6 Molokai Businesses Get Revitalization Funding

County of Maui News Release

Six Molokai businesses were recipients of the county’s Small Business Revitalization grants this year. The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development (OED) and Lokahi Pacific announced that a total of $34,050 was awarded to companies in East Maui and Molokai.

The small business revitalization grants are designed to assist businesses with fewer than 10 employees and that do business in Maui County’s rural communities such as Hana and Molokai, which have been identified as the areas hardest hit in their ability to recover from economic downturns.

On Molokai, Lyndon R.L. Dela Cruz of Lanakila Designs received a $4,871 grant; Adolph M. and Corene K. Helm of Anahaki LLC received a $2,870 grant; Kalena Kaili-Thomas of Ali‘i Skin Care received a $3,569 grant; Michael K. and Jamesie K.V. Kahinu of Na‘ike’s Ltd. received a $2,853 grant; Tanya M. and Guy H. Naehu of MyLei received a $4,887 grant; and Jamie Lynn Ronzello of Barking Deer Farm received a $5,000 grant.

In East Maui, Patrick H. O’Connell and Eldege A. O’Connell of Kipahulu Construction and Jodi Rings of East Maui Beekeeping, Limited dba Hana Bees both received $5,000 grants.

The grant funds may be used for new equipment, renovation, websites, marketing materials or other purposes that will help the businesses grow, prosper and create jobs. The grant program is a 40/60 match grant, which means that for applicants accepted, for every $40 they contribute they will receive a match of $60.

“This program is very innovative,” said Mayor Alan Arakawa, “because it allows each applicant to determine exactly what they need in their business and provides owners a great opportunity and low-cost way to grow their business.”

Molokai Council member Stacy Crivello said that “positive programs like this are such a great opportunity for our rural businesses to leverage their own limited funds.”

OED Director Teena Rasmussen noted that “these businesses strive so hard for profitability. Small micro grants are such a great way to preserve the jobs these companies offer in our rural communities.”

Lokahi Pacific was selected by OED as the master grantee and manager of the Small Business Revitalization grants.

The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development has a variety of grant programs targeted to different sectors in the economy. For more information on grant availability, visit the OED website at mauicounty.gov/OED.