Nonprofit receives 60-acre land donation
Nonprofit receives 60-acre land donation
The Kohala Center recently received a gift of property for a new campus on Kohala Mountain Road, above Waimea.
The 60-acre ranch is being donated to The Kohala Center in two parcels: a 40-acre parcel was transferred to the center in June; a 20-acre parcel will be transferred by June 30, 2015. The Kohala Center plans to begin moving its research, educational and conservation programs to the campus in the summer of 2015.
The campus will enable the nonprofit to strengthen its programs, which engage the island as a model of and for the world through efforts in the fields of energy and food self-reliance and ecosystem health. In addition to serving as a campus, the organization hopes to welcome scientists, humanists, artists, public- and private-sector leaders and peacemakers to the site as a means of inspiring thoughtful and creative ways to enhance the well-being of Hawaii and the Earth.
Nominations sought for Mea Like Ole Award event
The second annual Mea Like Ole Award event begins at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 24 at King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. This year’s theme is “Workplace Inclusion Benefits All” and several West Hawaii businesses will be recognized for implementing best practices in hiring, retaining and advancing employees with disabilities.
Partially funded by the Disability Employment Initiative Grant, this event provides an opportunity to network with other businesses which promote and develop an inclusive workplace environment. Speaker Pauline Victoria Aughe also will inspire attendees with her courage.
RSVP by Wednesday. Confirmed guests will be treated to a breakfast buffet.
For employer nomination forms, contact the Hawaii Island Workforce &Economic Development Ohana at mealikeole@hitwedohawaii.org or 959-6300. For information about the event, call Malia Tamaribuchi at 327-4770 or email at Jessica.M.Tamaribuchi@hawaii.gov. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request by calling Lori Sasaki 327-4797.
New networking group started
Rotary Means Business-Big Island is a new fellowship and networking group that encourages members to support fellow Rotarians by doing business with them.
The group meets the third Thursday of the month at Humpy’s upstairs showroom. Club fliers, company brochures and business cards are encouraged.
For more information, contact Laura Guluzzy at writerlsg@gmail.com or 326-2100 or visit rotarymeansbusiness.com.
Hawaii Electric Light makes donation for storm relief
Hawaii Electric Light, Hawaiian Electric and Maui Electric have collectively contributed $25,000 to the Hawaii Island United Way. In addition, contributions from employees will be matched by the Hawaiian Electric Industries Charitable Foundation, up to a total of $10,000. All funds will be used to support island residents impacted by Tropical Storm Iselle.
HEMIC pays $2.25 million dividend
The HEMIC Board of Directors approved and declared a $2.25 million dividend for 2014, payable to qualifying policyholders. This marks the eighth consecutive year that HEMIC will pay a multi-million dollar dividend. More than 75 percent of policyholders with the Hawaii-based mutual insurance company should receive a dividend in 2014.
Guild Guitar Co. selects Waikoloa shop to represent brand
Hawaiian Ukulele and Guitar at the Kings’ Shops in Waikoloa has been selected by American guitar maker Guild Guitar Co. to be its exclusive brand representative for Hawaii Island.
With a tradition built on Old World craftsmanship, quality and value, Guild guitars have always been made to be played. Guild Guitar Co.’s 61-year commitment to creating the finest guitars in America is now coupled with Hawaiian Ukulele and Guitar’s promise to bring the finest instruments available at the best price around.
Felix assumes temporary role at HMAA
The Hawaii Medical Assurance Association recently announced that executive vice president, chief financial officer and chief operating officer Reg Baker resigned Sept. 1. Executive chairman John Henry Felix will temporarily assume the chief financial officer and chief operating officer positions.
HMAA is celebrating 25 years as one of Hawaii’s most trusted health insurance companies by small and mid-sized businesses.
Blue Startups announces accelerator program
Blue Startups announces a “Healthtech” track for its upcoming cohort in partnership with the Hawaii Health Connector. One company will be selected for this intensive program for health IT ventures.
In addition to participating in the regular accelerator program, the company will be paired with health technology mentors over a four-month period. They will work with leading practitioners and engage with prospective customers to jumpstart health technology companies developing innovative solutions for health technology problems. To apply, interested startups can link to f6s.com/bluestartupshealthtechtrackfall2014#/apply.
Blue Startups Healthtech encourages applications from teams working to use IT to solve problems faced by health care stakeholders including providers, payers, public health and government, employers and patients. Visit bluestartups.com for more information.
Shirt sales benefit Puna residents
Hawaii Island companies Creative Arts Hawaii, Aloha Grown and Parker Ranch Store have designed and printed limited edition “Aloha Puna” shirts to raise money for Puna residents.
The shirts sell for $20, with all proceeds benefiting the Hawaii Island United Way for storm recovery efforts in Puna. Shirts are available at the Aloha Grown store in Hilo, Creative Arts Hawaii in Keaukaha and Parker Ranch store in Waimea. Visit alohapuna.com for more information.
What to Do Media, Alex Mitchell Marketing forge partnership
What to Do Media, an advertising agency, is partnering with Alex Mitchell Marketing, a strategic marketing and branding agency. This partnership merges What to Do Media’s traditional and digital solutions with Alex Mitchell Marketing’s experience in business development. Both companies are on the Big Island.
Founded in 2002, What to Do Media specializes in responsive website design, search engine optimization, pay-per-click management, online reputation management and social media marketing. In addition to Internet marketing services, it assists select clients in their media-buying, publicity and graphic design needs
Mitchell has more than 20 years’ experience working in strategic marketing, sales and public relations for companies including Business Week, Chanel and U.S. News and World Report. She is also responsible for developing segments on national and local programs such as The Today Show, ABC News and Good Day New York.
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The Spoon Shop turns 2
The Spoon Shop will celebrate its second anniversary Oct. 1 through 4, with store specials, sales, demonstrations, treats and free giveaways.
The Spoon Shop is located at Hale Kui Plaza in the Kaloko Industrial Area off Kamanu Street. It offers kitchen essentials, including cookware, knives, ethnic cooking culinary tools, and fancy food items. Visit thespoonshopkona.com for more information.
Superior Sanitation celebrates a decade of service
Superior Sanitation in Kona is celebrating 10 years. This family owned and operated business offers certified cardboard recycling, commercial trash service, roll off service for construction debris removal, green waste recycling and scrap metal recycling.
Owner Mike Christensen Jr. grew up in the refuse business and started Superior Sanitation with one roll off truck a decade ago. After seeing the success of his roll off business, he moved into the commercial frontload trash service. His business is built on the idea that customers should have a choice in service provider and not be bound by long-term, ever-renewing contracts.
Since its founding, Superior Sanitation has added new trucks to the fleet, as well as maintained employee loyalty and longevity. For more information, call 325-1055.