The 2006 Small Business Journalist Award for Hawaii County was presented to Fern Gavelek of Fern Gavelek Communications. With more than 25 years in journalism, her work has been featured in visitor publications and more. Gavelek was nominated by Christie
Real Estate Commission coming to Big Island
The Hawaii Real Estate Commission (HREC) is holding its monthly committee meetings on May 10 at the University of Hawaii-Hilo’s Campus Center conference rooms 306-307, 200 W. Kawili St.
The Laws and Rules Review Committee meets at 9:30 a.m., followed by the Education Review Committee and then the Condominium Review Committee.
The commission also is holding a “Specialists Office for the Day” while the meetings are in progress and by appointment. Real estate licensees, condominium owners, educational providers or anyone else interest in real estate licensing or condominium issues can meet with the specialists to discuss their concerns.
The commission is conducting a “New Condominium Law” seminar from 1:30-4:30 p.m. May 10 at the UHH Campus Center conference rooms 306-307. The seminar will discuss the new law going into effect in July and its requirements regarding how condominiums are developed, sold, managed and self governed by its boards.
For more information on the commission, visit www.hawaii.gov/hirec.
For more information on the seminar, call the HREC condominium specialists at (808) 586-2643 or visit the above Web site.
SBA announces annual award winners
The U.S Small Business Administration celebrated the best of Big Island-based small business owners and advocates during the annual SBA Small Business Awards presentation at the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce luncheon April 17 at the Hilo Hawaiian Resort.
“Small business plays a critical role in keeping the economy strong and growing. The Hawaii Island winners of the SBA Small Business Awards all demonstrate tremendous resourcefulness, creativity and drive to succeed on their own terms,” said Jane Sawyer, SBA’s lead economic development specialist who manages the annual awards program. “Each company has shown great ability to respond to adversity, to develop novel solutions to problems and has a real commitment to making their island a better place to live and work.”
Business Services Hawaii, started by Margaret Pahio in 1984, was named the Small Business Person of the Year for Hawaii County. Son Shon joined the management team after spending years on the mainland for school and work experience. The rubbish service has grown steadily, diversifying services to meet local needs, including the development of four recycling sites. BHS had grown to handle 450 commercial accounts and provides jobs for 18 people. Calvin Kang of Central Pacific Bank nominated BHS for the top award recognizing its staying power, response to adversity and increases in annual revenue and employment.
Honored with the Entrepreneurial Success Award for the state, I. Kitagawa and Company, Ltd. has been serving Big Island customers since Isojiro Kitagawa opened a fish market in 1905. This award is presented to a business that started out small but has grown into a large and successful company. Today, under the leadership of fourth generation Brian Kitagawa, the business operates as Kamaaina Motors, Kona Auto Center and the Napa Parts Center Hawaii, employing 160 people and generating millions in revenue each year. Roberta Chu and Art Taniguchi of Bank of Hawaii prepared the nomination.
To qualify for SBA’s Young Entrepreneur Award, a candidate must own or operate a viable business for a minimum of three years before reaching the age of 30. To most this would be a huge challenge, but Benjamin C. Fouts of Mauna Loa Helicopters has managed to turn a near bankrupt firm into a growing and profitable business, increasing revenues at the flight training school well over 300 percent since 2002. The company also employs 15 full-time staff in three locations in the state. Christie Dermengian of Bank of Hawaii submitted the winning nomination to SBA.
The Minority Small Business Champion title is given to an individual or business that has demonstrated a commitment to support greater participation of a minority or underserved segment of the community in business. Puna Kamalii Flowers Inc. is operated by Thomas and Vickie Nelson to propagate, pack and sell plants and foliage. What makes the business extraordinary is that the mission is to train disabled individuals to become viable, productive and motivated employees. Keene Fujinaka of Bank of Hawaii notes the company’s advocacy efforts have had great success in improving opportunities for the disabled.
The 2006 Small Business Journalist Award for Hawaii County was presented to Fern Gavelek of Fern Gavelek Communications. With more than 25 years in journalism, her work has been featured in visitor publications and more. Gavelek was nominated by Christie Dermengian, Bank of Hawaii.
