Maui Business

Maui resident and best-selling author Laura DiBenedetto delivered a virtual TEDx talk last week about practical hope during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce invites the community to participate in a free, Virtual Talk Story session about Hālau Perseverance on Dec. 15 with speakers Keali‘i Reichel and Kau‘i Kanaka‘ole.

Walmart paid an additional $880,000 in quarterly bonuses to its Hawai’i associates in their Nov. 25 paychecks, following a strong third-quarter business performance. An estimated $960,000 in special cash bonuses will also be paid on Dec. 24 in recognition of its associates’ sustained commitment to customers during the pandemic. Full and part-time Hawai’i associates are eligible for both bonuses.

As part of the ʻOhana Pacific family of facilities, Hale Makua Kahului is participating in a virtual talent show competition.

Subaru Hawaiʻi launched its “Tools for Schools” program today in support of local educators and students across the state. Local educators with their educator ID badges can stop by any Subaru Hawaiʻi dealership and will be provided complimentary school supplies.

T S Restaurants of Hawaii and California hosted a “Generous Slice of Hula Pie” event in November at its 13 restaurants that raised $11,681 for The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

“We are pleased to present this donation to Maui Food Bank at a time of unprecedented need on the Valley Isle,” said Paulette Ito, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Hawaiian Financial Federal Credit Union.

The Maui Chamber of Commerce announced the nominees for the 2020 Mayor’s Small Business Awards. Nominees and winners will be honored during a virtual event on Tuesday, Dec. 8 from 6:30-8:30 pm.

A Financial Opportunity Center is now open in Wailuku to provide intervention for economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. With its new location in Wailuku, the FOC aims to assist 3,000 Maui residents and families in qualifying for affordable rentals and mortgage financing over the course of three years.

Maui residents and visitors can bring their keiki aged 10 and under on Dec. 5, 12 and 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lahaina Cannery to partake in the holiday activities.

Mahi Pono raised $10,000 during its first annual Fall Harvest, with funds to benefit Imua Family Services.

Maui Ku‘ia Estate Chocolate, Inc. in Lahaina has promoted Dennis Elms to Factory and Technology Director, CEO Dr. Gunars Valkirs said.

The Shops at Wailea is among the shopping centers around Maui that are offering Black Friday Deals.  The center has provided a run-down of sales and promotions for the holiday sales event.  Promotions include the following:

The Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) is presenting a virtual Maui TechOhana on Dec. 9 with guest speaker Doug Nelson, Founder, President & CEO of Kinection. The topic: “We’re All Startups Again.”

Goodfellow Bros. in Kihei received of one of three commemorative Cat ® D6 XE Dozers – a special edition high-drive electric drive dozer built specifically to celebrate Caterpillar’s production of 175,000 medium high-drive dozers.

A&B President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Benjamin said, “It is an honor to be recognized by Nareit with this important award that showcases A&B’s dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion.”

Hawaiian Airlines, Hawai‘i’s biggest and longest-serving airline, today became the first U.S. carrier to allow members in its loyalty program to redeem miles for a pre-travel COVID-19 test.

Wielding machetes and o’os in the Waiheʻe Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Refuge, Kiaʻi Collier and Cathy O’Donahue work on a crew that is clearing 15-foot high cane grass and invasive species that clog water from properly flowing to the ocean through the Kalepa Gulch. It’s federal COVID-19 pandemic stimulus in action.

The 2020 member award winners are: Alex Franco, retired president of Maui Cattle Company, “Member of the Year” recipient; Woody and Carmen Goble of Goble’s Flower Farm,  “Farm Family of the Year” recipient; Nelson Okumura of VIP Food Service and Island Grocery, “Friend of Agriculture” recipient; and David Chun of Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard’s office, “Mike Lyons Award” recipient.

The State of Hawai‘i has added new trusted partners for its domestic transpacific and inter-county pre-travel testing programs. The state will accept COVID-19 test results from the new partners starting Nov. 17.