Benson named GM of Hana resort

Jon Benson has been named general manager of Hana-Maui Resort.

He will be responsible for management, operations and marketing of the resort, suites, bungalows and family residences, as well as assisting with the rebrand of the resort to a Hyatt Destination Hotel.

Benson is a hospitality industry veteran with more than 34 years of experience. He began his career with Hyatt in Southern California and has held various roles throughout his career. Most recently, Benson served as area general manager at Hyatt Regency Long Beach.

“It is a privilege for the iconic Hana-Maui Resort to be affiliated with Hyatt under the Destination Hotels brand, and we look forward to the future with Jon Benson leading hotel operations,” said Michael Jokovich, area vice president of Hyatt. “His leadership style of empathy, respect and collaboration will blend beautifully as we reintroduce the resort to the community.”

Following a suspension of operations due to COVID-19, Hana-Maui Resort anticipates reopening on Oct. 15, when the state’s pre-travel testing program is set to begin. Trans-Pacific flyers will be able to avoid the 14-day quarantine with a negative COVID-19 test at least 72 hours before their flight.

The resort will remain open through a planned two-year phased renovation.

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Pye to lead hotel association board

Michael Pye, general manager of the Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui, is the chairman of the 2020-21 Maui Hotel & Lodging Association Board of Directors.

Other officers include Angela Vento, general manager of the Wailea Beach Resort, Marriott Maui, vice chair; Dean Duque, vice president and Maui region manager for First Hawaiian Bank, treasurer.

Other board members are: Bill Countryman, Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club; Michael Cuthbertson, Destination Residences Hawaii; Fred Findlen, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa; Mufi Hanneman, Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association; Diane Haynes-Woodburn, Haynes Publishing Group; Michael Jokovich, Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort; Gregg Lundberg, Westin Maui Resort & Spa; Gregg Nelson, Napili Kai Beach Resort; Ryan Nobriga, Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas; Greg Peros, Maui Beach Hotel; Aaron Placourakis, Tri Star Restaurant Group; Sharon Suzuki, Hawaiian Electric Co.; Mike White, Ka’anapali Beach Hotel; and Tetsuji Yamazaki, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa.

The board announcement was made Sept. 23 during the MHLA modified annual meeting due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green appeared virtually for 45 minutes to discuss the COVID-19 pre-travel testing program for trans-Pacific flyers to Hawaii.

“Having Lt. Gov. Green explain the reopening plan and answering questions himself has our members more confident in the state’s plan and how it will be executed,” said MHLA Executive Director Rod Antone.

The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association is a nonprofit organization founded in 1987 to advocate for the visitor industry. The organization also provides educational opportunities and scholarships and gives back to the community via the annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk, Excellence in Education Golf Tournament and Na Kupuna Dinner.

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Starting a business workshop planned

The workshop “Starting A Business in Hawaii” will be offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday online.

The workshop will cover self-assessment tips and characteristics of an entrepreneur; business idea validation and problems being solved; form and organization of a business plan; the forms of organization, such as limited liability company, corporation or sole proprietor; Hawaii business and general excise tax licenses; and taxes to plan for.

Wayne Wong, Maui Center director of the Hawaii Small Business Development Center Network, will be the presenter.

The center provides both existing and aspiring business owners with confidential, one-on-one, no cost business advising services, training workshops and market research services.

The workshop is free but registration is required at http://go.hawaii.edu/reG to receive the Zoom invitation link.

For more information, contact Pat Diaz of the Hawaii Small Business Development Center at 875-5990.

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Credit union back to regular hours

Hawaii State Federal Credit Union resumed regular days and hours in late September after adjusting hours of operation in late August due to a spike in COVID-19 cases.

The Kahului Branch is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.

Most credit union services, including notary, loan processing, new accounts and signature guarantee, will remain by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call the Member Service Call Center at (808) 587-2700 or toll-free at (888) 586-1056.

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Hawaii Fudge opens location in Wailuku

The Hawaii Fudge Co. has opened a new retail location at 1440 Lower Main St. in Wailuku, the company announced late last month.

The store is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

There is on-premises ordering with free parking as well as grab-and-go fudge-infused ice cream.

Company officials say that its internet business is so strong due to COVID-19 that it is opening a brick-and-mortar outlet. It is an “uplifting sign of hope during these times,” officials said.

For more information, go to www.HawaiiFudge.com.

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South Maui Fish Co. moves to new spot

South Maui Fish Co. has moved to the Aloha Open Air Market, 1794 S. Kihei Road, the business said early last month.

The restaurant has been serving fresh-caught poke and fish tacos to residents and visitors in Kihei for almost six years.

Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday. South Maui Fish Co. also will sell fresh fish fillets at 8:30 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, coinciding with Rowena’s local farmer’s market held at the same location.

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Hawaiian Telcom wins Maui license

Using wireless spectrum licenses acquired by its parent company Cincinnati Bell, Hawaiian Telcom will further expand broadband coverage in Maui County and Kalaupapa.

The wireless spectrum licenses were won as part of the Federal Communications Commission Auction 105 for Citizens Broadband Radio Service Priority Access Licenses. The FCC announced the results of the auction Sept. 2.

President and General Manager Su Shin said the company will use the wireless spectrum licenses primarily to deliver broadband service of up to 100 megabits per second to residents and business customers that are located outside the company’s fiber network, which spans nearly 5,000 route miles throughout the state.

“The wireless spectrum is another tool we can leverage to deliver our world-class broadband service to more local residents and businesses in certain areas of our state where it’s not feasible to build out fiber infrastructure,” said Shin.

The wireless spectrum will enable Hawaiian Telcom to deliver broadband service using transmitters and receivers and radio waves instead of cables. The FCC will award the licenses at the end of this year and services are expected to launch starting in 2022.

“As a local provider that’s committed to Hawaii, we understand that broadband connectivity is critical to maximize economic development, education and quality of life initiatives throughout our state. This reality has only been reinforced by the work-from-home and remote-learning environments as well the growing telemedicine requirements in our rural communities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Shin.

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Shaka Tea available on bitewell.com

Shaka Tea announced its launch on bitewell.com, an online marketplace.

People can shop at the text-based marketplace or order from a selection of curated monthly Biteboxes.

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ADC honored with homebuilder award

Architectural Design & Construction (ADC) in Wailuku recently was selected as one of the “Best Asian-Inspired Home Builders in the US” by Home Builder Digest.

ADC is a Maui homebuilder specializing in residential construction and renovations. The firm was founded by architect Clayton Nishikawa. ADC’s team is composed of certified green professionals, LEED accredited professionals and American of Institute of Architect Maui members.

Home Builder Digest is an online publication that celebrates the best homebuilders and residential architects across the U.S.

“ADC’s portfolio is filled with tropical-themed homes well-suited to their island location,” said Jack Cookson, editor and founder. “A perfect example is the Makena residence on Maui, designed by Kober, Hanssen, Mitchell Architects Inc.; and built by ADC. This relaxing abode offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of life, featuring a tropical paradise design with views of the serene ocean. An outdoor courtyard pool simply completes the home. The tropical vibe comes strongly of this Bali-inspired residence.

“We were particularly impressed by ADC’s excellent craftsmanship. This project really reflects their dedication and expertise when it comes to home construction.”

For a full list of winners, go to https://www.homebuilderdigest.com/the-best-asian-inspired-home-builders-in-the-us/.

ADC is located at 2145 Wells St., Suite 301, Wailuku, and its website is www.adcmaui.com, It can be reached by phone at 986-8300 or email at clayton@adcmaui.com.