Maui Business
County of Maui Successfully Prices $74.42 Million in General Obligation Bonds
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.
De Fries is the First Native Hawaiian Appointed as CEO of Hawai‘i Tourism Authority
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.
RAM: Maui Median Home Price Down 3.2% to $799,000
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.
Hawaiian Electric Seeks PUC approval for Maui Energy Storage Project
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.
Gov. Ige Announces Rent Relief and Housing Assistance Program
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.
Senate Special Committee Calls for Pre-Testing Pilot Program for Travel Between Neighbor Island Counties
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.
15th Annual Fueling Dreams Return To Support Special Olympics Athletes
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.
2019 Editions of Maui County and Hawai‘i Data Books Released
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.
Virtual Workshop to Help Maui Volunteer Programs in Wake of COVID-19
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 Business Development Center
MEO’s Business Development Center held two Teen Financial Literacy Workshops this summer with 55 students graduating from the program.
Hawaiian Airlines Bids Aloha to Change Fees for All Flights
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 Promotes Lisa Foth to Vice President and General Manager
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.
New Maui Partnership Assists Local Ranches While Providing Food to Those in Need
The County has committed $200,000 to support the ranching community, which includes the purchase of cattle from various independent ranchers. DeCoite Packing House will process the cattle into approximately 1,000 pounds of ground beef, per week. Feed My Sheep will receive the ground beef and distribute to qualified individuals, nonprofit agencies and community feeding programs.
Kōkua Maui County Small Business Recovery Fund Doubles Aid with $3 Million Boost
Assistance through the County’s Kōkua Small Business Recovery & Relief Fund has been doubled with the addition of $3 million in CARES Act funds approved by Maui Mayor Michael Victorino on Tuesday.
Hāna-Maui Resort, Formerly Travaasa Hāna Readies for Oct. 1 Reopening
Hāna-Maui Resort (formerly Travaasa Hāna) announced it will be joining the Hyatt family, with Hyatt assuming management under the Destination Hotels brand.
BREAKING: Hawai‘i Health Director and Public Safety Director to Retire
Governor David Ige announced today that state Health Director Dr. Bruce Anderson and Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda will be retiring from their respective posts in September.
Applications Sought For Cultural Scholarship, Late President Asa Ellison Honored
The Japanese Cultural Society of Maui is calling Maui high school students who graduated this year to apply for their 2020 cultural scholarships, including a new scholarship honoring its late president, Asa Ellison. Applicants will be awarded $1,000 scholarships for demonstrating their involvement in perpetuating Japanese culture and/or language in the community.
Maui Chamber of Commerce Announces New Trade Council
The Maui Chamber of Commerce announced a new trade council, the Professional Rental Management Association or PRMA.
Hawaiian Electric Extends Moratorium on Service Disconnections to Dec. 31
Hawaiian Electric is extending its suspension of service disconnections for nonpayment through Dec. 31, 2020. The company advised customers challenged by the financial impacts of COVID-19 to seek utility bill assistance from government and nonprofits and set up a payment arrangement plan.
62 Maui Students Receive Realtors Association of Maui Community Foundation Scholarships
A total of 62 Maui County students were selected as scholarship recipients of the Realtors Association of Maui Community Foundation Presidential Scholarship Fund. The academic scholarships were awarded to deserving high school seniors aspiring to pursue higher education.
