State briefs for May 5

Hawaiian Electric posts 1Q profit

HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. on Wednesday reported a first-quarter profit of $32.8 million.

The company said it had net income of 30 cents per share. Earnings, adjusted for costs related to mergers and acquisitions, came to 31 cents per share. HEI posted revenue of $551 million.

HEI shares have increased 14 percent since the beginning of the year. The stock has increased almost 6 percent in the past 12 months.

Spinner dolphin died from parasite found in cats

HONOLULU (AP) — Scientists determined the death of a spinner dolphin found off the Big Island last year was caused by a parasite-borne disease that has threatened Hawaii’s monk seal population.

The death is the first documented case of toxoplasmosis killing a spinner dolphin in more than 25 years. Toxoplasmosa gondii is a parasite that is primarily spread by cat feces.

Kristi West, associate professor of biology at Hawaii Pacific University and director of the state’s marine stranding program, said the recent lab results are a concern for Hawaii conservationists.

She said her lab will conduct further testing of dead spinner dolphins that were never tested for toxoplasmosis to see if the disease poses a larger threat to the animals.

Developers to secure funding for resort demo

LIHUE, Kauai (AP) — Developers seeking to rebuild the former Coco Palms resort site on Kauai say they are close to securing funding for demolition of the property.

John Pang with Honolulu-based Coco Palms Hui LLC said they expect to finalize on a deal with Utah-based lending company Private Capital today. He said demolition will begin immediately after the deal has been finalized.

The Kauai County Planning Commission voted earlier this week during a special meeting to defer the petition to modify or revoke Coco Palms Hui’s permits for the project to a May 24 meeting.

The commission will meet then for a status update of the deal with Private Closure.