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Nominees have been announced for the 2026 Mayor's Small Business Awards, with winners to be named Oct. 21 at the King Kamehameha Golf Club Waikapu Ballroom.
Presented by the Maui Chamber of Commerce, the awards recognize Maui County businesses with 100 or fewer employees. Criteria include business leadership, workplace quality, customer service and community partnerships.
The awards ceremony will be from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Registration is required. Tickets are $150 per person at MauiChamber.com or by calling the Maui Chamber of Commerce at 808-244-0081.
Nominees for Exceptional Small Business of the Year with 10 or fewer employees are Aloha Primary Care Physicians & Associates, Dr. Rosario Guzman; Anytime Fitness Pukalani, Sean Higuchi; Makai Power Systems Inc., John Cano; Maui School for Strings LLC, Roy Binder; Soley Aloha Boutique & Gallery, Stu and Billie Soley; and Sparky's Food Company, Duke Sparks.
Nominees for Exceptional Small Business of the Year with 11 to 39 employees include FAM Clothing LLC, Daython and Zhorein Galicinao; and Valley Isle Excursions, Jimmy Hutaff.
Outstanding Non-Profit Business nominees are J. Walter Cameron Center, Cesar Gaxiola; Hale Kau Kau, the Rev. William Kunisch; and Maui Hub, Autumn Ness.
Young Small Businessperson of the Year nominees are Tiara Kobayashi of Tiara Koba Designs LLC and Courtney Hoopii of Ka'imi Co.
Lifetime Achievement Award nominees include Hi-Tech Maui Inc., Kim Ball; Kula Lodge & Restaurant Inc., Sion and Stephanie Vojdani; and The Hana Lava Tube, Chuck Thorne.
"We're proud to recognize this year's outstanding small business nominees and the meaningful contributions they make to our community," said Maui Chamber President Pamela Tumpap in a news release. "From creating jobs and supporting local families to embracing innovation and delivering exceptional service, these businesses are helping strengthen Maui County's economy and build a more resilient future."