Kupulau Jewelry & Watches in the Waikiki Shopping Plaza is the first retailer in Hawai'i to carry the Barack Obama commemorative edition of the Jorg Gray 6500 wristwatch, the same model that the president wore at his inauguration.

The watch was reportedly given to Obama as a 46th birthday present by the members of his Secret Service detail.

Sanjay Arora, who owns Kupulau Jewelry with his wife Haruko, said he first noticed the commemorative watch while reading a news item on a jewelry industry Web site. He said he contacted a company representative who agreed to set aside some of the watches for Kupulau Jewelry.

The engraving on the back of the watch includes Obama's name, the date of the inauguration and the words "commemorative edition." The watch retails for $350.

HEMIC UNIT CAN UNDERWRITE FOR LLOYD'S

HEMIC Insurance Managers Inc., a subsidiary of Hawaii Employers' Mutual Insurance Co., has received approval from Lloyd's of London to underwrite and bind certain insurance coverages as a certified Lloyd's agent.

HIMI is only the third such "coverholder," or agent, in Hawaii authorized to grant insurance coverage on Lloyd's behalf, said David Doehm, president of HIMI.

"We're pleased to have a direct relationship with Lloyd's and to receive our coverholder status," Doehm said.

Doehm said HIMI will now underwrite its employment practices liability insurance program through certain underwriters at Lloyd's.

STORM VICTIMS ELIGIBLE FOR DISASTER AID

Disaster unemployment assistance is available to O'ahu residents whose jobs suffered because of severe storms and flooding between Dec. 10 and 16, according to the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

The assistance is available to people who lost jobs as well as those who weren't able to reach their work or self-employment location. There are other categories of people who may qualify for assistance, including those who couldn't work because of an injury due to the storms.

The assistance is the result of a request made by Gov. Linda Lingle late last year. People must apply for the assistance by April 20. Applications are available by calling 643-5555 or visiting the nearest Unemployment Claims Office.

IRS TAX HELP TODAY IN HONOLULU, HILO

The U.S. Internal Revenue Service will open the doors to its Honolulu and Hilo assistance centers today in an effort to help people with tax issues and questions.

The services provided will include preparation of basic tax returns for people who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit or those whose income is less than $42,000.

The IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center in Honolulu will open between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. today at 300 Ala Moana.

The Hilo Taxpayer Assistance Center will operate during the same hours. It is at 101 Aupuni St.

WET SEAL RELOCATES IN WINDWARD MALL

The Wet Seal, a specialty retailer catering to young women, has moved to a new location in Windward Mall.

In conjunction with the reopening, the store is offering free Wet Seal gift cards to the first 100 customers during a grand opening event next Saturday.

The newly remodeled store is on the upper level in the Macy's wing.