Maui Business

Information in this article and video is provided in part by Premier Restoration Hawai’i. Molds are a common issue in homes that have the potential to cause structural damage and a variety of health problems to residents. Premier Restoration Hawai’i recommends eliminating the sources mold needs to survive in order to prevent further mold growth. […]

The Hawai‘i State Department of Labor & Industrial Relations announced on Thursday that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for August was 12.5 percent compared to the revised rate of 13.5 percent in July. Initial and weekly unemployment insurance claims also continue to decrease while establishments remain closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

More than 15 Maui businesses, including eight restaurants, have closed their doors for good due to the lack of tourism and other economic woes caused by the coronavirus. Many more Maui businesses are teetering on the brink, as government assistance programs for small businesses dry up and the pandemic drags on. “We are literally hanging on by our fingertips,” said Josh Curi, owner of Da Babooze Bar in Wailuku.

Mayor Victorino said he supports an interisland pre-travel test, which leaders are looking at to gauge effectiveness ahead of launching a program for mainland arrivals.  

The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations announced Monday the availability of funds to reimburse state and local government entities and certain non-profits for unemployment insurance benefits. 

Maui County will receive an additional $1,874,312 in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG-CV) intended to provide critical assistance to vulnerable populations amid the coronavirus pandemic. The additional funding would be the third disbursement of CDBG funding from the federal CARES ACt. 

The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations updated its unemployment insurance claims information, including paying $3,081,193,375 and 3,155,245 weeks claimed since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic on March 1, 2020.

Pono Chocolate in Pāʻia and three other Hawai’i businesses received official invitations to be among nearly 850 selected businesses to pitch their US manufactured products as part of Walmart’s annual “Open Call 2020” event slated for Oct. 1.

The County of Maui has successfully priced $74.42 million in General Obligation Bonds, Series 2020. The proceeds of the General Obligation Bonds will be used for capital improvement projects in the County of Maui and to refinance outstanding bonds issued by the County of Maui at lower interest rates.

The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority today announced the selection of John De Fries as its new President and CEO.  He replaces Chris Tatum who retired from the post on Aug. 31, 2020. Keith Regan, (formerly of Maui) HTA’s chief administrative officer, has been serving as interim president and CEO.

The Realtors Association of Maui reports that healthy housing demand and limited inventory will continue to create “significant tailwinds” in the near term for the housing market.

The company is proposing a 40-megawatt, 16-MWh battery storage system on approximately 1.8 acres at a company-owned site near the Central Maui landfill.

Governor David Ige announced the launch of a new program that will provide federal assistance for Hawai‘i renters at risk of eviction for non-payment of rent because of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Members of the Hawai‘i State Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 sent a letter to Governor David Ige calling for neighbor island counties to serve as Pilot Program testing sites for exclusive travel between neighbor island counties.  

Par Hawaiʻi’s Fueling Dreams event returns for its 15th year to support Special Olympics Hawaiʻi and its mission to provide life-changing opportunities for athletes throughout the state.

The Hawai’i Small Business Development Center announced the release of the 2019 edition of the annual “Maui County Data Book,” providing comprehensive statistical information on Maui County. The statistical reference book is available in online and book form. 

The County of Maui Volunteer Center hosts a free three-day online workshop Sept. 22-24 to help executive directors and volunteer leaders with reopening their programs safely amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

MEO’s Business Development Center held two Teen Financial Literacy Workshops this summer with 55 students graduating from the program.

The carrier, which has been operating a reduced schedule since March due to the pandemic and resulting travel restrictions, will continue to cap cabin capacity at 70 percent through October to allow for onboard distancing.

Maui Ku‘ia Estate Chocolate Inc. announced the promotion of Lisa Foth to vice president and general manager of Maui’s first farm-to-bar chocolate factory.