of increasingly difficult economic times. On August 1, HMSA began enrolling children from families affected by Hawaii business closures, and who have no other health insurance coverage, under the existing Keiki Care Plan. The coverage will be effective through the end of this year.

“With all the stresses that come with losing a job, I think what hits families hardest is concern over their children continuing to get good health care,” said Senator Roz Baker (Dist, 5 - South and West Maui, Kapalua, Ka’anapali, Lahaina, Ma’alaea, Kihei, Wailea, Makena), Chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee. “While we are confident that we will overcome the economic impacts and loss of jobs that came with these closures it is good to know that Hawaii’s keiki will be covered in the meantime.”

Innovation on Molokai

Saturday, August 2nd, 2008

Maunaloa-based company recognized for lowering building energy costs. 

Press Release

Developing a way for commercial building owners to cut energy costs and meet national efficiency standards has earned Chelsea Group, Ltd., recognition by the State of Hawaii. Governor Linda Lingle honored the Molokai-based firm for its “ingenuity and commitment to developing creative ways to improve Hawaii and help the state meet the challenges of the 21st century.”

Presenting the Governor’s Innovation Award to Chelsea CEO George Benda, Gov. Lingle praised the firm for developing “an innovative way to use virtual technology to help its customers around the nation become more environmentally friendly and energy efficient.”

Benda said he “was extremely pleased and honored” to receive the award. He added, “We have shown that sustainability is not a pie-in-the-sky concept. It is achievable and within the means of most companies today.”

The Maunaloa-based Chelsea Group is a consulting group that helps building owners and property managers make their commercial and industrial properties more environmentally friendly and energy efficient. Its online tools for the rapid assessment of key sustainability factors also assist property owners achieve LEED-EB (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – Existing Buildings) certification. LEED-certified buildings offer high-quality indoor environments; minimize waste to sewer and landfill, and use water and energy efficiently.

By using information systems technology the company conducts business through a virtual office platform in Honolulu, Phoenix and Chicago. Benda noted that “doing away with the need for bricks-and-mortar infrastructure dramatically reduces the need for business travel and commuting.”

Governor Linda Lingle also recognized two other innovators in the state of Hawaii. “These Innovation Award recipients once again demonstrate how prevalent innovation is among Hawaii residents and the diversity of work that is being done throughout our state to strengthen Hawaii’s future,” said Governor Lingle.

Last month’s other Governor’s Innovation Award recipients are Stop Flu at School Program, for its collaborate public-private partnership that is leading the nation in keeping keiki healthy (Innovation in Government) and Jeff Piontek, for using his passion for science, technology, and math to prepare Hawaii students for the global economy (Innovation by an Individual).

For more information on Chelsea group visit www.chelsea-grp.com.

Governor Lingle initiated the Governor’s Innovation Award to acknowledge and encourage innovation across all sectors statewide. The awards, which are presented monthly, recognize deserving individuals, companies, nonprofits, organizations and government agencies that are developing innovative products, services and processes.

For additional information about the Innovation Award or to submit a nomination, visit www.hawaii.gov/gov/innovation-award.