Diagnostic Laboratory Services Inc. is turning a former Hālawa warehouse into a new headquarters that will allow the company to expand services.

The clinical-testing services company said the $20 million project involves constructing lab facilities, a viewing area and offices in the former Panasonic warehouse. The work also includes adding a floor for parking in the 84,000-square-foot building and a photovoltaic system to generate electricity.

When finished later this year, the project will allow Diagnostic Laboratory Services to move its main lab facility and headquarters at Dole Cannery, a space that's about 10,000 square feet smaller.

NONPROFIT GRANTS AVAILABLE FROM WALMART

The charitable-giving arm of Walmart is soliciting grant applications from Hawai'i nonprofits.

The Walmart Foundation is accepting applications for grants of at least $25,000 to qualified nonprofits.

Interested organizations may apply at www.walmart foundation.org.

Recipients last year included the Aloha United Way, American Diabetes Association, American Red Cross, Arizona Memorial Museum Association, Children's Discovery Center, Ho'ola Lāhui Hawai'i, Kualoa-He'eia Ecumenical Youth Project and Special Olympics Hawaii.

4TH TOP ENERGY STAR RATING FOR ALII PLACE

Alii Place, an office building in Downtown Honolulu, has received its fourth Energy Star designation for energy efficiency, according to PM Realty Group, which manages the building.

The 362,437-square-foot building received a score of 96, which put it in the top 4 percent of energy efficiency for buildings nationwide.

Energy Star is a joint program of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy that promotes energy-efficient products and practices.

PETITION SET FOR GOOGLE TESTING IN ISLES

An online petition has been started to request Google use Hawai'i as one of its test markets for ultra-fast experimental broadband networks it will install around the country.

Several local technology executives have come together to post the initiative at www.petitionspot.com/petitions/gigabithi. The executives hope to garner thousands of signatures to support local government requests for the broadband network.

The effort, called Gigabit Hawaii, will be submitted to Google by a March 15 deadline. Google has said its fiber-optic networks will be 50 to 300 times faster than most high-speed networks found in U.S. homes today.

NALU KAI SUING WASH. COMPETITOR

Nalu Kai Inc., a Kāne'ohe-based maker of Naish Hawaii windsurfing equipment, has sued a Redmond, Wash., competitor for patent infringement, Bloomberg News reported.

Nalu Kai's lawsuit against Motion Water Sports Inc. accuses the business of infringing on a quick-release mechanism for windsurfing kites. Bloomberg reported Nalu Kai filed a similar lawsuit against Ocean Rodeo Sports of British Columbia in December.

BLESSING SET FOR RAMADA PLAZA WAIKIKI

A grand opening and blessing is scheduled today at the newly renamed Ramada Plaza Waikiki.

Formerly the Holiday Inn Waikiki, the festivities will run from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the second floor pool deck of the property at 1830 Ala Moana.

Key executives from China Airlines and Ramada Worldwide will attend.

The 16-story hotel has 196 guest rooms, two junior suites and a Chinese and American buffet restaurant. Built in 1969, the hotel is currently owned and operated by Cal-Dynasty International Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of China Airlines Ltd.