Big Island-based Kona Brewing Co. has become the 14th biggest craft beer producer in the nation based on sales last year, up from 24th the prior year, according to the Brewers Association, a trade group for small and independent U.S. brewers.

Kona Brewing said a 51 percent increase in the volume of beer sold last year ranked it the fastest-growing company among the 50 largest craft brewers.

Much of Kona Brewing's growth was due to the expanding Mainland distribution, particularly on the East Coast where the company late last year began having the Redhook Ale Brewery in Portsmouth, N.H., brew its beer for regional distribution.

HONOLULU ECONOMY RATED 34TH BEST

Honolulu had the 34th-best economic performance of the 100 biggest U.S. cities during the first quarter, according to a study by the Brookings Institution.

Brookings' MetroMonitor found that Honolulu was among cities with strong military and government employment that did well in the current economy, having lower average job losses than the national average.

Honolulu did well when it came to unemployment (10th lowest), number of bank-owned homes (5th fewest) and employment gains (30th best).

THINKER TOYS SET IN WINDWARD MALL

Thinker Toys is set to open a store in Windward Mall July 1, the latest in a wave of additions at the mall.

Thinker Toys,will be on the upper level, Theatre Wing, next to Aéropostale, which opened in May.

Other recent additions include Fresh Inc Stationery, at Center Court, next to Tiki Tiki on the lower level; and Sindication, a clothing store on the upper level, Macy's Wing, next to Le's Nail Salon.