Hawaiian adds Maui flights

HONOLULU - Hawaiian Airlines is doubling its nonstop flights between Maui and California's Bay Area.

The airline says that starting Oct. 3, there will be 14 flights per week to Maui from Oakland and San Jose. Hawaiian usually offers four flights per week between Oakland and Maui and three flights per week between San Jose and Maui.

By increasing Maui service, Hawaiian is reducing flights to Honolulu from Oakland and San Jose.

Hawaiian Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Peter Ingram says there's been tremendous demand for Maui service from customers in Oakland and San Jose.

As part of the announcement, special fares are offered for travel between Oakland and San Jose and all the Hawaii airports the airline serves.

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Council overrides mayor's veto

KAILUA, Oahu - The Honolulu City Council has voted to override the mayor's veto of a bill to extend the weekend ban on commercial activities at Kailua and Kalama beach parks.

Mayor Peter Carlisle said last month a total ban might make good sense but that it would be better to pursue islandwide rules. Still, he anticipated the council would override his veto.

On Wednesday, the council voted 7-2 to pass the bill, which many residents say is necessary to protect the area from turning into Waikiki.

Opponents have said it would hurt those who rely on the beach for their livelihoods.

The ban would include businesses such as water sportsclasses and recreational stops by tour companies.

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Hospital closer to reopening

HONOLULU - The Queen's Medical Center has the green light to buy and reopen a leeward Oahu hospital that closed last year.

The state's approval of the sale of Hawaii Medical Center West in Ewa Beach paves the way for reopening west Oahu's only hospital.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Wednesday that the State Health Planning and Development Agency approved Queen's application to buy the hospital for $73.2 million.

Queen's says the reopened facility will have 134 beds, the same number it had before.

The hospital's closure has put pressure on the island's remaining emergency rooms.

St. Francis Healthcare System sold its two hospitals to Hawaii Medical Center in January 2007. Hawaii Medical Center later went bankrupt.

No buyer has been identified for the Liliha facility that closed.