The Maui News

Maui County is partnering with six federal credit unions to offer $3 million in relief funds for local small businesses, Mayor Michael Victorino announced Wednesday.

The new Kokua Maui County Small Business Recovery and Relief Fund uses CARES Act monies and will begin taking online applications starting Aug. 3.

The fund will cover reimbursable business expenses, such as rent or lease payments, utility payments and COVID-related safety precautions at the place of business. The maximum award is $7,500.

To qualify, businesses must:

• Have a physical commercial/industrial business location within Maui County.

• Have an active registered trade name with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

• Have a current general excise tax license as proof of registration for doing business in the state of Hawaii.

• Have been established prior to March 20, 2019, which should be reflected on the business’ General Excise Tax license.

• Have less than $1 million in annual gross revenue.

• Be operating at the time of application.

The six federal credit unions partnering with the county are Maui County FCU, Maui FCU, Valley Isle Community FCU, Kahului FCU, Wailuku FCU and Maui Teachers FCU.

For more information, visit www. covid19mauinui.com/kokua-maui-county.

Office of Economic Development Director JoAnn Inamasu also announced during the county news conference Wednesday that the mayor has tasked her office with creating a program to assist local musicians and entertainers. Inamasu said the pilot program is in its infant stage and that they would provide more details in the coming weeks.

Victorino added that about 130 people were tested for COVID-19 on Wednesday during a drive-thru event at Keopuolani Park organized by Minit Medical, the Hawaii National Guard and the county.

Residents who would like to get tested can call their medical providers at any time.