biz briefs 9-12

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In addition, now through the end of 2008, Hawaii residents can save 20 percent off the regular price for Atlantis Cruises’ sunset dinner cruises and more than 40 percent for a combination submarine and dinner cruise package.

New home insurance option available here

Hawaii Insurance Commissioner J.P. Schmidt has announced a new insurance option for Hawaii homeowners. Effective Sept. 22, Universal North America Insurance Co. will offer homeowners (including hurricane option), dwelling, fire and flood policies in Hawaii, with automobile coverage expected to be added in 2009.

“We welcome Universal North America to Hawaii,” said Schmidt. “There is a need in the Hawaii market for a highly rated, stable insurance carrier providing wind coverage at a competitive price.”

Unlike many other policies in Hawaii, the company’s standard homeowners insurance policy will provide the option to include coverage for hurricane loss. Agents and policy holders will enjoy the convenience of one policy that provides coverage for hurricanes loss and all other covered perils.

Universal North America will also offer flood insurance and home equipment protection, which will cover mechanical breakdown for items such as air conditioning systems, telephone and security systems and swimming pool equipment.

Universal North America is rated A- (excellent), by A.M. Best, the industry’s oldest and most prestigious insurance company financial rating firms. Universal North America is a subsidiary of Universal Group Inc., the top personal lines carrier in Puerto Rico. Universal Group Inc. has more than 35 years of experience with more than $300 million in policyholders surplus.

For more information, visit www.universalnorthamerica.com.


Kaiser offers grants during 50th anniversary

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii has begun its 50th anniversary celebration by honoring the community which has helped the health care provider thrive for half a century. Kaiser Permanente Hawaii announced it will recognize the community through the commitment of $100,000 in grants targeted to local organizations. There are two grant programs which include: 1) one $50,000 grant targeting the reduction of health disparities in Hawaii and, 2) 50 $1,000 grants nominated by Kaiser Permanente Hawaii employees and physicians.

A total of 51 grants will be awarded. Recipients of the grants will be announced at a 50th anniversary celebration later this fall to correlate with the actual anniversary date of Nov. 12, 1958.

Any local 501(c)(3) nonprofit community-based organization that provides health care services and would like to focus on reducing health disparities is invited to submit an application for the $50,000 grant by the deadline of Sept. 30. For more information on grant criteria or to request an application, contact Kaiser Permanente Hawaii Community Benefit, at 432-5777 ext. 1496. To access the application and instructions online go to: https://info.kp.org/communitybenefit/our_communities_6_a.html.


Atlantis offering kamaaina fares

Atlantis Submarines has announced a variety of special kamaaina fares for its submarine and dinner cruise tours in celebration of the company’s 20th anniversary.

Atlantis will continue to offer Hawaii residents the rate of $20 for adults and $10 for children (ages 12 and younger) for its submarine tours off Waikiki, Lahaina and Kona through the end of September. From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, kamaaina can save more than 60 percent on the submarine tours.

In addition, now through the end of 2008, Hawaii residents can save 20 percent off the regular price for Atlantis Cruises’ sunset dinner cruises and more than 40 percent for a combination submarine and dinner cruise package.