Quiksilver Waterman Collection will hold its biennial Hawaiian Islands Vintage Surf Auction next week.

The July 18 event at the Blaisdell Center is expected to lure a record number of serious collectors from around the world, organizers say.

Registered bidders will travel from as far afield as Europe, Australia, South Africa, South America and the U.S. Mainland, and include both surf collectors and investment portfolio managers.

The Hawaiian Islands Vintage Surf Auction has been held every other year since its inception in 2001.

The 2007 event brought in a record $650,000, according to curator Randy Rarick. He said this year's event will feature only items that have never been auctioned before.

MOKULELE, QANTAS STRIKE TICKET DEAL

Mokulele Airlines has announced an "interline" ticketing agreement with Australian carrier Qantas that will make it easier for passengers who have itineraries that include both airlines.

Passengers arriving and departing Qantas' Honolulu gateway will be able to enjoy one-stop ticketing, check-in and baggage check when traveling to destinations beyond O'ahu.

"This will mean Qantas passengers can enjoy a seamless travel experience with no need to claim and recheck luggage or check in with an agent when making connections between Qantas and Mokulele," the airlines said in a joint news release.

ISLE INSURANCE FIRMS AMONG TOP 50

First Insurance Co. and Island Insurance Cos. are among the nation's top 50 property and casualty insurers, according to a noted insurance rating company.

The Ward Group, which specializes in insurance company benchmarking, recognized the two companies' performance over a five-year period for safety, consistency and performance.

It is the second consecutive year that Island Insurance has made the list, while it is the first time that First Insurance was recognized.

The Ward Group has been ranking insurance companies for 19 years.

HAWAIIAN AIR TOPS IN PUNCTUALITY

Hawaiian Airlines again led the nation's airline industry for its on-time performance in May.

According the U.S. Department of Transportation, 90.3 percent of Hawaiian's flights were on schedule.

The airline also was second in the industry for baggage handling and had the fourth fewest flight cancellations.