Maui Business

The Hawai‘i State Department of Labor & Industrial Relations today announced a 26% average drop in unemployment insurance contribution rates, resulting in employers paying $50 million less in taxes, or $100 less per employee on average for 2016.

IGD’s Lahaina invites the public to celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, Jan. 16,, which will feature exclusive specials, giveaways and fun for the family from 10 a.m. to noon.

Island Air is accepting applications for its Explorers Program, a three-month mentorship program that gives high school and college students an opportunity to learn about careers in the aviation industry.

“Whether it’s providing a safety net for at-risk youth or helping to build Hope Lodge Hawai‘i, a home-away-from-home for neighbor island cancer patients who are receiving treatments on O‘ahu – supporting our communities is a deep part of our heritage,” said Sharon Suzuki, Maui Electric president.

Maui is home to the first BedMart store in Hawai’i, but now the family-owned business is expanding in our state, while still reaching out to help local families.

Members with Verizon, Sprint, AT&T and T-Mobile wireless carriers are eligible to receive notifications through Rx Notifier. Those who chose to use the service can receive all future pharmacy notifications via text or take advantage of the program’s capabilities as needed.

Little Monk Seal Montessori will serve children ages 3 to 6 years old, offering an authentic, primary Montessori school curriculum.

Travaasa Hana is slated to finish its $12-million property-wide restoration project around Christmas, with updates to all 70 units on the resort’s 70 acres.

The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association distributed 25,000 pounds of rice throughout Maui County in November and December.

On Monday Dec. 21, 2015, employees from Mākena Beach & Golf Resort presented more than 160 keiki gifts to the Maui Chapter of Child & Family Service.

The association’s mission is to provide a recognized forum for nonprofit organizations to exchange personal and professional support and to cultivate resources to benefit themselves, their organizations and the community of Maui.

Maui Island’s unemployment rate is 3.2%, down slightly from last month’s 3.3% and down from last November’s 3.9% (not seasonally adjusted).

Although there was no money involved, the competition at the Doris Todd Christian Academy Annual Science Fair earlier this month was a bit like a middle school version of “Shark Tank,” with a panel of seven judges deciding which of the aspiring entrepreneurs and/or innovators would receive the prestigious award ribbons.

Ranken has served as an attorney on Maui for more than 30 years, and is credited with founding Maui Tomorrow with Dr. Rick Sands and current Executive Director Albert Perez in 1990.

Maui Business Brainstormers will hold its first Upcountry Business in the Think Tank on Saturday Jan. 9, 2016, at Lumeria Maui in Makawao.

The Hawai‘i State Energy Office just released its annual report detailing the state’s progress toward the nation’s first-ever goal to reach 100% renewable energy by 2045.

For the fifth consecutive year, Maui car dealer Jim Falk gifted hundreds of brand new bicycles to deserving island kids in a surprise Christmas giveaway.

The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Central & South Maui 25th Anniversary kickoff party will be held Thursday, Jan.7, 2016, at 5:30 p.m. at the J. Walter Cameron Center in Wailuku.

Walmart’s two-year, $2.7 billion investment in its US workforce includes $950,000 for additional raises to associates in Hawai‘i, providing 820 additional raises to Walmart workers in the islands.

MEO BDC’s Core Four Business Planning is a 36-hour course on how to write a business plan while providing the information needed to start, operate and grow a business.