Native Hawaiian Wins National Business Award

One of Performance Systems’ major contracts include construction of the West Boise Waste Water Treatment Plant. Photo courtesy of PS.

By Sonia Isotov

The US Small business Administration (SBA) today named Kaleo Nawahine, a native Hawaiian and president of Performance Systems, the SBA National Minority Small Business Person of the Year.

Nawahine received his award Wednesday during the National 8(a) Training, Business Matchmaking and Wards event at the Carnegie Library in Washington, DC.

Performance Systems, which maintains offices in Washington and Hawaii, is certified in the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development and HUBZone Programs.

“The 8(a) program is one of the most effective tools we have to help small businesses and entrepreneurs in underserved communities grow and succeed,” said Marie  Johns, the deputy administrator for the SBA, in a written statement.

“Kaleo is a testament to how effective the program can be in supporting small business growth.”

Some of Performance Systems’ major contracts include projects at the Boise airport and construction of the West Boise Waste Water Treatment Plant. The company maintains offices in Washington and Hawaii with 78 employees.

Performance Systems was chosen from a group of 10 regional winners representing Massachusetts, New York, West Virginia, Florida, Michigan, Louisiana, Missouri, California and Montana.