Four from Molokai Among Small Business Nominees

Four Molokai business people have been nominated for the 2014 Mayor’s Small Business Awards. Suzette Kahana of B&S Kahana Corp. dba Kalapaki Girl Dezigns, Tarrah and Noa John Horner of iCandie and iCopie, and Wailani Tanaka, owner of Something for Everybody are joining nearly 30 other Maui County nominees. Awards, put on by the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development and Maui Chamber of Commerce, will be announced on Wenesday, Feb. 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the King Kamehameha Golf Club’s Waikapu Ballroom.

“This is an exceptional group of nominees, and all of them are worthy of an award,” said Mayor Alan Arakawa. “We owe a debt of gratitude to all of our small businesses owners who continue to provide jobs, purchase goods and services, and strengthen our economic environment.

“Small business is the number one economic engine in Maui County and we are fortunate to have so many of them making our economy stronger and more resilient, hence this year’s theme, ‘Strong Businesses, Strong Community.’”

This year, Mayor Arakawa will be giving out awards in seven categories, including Outstanding Business of the Year in several size divisions, Young Business Person of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award.

A one-time addition to this year’s awards is the 2014 Annette Pauole-Ahakuelo Molokai Small Business Achievement Award. This honorary award recognizes a small business on Molokai that demonstrates the spirit of entrepreneurship and exemplifies many of Annette Pauole-Ahakuelo’s extraordinary attributes.

“It is important to recognize the tremendous contributions small businesses make to improve our economy, community and our quality of life,” said Pamela Tumpap, Maui Chamber of Commerce President. “We are pleased to have so many outstanding small businesses nominated for these prestigious awards, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements on Feb. 26, as well as honor a dynamic woman, Annette Pauole-Ahakuelo.”

The awards dinner is sponsored by Gold Sponsor Maui Electric Company, Silver Sponsor Akina Aloha, Bronze Sponsor First Hawaiian Bank, and Supporting Sponsors VIP Foodservice and Munekiyo & Hiraga, Inc.