HONOLULU — Tax collections needed to fund Honolulu's planned elevated commuter rail rose slightly to $13.6 million last month, based on figures released by the state Department of Taxation. That's up from $13.2 million in November 2008 and in line

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is setting aside $30 billion from the financial bailout fund for a program designed to encourage lending to small businesses to aid the economic recovery. An internal document obtained by The Associated Press spells out

NEW YORK — With a week to go before Christmas, division CEO Raul Vazquez says www.Walmart .com's holiday sales are growing two or three times faster than Web sales overall. At that pace — and with 22 percent growth so

DETROIT — General Motors Co. announced yesterday it will begin winding down its Saab operations after concluding "certain issues" arose that prevented the brand from being sold off to a potential buyer. GM had hoped to sell Saab to Koenigsegg

CHICAGO — After weeks of waiting for shoppers to come out of hiding, retailers are preparing for a surge of activity this weekend as consumers ferret out bargains and last-minute gifts before Christmas arrives. Traffic is expected to surge today

Outrigger Reef on the Beach has named Harold Beltran executive chef and Dietrich Chillous food and beverage manager. Before joining Outrigger, Beltran was the executive chef for BluWater Grill. He also has held key positions at several restaurants in Honolulu

NEW YORK — The stock market broke a three-day slide yesterday as stronger results at two big technology companies bolstered confidence about a comeback in the economy. Tech stocks pulled the market higher in choppy trading that brought record volume

Millions of Americans are still feeling the effects of the recession. But that needn't take the shine off your Christmas. You can give thoughtful gifts that cost nothing — or next to nothing. After all, it's the thought that counts.

TAMPA, Fla. — Most figure Penn State and Texas were the two best teams in the country from the moment they rolled the volleyballs out this season. After the past three weeks, it is awfully clear Hawai'i is No. 3.

KAHUKU — What is it about Hawai'i that seems to bring out the best in Jesse Mueller? He had that same thought after yesterday's 6-under-par 66 at the Palmer Course to share the first-round lead of the Turtle Bay Resort

After a slow start to the first half, Mililani girls soccer coach Ray Akiona began experimenting with his line-up, moving players out of their usual positions to try to develop some "continuity." It worked, as the new lineup produced a

Moanalua stayed within striking distance of nationally ranked Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.) for nearly three periods last night before falling, 84-58, in the first round of the 26th Annual 'Iolani Prep Classic.

Ashley Kupau scored 17 points to lead St. Francis past Christian Academy, 51-35, last night in an Interscholastic League of Honolulu Division II girls basketball game at Halawa gym.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — World's No. 1 golfer Tiger Woods was voted the PGA Tour player of the year by the players yesterday, the 10th time in his 13 years on tour that he has won the award.

Mike Holmgren looked for houses during his recent trip to Cleveland, which may soon be his new NFL home. Terming a chance to assume control of the struggling but tradition-rich Browns as "very, very appealing," Holmgren said yesterday that he's

NEW ORLEANS — As far as quarterback Drew Brees can tell, the season of giving in New Orleans started about 14 weeks ago.

SEATTLE — Mercurial outfielder Milton Bradley was traded to the Seattle Mariners from the Chicago Cubs yesterday for expensive and underperforming pitcher Carlos Silva. The dual dumping, which came together in 48 hours, got rid of headaches for each team

BOSTON — It's been a streak-busting week for the Philadelphia 76ers. Days after snapping their own 12-game skid, the 76ers ended Boston's run at 11 wins, beating the first-place Celtics, 98-97, last night on Elton Brand's tip-in with 7.7 seconds