Maui Business

Mokulele Airlines will suspend its daily flights between Hilo and Kahului beginning Aug. 1, 2023. Mokulele will redeploy those aircraft to provide additional service to Molokaʻi and to add a new evening flight between Kahului and Kona.

Small food entrepreneurs seeking to enhance their business growth will gain invaluable insights during two informational webinars in August, focused on food safety and labeling. These webinars are presented by the Maui Food Technology Center.

Maui Economic Opportunity has begun operating out of the Lahaina Civic Center two times a month to improve access to clients on the west side. Community Services staff will be available from 9 a.m. to noon on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. 

Hawaiian Electric will hold a community meeting on July 11 to receive comments on its proposal to build new generating units that can run on a variety of renewable fuels, including biofuels.

Purebred Fisherman, a fishing apparel brand known for its diverse range of fishing shirts, hats, shorts, sweaters, and accessories, has opened a new store at Maui Mall Village.

Although gas prices have not seen much fluctuation in the past week, Hawaiʻi now has the third most expensive gas prices in the US after Washington state.

Maui Economic Opportunity’s popular Teen Financial Literacy Workshop will be held in-person July 10 and 11 at MEO in Wailuku.

Kamehameha Schools today announced plans for Waiānuenue, a modernization project in Mōʻiliʻili on Oʻahu. The first phase of the Kapaʻakea redevelopment will focus on improving the community gathering and retail experience along two blocks bordered by University Avenue and South Beretania and Coyne Streets. The project is expected to open in late 2025.

Hawaiʻi State Federal Credit Union has announced the promotion of three employees to its executive leadership team, including Aaron Vallely to executive vice president, Warren Altona to executive vice president of commercial and retail banking strategy, and Christopher Hodges to senior vice president and chief financial officer.

Hawaiian Telcom announced an $87 million fiber broadband project to expand middle mile infrastructure throughout the state. Middle mile infrastructure carries large amounts of data over long distances, increases capacity to local networks, boosts network resiliency, and helps connect unserved regions to the Internet backbone.

A total of 26 companies in Hawaiʻi have been awarded nearly $1 million in grants through Hawai’i Technology Development Corporationʻs Manufacturing Assistance Program.

Maui entrepreneurs can join the Core Four Business Planning series by Maui Economic Opportunity to receive guidance on writing a business plan and a chance to qualify for up to $20,000 in startup grants.

The Queen Kaʻahumanu Center announced updates regarding two retail shops. Ekolu Music & Apparel at the Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center has entered into a long-term lease after a successful opening in November 2022; and fellow retailer, Football Fanatics is moving to a 5,000 square-foot flagship store at the former site of Champs.

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority President and CEO, John De Fries, announced he will not be accepting an extension of his three-year employment contract, which concludes on Sept. 15, 2023.

James Cashman has been appointed as the new property manager for Maui Mall Village.

On Maui, the Island and county rates dropped to 2.5% in May, compared to 2.8% in April. The outer islands of Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi also saw lowered rates of 4.2% and 1.5% respectively. Molokaʻi continues to have the state’s highest unemployment, while Lānaʻi has the lowest rate.

Wahi Hoʻōlaʻs yoga teacher training will be led by Rebecca DiLiberto, who is one of the owners of the studio. Full and partial scholarships are available.

Maui Economic Development Board, Inc. announced the return of the Ke Alahele Education Fund Benefit Dinner & Auction, themed “Pathways to Our Future.” The event will take place on Aug. 19, 2023, at the Wailea Beach Resort–Marriott. The evening will commence with a reception and silent auction at 4:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m.

When the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement rolls in to Las Vegas from June 19-22, 2023 for its Inaugural Western Regional Native Hawaiian Convention, they will also be holding a Pop-Up Mākeke, or marketplace, featuring 700 distinct Native Hawaiian and made-in-Hawai‘i products.

Bayer Hawaiʻi has partnered with Sharing the Butterfly Experience to give away Monarch Butterfly Kits, providing an educational experience and highlighting the crucial role of pollinators in the food supply.