The Honolulu-based polysilicon maker had been battling with Idaho Power over its energy bill, and the utility in November said it could shut off power over an unpaid bill. Honeymooners die in bike crash ADVERTISING HONOLULU (AP) — Authorities say
Honeymooners die in bike crash
HONOLULU (AP) — Authorities say a woman from Japan who was on her honeymoon in Hawaii is dead and her husband hospitalized after the couple crashed the motorcycle they were riding.
The couple’s rented motorcycle crashed into a guardrail on Kamehameha Highway in Kaawa around 12:15 p.m. Friday.
A supervisor with the Department of Emergency Medical Services says the newlyweds were not wearing helmets.
The woman died after being taken to a hospital, while the man was listed in critical condition.
Their names and hometowns have not been released, but officials say they were both 27 years old.
Miss America visits hospital
HONOLULU (AP) — Children who are patients at a Honolulu hospital will taut Miss America a bit about the islands.
Reigning Miss America Laura Kaeppeler visited Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children Saturday.
The children taught her how to make lei and joined in a hula lesson from Miss Hawaii Lauren Cheape.
Miss America is raising funds and awareness for the hospital and other Children’s Miracle Network hospitals nationwide.
Governor attends trade meetings
Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie was in Los Angeles Friday for the United States and China economic trade meetings.
The U.S.-China Economic Trade and Trade Cooperation Forum and Signing Ceremony capped Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping’s visit to the United States.
Abercrombie traveled to California for the meetings at the request of Vice President Joe Biden and California Gov. Jerry Brown.
The forum is intended to encourage more Chinese investment in the United States. Abercrombie said he would also use the trip to expand business and visitor industry relationships for Hawaii.
Department of Business and Economic Development and Tourism Director Richard Lim and Hawaii Tourism Authority President Mike McCartney also attended the meetings with the governor.
Solar plant makes deal with utility
POCATELLO, Idaho — A struggling southeastern Idaho solar-industry manufacturer has reached an agreement with Idaho Power Co. substantially reducing its energy bill, after the manufacturer complained it was being overcharged.
Hoku Materials in the agreement announced Friday will see its monthly minimum energy charge reduced from about $2 million to about $800,000.
The Idaho State Journal reports the deal is retroactive to Jan. 1 and continues through June 30, 2013. After that, minimum monthly payments of $2 million will resume.
The deal also calls for Hoku to pay Idaho Power a onetime payment of $3.8 million to amend the contract.
The Honolulu-based polysilicon maker had been battling with Idaho Power over its energy bill, and the utility in November said it could shut off power over an unpaid bill.
