Airgas Inc. yesterday broke ground for a 7,000-square-foot cylinder fill plant, warehouse and distribution center in Kapolei.

Airgas Inc., which operates in Hawai'i as Airgas West, one of 12 regional companies in Airgas' nationwide distribution business. Airgas is the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical and specialty gases, and welding, safety and related products.

The new 3-acre site will provide specialty gases, including oxygen, nitrogen, argon, helium, hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The company also produces dry ice and is the leading retailer of camping, cooking and other outdoor products, as well as the largest distributor of propane products in Hawai'i.

LOCO BOUTIQUE OPENING WAIKÍKÍ STORE

Loco Boutique will open a store next month at the Pacific Beach Hotel in Waikíkí , according to leasing agent The Beall Corp.

The store, in a 1,500-square-foot space facing Kaläkaua Avenue, will be Loco Boutique's fifth location on O'ahu. The Hawai'i-based company also has stores in Guam, Saipan and Okinawa.

Loco Boutique specializes in women's swimwear and other casual apparel.

FIRST HAWAIIAN GIVES $10,000 TO CAMP

The First Hawaiian Bank Foundation has awarded a $10,000 grant to help Camp Mokule'ia renovate its lodge.

Operated by the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i and located on the North Shore, Camp Mokule'ia offers camping facilities for rent to families, church groups and organizations.

First Hawaiian Bank Foundation is the charitable arm of First Hawaiian Bank. In 2008, the foundation and bank contributed $3.5 million to more than 350 nonprofit organizations.

The foundation funds educational opportunities, access to health care, services for children and youth, human service needs, as well as culture and the arts.