Annual Mayor’s Small Business Awards honor winners and nominees

Maui News

WAILUKU – The Maui Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of the 2024 Mayor’s Small Business Awards held Thursday, Sept. 19, at the King Kamehameha Golf Club Waikapu Ballroom.

The Mayor’s Small Business Awards recognise outstanding businesses in our community, both for-profit and not-for-profit, with 100 employees or fewer. All nominees and winners were honoured at the awards ceremony in Waikapu.

“After a very difficult year, it was great to come together and celebrate the incredible achievements of the nominees and winners, as well as their employees who contribute so much to the overall success of the company.” “We are honored to share this year’s winners and look forward to their continued success and the incredible work they do in our community,” said Pamela Tumpap, president of the Maui Chamber of Commerce.

“The Maui Chamber of Commerce recognizes the incredible entrepreneurial spirit of business owners who risk their money and assets to start their businesses with the hopes (not guarantees) of making money to create jobs for themselves and their employees. Businesses not only employ our residents, they provide them with health care and other benefits, and are crucial in providing job opportunities to keep local families on the island. They are also crucial to the economic health of Maui County by providing needed goods and services, supporting nonprofits in our community, and contributing to our county and state tax base. Small businesses are widely recognized as the backbone of Maui County’s economy, but they are also essential to our community, our residents and visitors, and they preserve Maui No Ka Oi.” He said ‘Tumpap’.

“Mahalomi to the County of Maui and the Office of Economic Development for supporting this event, as well as our sponsors, Gold Sponsor American Savings Bank and Silver Sponsor Southwest Airlines.” The chamber issued a press release announcing the winners.

The Maui Chamber of Commerce encourages the community to think about the outstanding small businesses, young business people, nonprofits and lifelong business leaders they know and love. Next year’s Mayor’s Small Business Awards will be held in the fall of 2025, with nominations to be announced in the summer. For information on nominating someone for next year’s awards program, please contact the Maui Chamber of Commerce at (808) 244-0081 or [email protected].

Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen commended the diligent efforts of small business owners in the area.

“I don’t know why any of you started your business, took over your business, or fell into your business, whatever it was, but I guarantee you found your purpose through the work you do,” He said “Bisse”.

“I am very grateful to MCOC for this recognition.” Charles Ahuna said he received the Outstanding Small Business of the Year award for businesses with 11 to 39 employees. “We would like to extend a special thank you to our Mayor and his administration for their extraordinary resilience and leadership during these difficult times.”

Ahuna added, “Thank you to the Hana community for their unwavering support and the Lahaina community for their resilience. You represent the strength and unity that defines us. A heartfelt thank you to my incredible team. Your dedication, passion, and hard work have been the driving force behind everything we have accomplished. This award is a testament to your commitment and excellence. I am deeply inspired to continue to work hard and contribute to our communities.”

“We are deeply honored to be honored with the Best Small Business award at the Maui Mayor’s Small Business Awards. A heartfelt thank you to the LahainaTown Action Committee for nominating us and to the Maui Chamber of Commerce and Maui County for recognizing the dedication of our team and all of the outstanding nominees.” West Maui Sports & Fishing had this to say about its Outstanding Small Business of the Year (10 or fewer employees) award: “We are honored to be included among such incredible businesses that we admire and respect. A special thank you to YWCA Oahu, CNHA Kuhana Cohort, Maui Pono Foundation and everyone who supported us during this important year.”

The winners of the Mayor’s Small Business Awards are:

* Kapena Au, Owner of Maui Traffic Control Services, Young Small Business Owner of the Year

* Outstanding Nonprofit Award, led by ProArts, Inc. Executive Director Lin McEwan

* West Maui Sporting & Fishing Supplies – Outstanding Small Business of the Year (10 or fewer employees) with owners Katie and Lopaka Wilson

* Hana and Beyond, with Owner Charles Ahuna – Outstanding Small Business of the Year (11 to 39 employees)

*Valley Isle Excursions, Owner Nichole Hutaff-Nakamura awarded Lifetime Achievement Award (for over 20 years of operating business in Maui County)