Maui Business

A second survey geared toward understanding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Hawaiʻi’s businesses is taking place. Results from the first survey, conducted in April 2020 revealed the hardest hit industries were accommodations (hotels), down 83 percent in full-time employee reductions, and retail businesses, down 76 percent.  

“With so many unforeseen difficulties in our daily lives with the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects, we want to use this opportunity to do something small in hopes that it might make someone’s day a bit easier and a bit more fun,”  said Roselani Ice Cream Operations Manager, Buddy James Nobriga.

The Hawai’i Medical Service Association is offering more financial relief to local businesses in the form of a one-month 15 percent premium credit.

The Hawai‘i State Senate passed a bill that would prohibit the Public Utilities Commission from extending or renewing any contracts to generate energy from coal and phase out the use of coal in Hawai‘i by the end of 2022.

Maui United Way announced that it now accepts vehicle donations.  Pickup of donated vehicles is free, and most vehicles can be picked up within 24-72 hours.

Gov. David Ige this afternoon announced he is delaying the launch of the state’s pre-travel testing program by a month to Sept. 1, 2020. The governor has faced mounting concerns amid reservations from county mayors.  The pressure also comes as spikes in cases occur on O‘ahu; and three deaths were reported among Hawai‘i residents today. Mayor Victorino has said that spikes on the mainland have resulted in delays in testing capabilities and the amount of test kits available for Hawai‘i.

Mall representatives say the 500 square foot expansion “will allow Jeans Warehouse to significantly add to its inventory of contemporary fashion tops, dresses, bottoms, accessories, footwear and much more.”

“To the best of our knowledge, Maui Grown Therapies operates the only carbon-neutral commercial-scale cannabis cultivation program in the nation,” added Christopher Cole. “We are very proud to be able to care for our patients and our island home at the same time. The new compostable packaging just adds to our efforts.”

“For here in Maui County if I had a week, seven days or more of 10 (new positive cases) a day or more, I’d be looking to slow it down–shutting down, pulling back if that was necessary,” said Mayor Victorino. As for the projected timeline for the state’s previously announced pre-travel testing program, Mayor Victorino said, “For most of us we are looking at a later date than Aug. 1…I would hate to put a date to that forces people to say ‘well you said this.’  Let me say for less of a better term, I’m going to give you my best guesstimation… Sept. 1.”

2nd Violation: The Department of Health will issue a red placard. This will result in immediate closure of the establishment and a news release will announce the red placard posting. The food establishment may request a reinspection and review to safely reinstate their operations.

A proposed 40 megawatt solar photovoltaic energy project with 160 MWh battery energy storage is proposed for development on Haleakalā Ranch land in the South Maui community of Kīhei. The Kamaole Solar Project is the subject of a Virtual Open House set for 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2020.  

Maui County’s Immigrant Services Division has been informed that, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippine Consulate in Honolulu has canceled its mobile outreaches for the remainder of 2020.

Volunteers with the Hawaiian Airlines’ community outreach group, Team Kōkua, will be on Maui this month, working on projects to freshen up the King Kamehameha III Elementary campus and prepare it for the new school year.

The company has been creating Hawaiian Lavender Hand Cleansing Sprays for many years—and in response to COVID-19, they have boosted their original, natural ingredients to include 63 percent alcohol. 

The resorts will host drive-through food distribution events in South and West Maui on Friday, July 10, where employee volunteers will organize and distribute approximately 2,000 care packages.

The new Lahaina store at 335 Keawe Street, Space B114 is open Mondays through Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.

Hawaiian is offering students registered for fall classes at Chaminade University, Hawai‘i Pacific University and the University of Hawai‘i a five percent fare discount on its transpacific flights, two complimentary checked bags and a flexible booking policy on all flights.

HB2502, HD1 SD2 authorizes the state Department of Health to screen, test, and monitor travelers for COVID-19 upon declaration by the Governor that such actions are required. The bill also provides funding to hotels to conduct testing for employees, and establishes a travelers screening special fund utilizing funds from the Transient Accommodations Tax.

Governor David Ige today outlines how COVID-19 has impacted the state’s finances.  Joining him are Lieutenant Governor Josh Green with an update on the state’s healthcare system capacity and Dr. Bruce Anderson from the state Department of Health with an update on the latest case numbers.

Imua Family Services, Maui’s early childhood development agency, announced plans to purchase the Yokouchi Estate in Wailuku to create a community space for outdoor, nature based learning for island keiki.