Maui Business

On Maui Island, visitor spending rose by 6.1 percent to $438.5 million in January 2015, compared with $413.3 million in January 2014. Visitor arrivals were counted at 211,032, increasing by 6.8 percent and including a 12.1 percent increase in day-trip visitors over last year. The average stay for visitors was tallied at 9.52 days, down slightly from January 2014.

Hawaiian Electric Companies has asserted that it is continuing to accept solar PV applications through the current net energy metering process, responding to contrary reports. The companies are making substantial progress in clearing pending applications on circuits that already have high volumes of solar, said a recent HEC press release.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is launching a business competition called “InnovateHER” to level the playing field for women in the workforce by giving them more options to foster and develop products and services.

Matson Inc. (NYSE: MATX), a leading US freight carrier in the Pacific Ocean, has reported a $.63 earning per share, or $27.8 million net income for the fourth quarter of 2014. In comparison, the last quarter of 2013 saw a $.17 earning per share and net income of $7.3 million.

The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development has awarded $24,000 in Small Business Revitalization grants to businesses on Lānaʻi, and announced that applications are now being accepted to additionally fund businesses in Hāna and on Molokaʻi. The awards will range from $500 to $5,000 and do not apply to nonprofit organizations.

Hawaiʻi State Federal Credit Union will contribute up to $10,000 to Make-A-Wish Hawaiʻi by donating $5 for each online vote received during its 2015 board of directors election. Donations to Make-A-Wish Hawaiʻi will only be made for online votes.

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea has appointed Shermaine Rodrigues as the guest experience manager, a new senior position created to accommodate the needs of top-level resort guests. The new position is part of the resort’s “Complete Suite” initiative, which offers special attention and accommodations to guests staying in residential or ocean-front suites. Guests within the program are treated to special amenities and services, including private in-suite dinners, daily breakfasts and more.

Author and dietitian Julieanna Hever will present a free talk on the “Vegiterranean Diet” at the Kaunoa Senior Center in Pā‘ia on Mar. 12 at 7 p.m. Her presentation will discuss the global and historical benefits of the Mediterranean and vegan diet, drawing on the topic of her new book, “The Vegiterranean Diet.”

The University of Hawaiʻi at Maui College will be hosting its 2015 spring job fair on Wednesday, Mar. 11, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on campus at the Ka Lama Courtyard. The public event will give those looking for a job an opportunity to meet with local employers. Come dressed for an interview and bring copies of your resume.

Monsanto Hawaiʻi is now accepting applications for two scholarship programs for graduating high school seniors statewide. The two awards–the Monsanto Hawaiʻi Life Sciences Scholarship and the Monsanto Hawaiʻi Agricultural Scholarship, are available to students who have been accepted or are currently enrolled at an accredited college or university.

Maui Land & Pineapple Company Inc. reported a net income of $17.6 million for 2014, or $.94 per share. The surplus compares with a net loss of $1.2 million in 2013, or $.06 per share. The company reported profits of $33 million for 2014, up from $15.2 million in revenue in 2013

Maui Jim sunglasses has partnered with the Association of Tennis Professionals men’s tennis circuit, supplying official eyewear for the ATP World Tour. The three-year agreement also provides Maui Jim eyewear for the season finale Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London.

The Committee on the Status of Women is now accepting nominations for its “Women of Excellence” awards program. In conjunction with this year’s national theme observing Women’s History Month, the program will celebrate “Weaving the Stories of Women’s Lives.”

The second annual Maui Small Business Week is scheduled for May 4 through 8, 2015. This year’s Maui SBW will offer free, daily educational workshops and seminars in the mornings and afternoons at various locations in Central, South and West Maui.

The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development and Maui Chamber of Commerce have announced the nominees for the upcoming 2015 Mayor’s Small Business Awards. A presentation ceremony will be held on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015, at 6 p.m. at the King Kamehameha Golf Club’s Waikapū Ballroom.

Atlas Insurance and its leadership team–President Myles Murakami and Vice President Carol Davis–have become supporters and advocates for MEO and its clients.

Maui Economic Opportunity has presented the Maui Community Correctional Center and its Workline Program with the 2014 Volunteer of the Year award. Lyn McNeff, MEO’s chief executive officer, announced the award during a luncheon honoring the many MEO volunteers.

The AAA Hawai‘i Weekend Gas Watch reported that on Maui, Wailuku’s average is $3.10 per gallon, dropping 11 cents from last week and declining 52 cents from last month. Compared with the same date last year, gas has fallen by $1.15 on Maui.

Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest and Planned Parenthood of Hawai‘i have announced a new partnership for improved healthcare, educational and advocacy services for men, women and teens in Hawai‘i. The two entities have signed an agreement to initiate the process of merging.

Goodwill Industries of Hawai‘i is offering free tax preparation services to the public through the end of March. To qualify for the service, individuals must earn $53,000 or less per year and not own a home or business.