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QNHCH presents employee awards

An outdoor ceremony that incorporated physical distancing and facemasks was the setting as Queen’s North Hawaii Community Hospital President Cindy Kamikawa named Jeannette Oslund, surgical nurse, Employee of the Year, and emergency room nurse Shelby Hancock and supply lead Jenna Speetjens as Employees of the Quarter.

Oslund was recognized for being an exemplary employee, a team player, and someone who is always a champion for her patients. “Jeannette goes above and beyond with a positive attitude, and is always willing to help out others and take on extra tasks,” said Pat Dunham, surgical services manager. “She is caring, compassionate, and considerate with all of her patients and colleagues.”

Hancock, an emergency room nurse, was selected Employee of the Quarter for January-March. “Shelby is a strong team player who positively influences everyone around her with her calm approach to challenges and problem-solving. She has been a key player in the success of opening the new ER as well as the changes required by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Kim Bastien, ER manager.

Speetjens, supply chain lead, was recognized as Employee of the Quarter for April-June for the critical role she played in improving QNHCH supply chain systems. She lead the transition to a new system that helps assure clinical departments have the appropriate supplies, and she was instrumental in keeping the hospital supplied during the pandemic.

Mana Up launches Cohort 5

Hawaii-based product accelerator Mana Up’s fifth cohort contains a diverse mix of companies. From locally sourced and brewed kombucha to nontoxic nail polish, the cohort offers a wide range of authentic Hawaii consumer-packaged goods. The 10 companies are spread across Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island.

“We’re excited for Cohort 5 as there is an incredible mix of founders, products and industries that have a lot of potential to grow while being based in Hawaii,” says Meli James, co-founder of Mana Up.

This cohort will be different for Mana Up, as all workshops will be conducted virtually for the foreseeable future due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hawaii Island companies among the cohort are Ao Organics, a beauty and skincare company offering tanning oils, serums and other products that use safe and natural ingredients, founded by Chelsa Davis; Kapa Nui Nails, a line of clean, non-toxic and eco-conscious high-performance nail products for the conscious consumer, founded by Lyn and Terry Lam; and Ua Body, a legacy Hawaii skincare company offering lotions, soaps and dry oils that utilize local and natural ingredients, founded by Blaine and Leala Kusler.

For more information, visit www.manauphawaii.com.

Hawaii Community Foundation receives $250K donation

The Anderson Stewart Family Foundation, a charitable organization created by the family of Topa’s founder, John E. Anderson Sr., along with local subsidiaries Hawaii Coffee Company, Paradise Beverages and Topa Real Estate Group, has donated $250,000 to the Hawaii Community Foundation’s (HCF) Hawaii Resilience Fund.

HCF has a unique role in disaster preparedness and response. The organization collaborates with partners, both inside and outside of philanthropy, including government, disaster relief organizations, community groups, and the private sector, for a coordinated effort and maximum community impact.

Donate online at https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/coronavirus.

‘Aloha for Hawaii’ campaign reaches goal

First Hawaiian Bank recently announced that the “Aloha for Hawaii” campaign, which launched on April 13, reached its one million restaurant takeout or delivery purchase goal in just eight weeks, generating $24.5 million in support for the restaurant industry.

Through the “Aloha for Hawaii” Fund, the organization is donating a total of $1 million, plus an additional $25,000 through its partnership with Marcus Mariota’s Motiv8 Foundation, to Hawaii, Guam and Saipan nonprofits providing food supply and health and human service assistance for over 536,000 people impacted by COVID-19.

The “Aloha for Hawaii” initiative was established as a special program to offer much-needed support to local restaurants while at the same time providing critical funds to nonprofit organizations that support those people most at risk during this time.

For more information visit fhb.com/aloha.