Pau Maui Vodka and Maui Gold Pineapple Team Up to Produce Hand Sanitizer
Two Maui companies are joining the fight against COVID-19 by teaming up to produce hand sanitizer in order to best support those on the front lines of the pandemic. Pau Maui Vodka and Maui Gold Pineapple are focusing on maximizing impact by providing sanitizer directly to healthcare workers, government employees and community entities. The companies have produced their first run of hand sanitizer which will be available by the end of the week.
“As an island state, it’s critical that local companies do what they can to support our community and reduce our dependency on imports—especially during unprecedented times like this,” said Keliʻi Heen, Hawaiʻi Managing Partner.
Pau Maui Vodka and Maui Gold Pineapple are producing hand sanitizer following the World Health Organization’s guidelines. The first batch will be donated completely free of charge to those first responders, healthcare and medical workers, and high-risk organizations and individuals that are on the front lines of this crisis. In the weeks and months that follow, the product will be sold at cost, not for profit, to frontline agencies who are most at risk for exposure to COVID-19.
“Selling this at cost keeps our doors open and our employees working, in order to be able to provide for their families,” said Master Distiller Cory Nigbur. “The Hawaiian Islands have always been strong at showing their resilience by utilizing local resources, agriculture and means of production in new and innovative ways – and now is no different. It is inspiring to see individuals and companies doing their part to help where they can.”
President Joe LeVecke said, “We want to thank those in our community who are putting themselves at risk to keep us safe and healthy, including healthcare professionals, first-responders, grocery store employees and the many other essential workers on the frontline against COVID-19; we are forever grateful and appreciative of your support and will continue to fight this alongside all of you.”