Business

Molokai Gets To Business

Wednesday, June 4th, 2014

Nearly 30 young, future and seasoned entrepreneurs spent the day learning ways to do business from industry experts at the Molokai Business Conference (MBC) last Wednesday.

“This idea was born right here on Molokai by Jennifer [Hawkins],” said Teena Rasmussen, director of the Maui County Office of Economic Development (OED). “It was her desire to put on a business conference for Molokai and to bring all kinds of resource people in and from around the state to come in and provide training for the Molokai people.”

Hawkins, the Small Business Specialist at the Kuha`o Business Center (KBC), worked alongside Rasmussen and the OED, MEO Business Development Center and UH Maui College, Molokai (UHMCM) to offer a full line-up of business resources for Molokai entrepreneurs.…

Tante’s Breaks Ground

Wednesday, May 21st, 2014

The sound of a jack hammer last Friday marked the official start to the rebuilding process after Hotel Molokai’s kitchen burned down almost two years ago. The machine, wielded by Hotel Manager Michael Drew and Tante Urban, owner of Tante’s Island cuisine, pummeled through a layer of concrete as a joyous cry arose from family, friends, guests and staff.

Construction on the new kitchen is expected to begin on June 1, with completion scheduled early in the new year.

Tante’s Island Cuisine, a family-operated restaurant on Maui, took over management of the former Hula Shores Bar on April 15, in partnership with a Molokai family.…

Molokai in Business:  Epik Style

Wednesday, May 14th, 2014

Community Contributed

By Jennifer Hawkins

The Molokai in Business series focuses on local businesses, both old and new.  It is our way of helping you get to know your local businesses.  Our intent is to support our local businesses, help people who want to start a business, and tell a good story.

What:  [Ep-ik] Style, active-wear for ocean, running and lounging

Who:  Sydney Kalipi

When:  By appointment

Where:  Etsy website and Instagram @epikstylehi

How:  Call 658-0175 or email epikstylehi@gmail.com

Question:  What do you do and how long have you been doing it?

Answer:  I create handmade active wear for women.  I started sewing bikinis at home for fun, then later I wanted to pursue sewing and attended UH Maui College on Maui.…

New Management for Hotel Molokai Restaurant and Bar

Wednesday, May 7th, 2014

Almost two years after the kitchen at Hotel Molokai was burned in a devastating fire, the restaurant and bar is seeking a fresh start with new management, and reconstruction is anticipated to begin next month.

Tante’s Island Cuisine, a family-operated restaurant on Maui, took over management of the former Hula Shores Bar on April 15, in partnership with a Molokai family. Owner Tante Urban said with a motto of “good service, good food and good price,” he looks forward to serving hotel guests and locals alike.

Husband and wife Clint and Starlet Luczon Joao and Starlet’s sister Natalie Luczon are assisting with management of the bar and restaurant, now known as Tante’s at Hotel Molokai.…

Duo Dishes Out Aloha

Saturday, March 29th, 2014

If you’ve tasted a difference at Paddlers Inn lately, it’s probably thanks to sibling team, Tammy Smith and Kama Hoe, welcomed into the Paddlers family as of September 2013. Working as general managers, they are dedicated to not only improving the total dining experience, but also creating job security and supporting the community while they’re at it.

Before their parents, Herbert and Julia Hoe, left Oahu 20 years ago to start retired life on Molokai, they had instilled the importance of hard work, family and community into their children.

“I’d like to think we taught them well,” said Herbert. “I had this saying—I’ll leave you with no money, but I’ll leave you to be independent and with a good education.”…