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Business

2 Wahine Entrepreneurs Showcase Molokai Success

Thursday, October 20th, 2022

2 Wahine Entrepreneurs Showcase Molokai Success

By Sage Yamashita, Intern Reporter

Two Molokai businesswomen are taking strides and making sales through their fashion companies. Iwi Nails and [Ep-ik] Style were recently selected to join five wahine-led businesses in the 2022/23 FoundHer cohort, a statewide business accelerator program, selected from among hundreds of applicants. 

Iwi Nails is an ʻaina inspired gel nail art and accessories company founded by Līhau Willing. 

“I discovered gel nail strips when traveling to Korea, and I thought that they were an amazing product. Though I loved the gel nail strips, there weren’t really designs that I loved or related to, so I decided to design some of my own,” said Willing, who is originally from Kona and now lives on Molokai, where her partner’s ʻohana is from.…

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New Store at Hotel Molokai

Wednesday, October 5th, 2022

New Store at Hotel Molokai

By Sage Yamashita, Intern Reporter

A new store located at Hotel Molokai, operated by local excursion business Molokai Outdoors,  offers inventory for visitors and residents alike. Along with renting cars and running tours the business is now able to promote Molokai entrepreneurs with a wide range of products in the shop, open Mondays through Saturdays at 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

“Our main business philosophy is to create jobs and opportunities for our Molokai residents so having a store next to our activity desk made the most perfect sense,” said Molokai Outdoors owner Clare Albino.  

Albino said they are working on their own product line and meanwhile, offer a variety of essentials, snacks, gifts and locally-made items.…

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Aloha Festivals Merchandise on Molokai

Wednesday, September 21st, 2022

Aloha Festivals News Release

Aloha Festivals, the largest Hawaiian cultural celebration in the U.S., is pleased to announce that apparel brand Hawaii’s Finest is producing its exclusive 2022 festival merchandise with the help of the ai in retail with designs inspired by the 2022 festival theme “Aloha ʻĀina, Love of the Land.”

“We have the pleasure of partnering with popular, local brand Hawaii’s Finest once again to celebrate the return of Aloha Festivals this year,” said Helene “Sam” Shenkus, co-chair of Aloha Festivals. “It’s an honor to be working with a home-grown brand that cares so much about Hawaii’s people and culture.”       …

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Business Conference Builds Entrepreneurs’ Toolbelt

Wednesday, August 10th, 2022

Business Conference Builds Entrepreneurs’ Toolbelt

By Catherine Cluett Pactol | Editor

From those with just a dream of a business to thriving entrepreneurs, last Wednesday’s annual Molokai Business Conference offered a learning opportunity for everyone. 

“It was a great turnout; we had business leaders, people interested in starting a business, we had people from the nonprofit sector, private and commercial sectors, we had bankers,” said Tylor Tanaka, small business specialist at Maui County’s Kuha’o Business Center on Molokai, which organized the conference.

A hybrid model brought classes both in person at the UH Maui College Molokai campus as well as virtually by Zoom for those who couldn’t be there, drawing more than 50 participants.…

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Misaki’s Celebrates a Century in Business

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2022

Misaki’s Celebrates a Century in Business

By Catherine Cluett Pactol | Editor

One of Molokai’s iconic and longest-standing stores celebrates 100 years in business this month. From a tiny candy store in the present-day RWH Chen Building in downtown Kaunakakai to one of Molokai’s largest grocery stores, Misaki’s Grocery and Dry Goods has been vital to island life and economy for a century. 

“For most of us, it’s just something we do — it’s our life. Time just passes by so fast,” reflected General Manager Kevin Misaki, whose grandparents founded the business. He “practically lived” in the store growing up, and so did his kids.

And for the Molokai community, it feels like the store has always been here for their ‘ohana. …

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Pizza Franchise Targeting Molokai

Wednesday, July 6th, 2022

Little Caesars News Release

Little Caesars is looking to grow its presence in paradise with a goal of opening more than 16 new franchise stores across the Hawaiian Islands by 2027. The bulk of franchise ownership opportunities are available on the island of Oahu, but the brand has also identified Kauai, Maui, Hawaii Island and Molokai as territories ripe for growth.

“We want Molokai residents to have a restaurant on the island so they can enjoy the value and convenience of Little Caesars without having to travel to Honolulu,” states the brand. “We want to serve their community.”

A major focus of this expansion is on providing interested military veterans located on the islands with financial incentives to open a franchise through the company’s Veterans Program.…

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New Store Brings the Bling

Thursday, April 7th, 2022

New Store Brings the Bling

By Catherine Cluett Pactol | Editor

From a jewelry-making hobby to an online shop to a Molokai storefront, Nakita Coelho-Villiarimo has experienced all sides of running a business before opening the doors of HI-Bling in Kaunakakai earlier this year. 

The shop, located above American Savings Bank, features affordable Polynesian inspired jewelry and apparel, along with home goods and organization items and more. 

“Our mission is to offer a wide range of everyday products, at reasonable prices so that as many people within our community can afford them,” said Coelho-Villiarimo of her store. “Our vision is to create a better everyday life for the island community.…

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County Small Business Grants Open

Wednesday, March 9th, 2022

Maui County News Release  

The Maui County Small Business Grant Program is open to all small businesses in Maui County.

In early January, the County of Maui announced the Maui County Small Business Grants for Restaurants, Bars and Gyms. Effective March 1, the program became the Maui County Small Business Grant for all small businesses in Maui County.

The County of Maui offers the program in collaboration with the Credit Unions of Maui (Maui County FCU, Maui FCU, Kahului FCU, Valley Isle Community FCU, Wailuku FCU and Maui Teachers FCU). The program is part of the American Rescue Plan to assist small businesses in Maui County impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.…

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New Mobile Provider

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022

New Mobile Provider

Cricket Wireless Molokai News Release 

What’s all the buzz about Cricket Wireless? It’s a new business on Molokai that opened its door on Jan. 7.  We offer cellular services utilizing the AT&T network with affordable monthly plans. There are no contracts or credit checks. The best part about Cricket Wireless is that you don’t have to wait for shipping of any cell phone or accessories because we have lots in stock.  

Here are some of this month’s specials when porting in from your current carrier: $50 instant credit added to your account; 10 different free phones to choose from; get an iPhone 11 for $99; get an iPhone SE for $49. …

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Funding Assistance for Restaurants and Bars

Thursday, January 13th, 2022

Maui County News Release

The Maui County Small Business Grant Program for Restaurants, Bars and Gyms was launched last week through a partnership with Maui Federal Credit Union, Mayor Michael Victorino announced. The grant uses American Rescue Plan funding to help businesses struggling in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Applications will be available online at mauinuistrong.info/maui-county-small-business-grant. Applications will only be accepted online and will not be available at the credit unions. A form 1099 is required upon application. Consult your tax preparer.

Grants are being offered, not business expense reimbursements.

“I encourage operators of qualifying restaurants, bars and gyms to take advantage of this opportunity to get a $5,000 grant to help them weather this pandemic,” Victorino said.…

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