News & Resources
Maui Business Bridge Grants
Maui Business Bridge Grants – Grant Overview
This grant program is being offered by the State of Hawaii, County of Maui, Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO), Credit Unions of Maui, and Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB). The purpose of this grant program is to support Maui-based businesses that have been directly or indirectly impacted by the August 8, 2023 Lahaina and Upcountry wildfires.
In order to be eligible to receive funding, business owners must have:
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an active registration license, established prior to August 1, 2023, with the Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA). Please check your business registration status HERE (DCCA)
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a primary business operating location on Maui as of July 31, 2023
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an active Hawaii General Excise Tax ID (GET ID), with a registered business address on Maui.
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Please check your Hawaii GET License status HERE (GET)
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Scroll down to “Business” section and click “search tax licenses”.
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NOTE: Only General Excise (GE) IDs are valid. Withholding (WH) or Transient Accommodation (TA) IDs are not eligible.
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a copy of a recent Hawaii GET filing, dated within the period of August 31, 2022 through July 31, 2023. A 2022 annual G49 filing is preferred to determine annual gross income. For information on obtaining a GET filing copy, please contact the Hawaii Department of Taxation Maui District Office or log in to your Hawaii Tax Online account.
Rental Property income landlords/businesses are not eligible for this funding opportunity.
Applications will be accepted until funds are exhausted. Due to the high demand for grant funding, it may not be possible to provide grants to all eligible applicants. Grants will range from $1,000 to $20,000, with the assigned grant processing agency determined by the applicant’s gross annual income for the 2022 tax year or an extrapolation of the most recent General Excise Tax (GET) filing period for businesses established for less than one year.
The grant processing agency will be assigned depending on the applicant’s gross annual income for the 2022 tax year, or for businesses established for less than 1 year, an extrapolation of the most recent General Excise Tax (GET) filing period as follows:
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Maui Economic Opportunity: $0 – $300,000
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Credit Unions of Maui: $300,001 – $599,999
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Maui Economic Development Board: $600,000 and above
If awarded, funds may be used for the following costs incurred as of August 9, 2023 or later:
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Rent, lease payments, or mortgage payments on new property secured as a replacement for property destroyed or damaged during the August 8, 2023 Maui Wildfires.
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Utility deposits and bills for a new business location secured as a replacement for property destroyed or damaged during the August 8, 2023 Maui Wildfires.
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Insurance premiums.
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Inventory, Equipment, Supplies and Marketing.
If awarded, funds may NOT be used for the following:
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Rent, lease payments, or mortgage payments associated with property destroyed or damaged during the August 8, 2023 Maui Wildfires.
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Any utility charges associated with property destroyed or damaged during the August 8, 2023 Maui Wildfires.
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Repayment of any loans.
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Staff salaries, wages or payroll inclusive of benefits.
Each grant processing agency reserves the right to establish additional eligibility criteria, document requirements, funding restrictions, and grant activity requirements.
If awarded, grant revenue may be taxable. Consult with a tax professional regarding proper tax treatment of these funds.
Once an application is submitted, a notice will be issued to inform the applicant of whether or not eligibility criteria has been met. Eligible applicants will be informed of their grant processing agency and will be contacted directly by that agency for further processing and award determinations. Please visit our website often for news on upcoming Business Recovery Funding and other Business Assistance opportunities.
Kokua for Maui Month
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release
October 27, 2023
Kokua for Maui – Shop & Show Aloha: A Collective Effort to Support Maui
In the spirit of aloha and unity, Hawaii’s four mayors have jointly launched November as “Kokua for Maui – Shop & Show Aloha” Month. This collaborative effort, led by the County of Maui in partnership with the State of Hawaiʻi, City and County of Honolulu, County of Hawaiʻi, County of Kauaʻi, and various community partners; aims to provide essential support for Maui’s people and businesses as they continue to recover from the devastating August wildfires.
County of Maui Mayor Richard Bissen shared, “Maui’s people and businesses have demonstrated incredible resilience during these trying times, and ‘Kokua for Maui – Shop & Show Aloha’ is dedicated to bolstering their efforts while revitalizing the island’s economy.”
This initiative will feature a series of events and activities throughout November, including the following, with more events to be announced shortly:
10th Annual Hawaiian Airlines Made in Maui Festival (Nov. 3-4): Presented by the Maui Chamber of Commerce and supported by the County of Maui Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, this festival celebrates locally made products, stimulating the island’s economy.
22nd Annual Native Hawaiian Convention (Nov. 14-17): The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) made a conscious decision to move their convention to Maui; an event that features discussions on culture, economic development, education, with a focus on Maui’s history and future.
Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival (Nov. 18): In partnership with the Hawaii Tourism Authority, this gourmet event at Humble Market Kitchin by Roy Yamaguchi and Wailea Beach Resort will contribute to Maui’s recovery.
Kokua for Maui at the Hilo Farmers Market (Nov. 18): Maui small businesses will be hosted by the County of Hawaiʻi and the Hilo Farmers Market, offering a touch of Maui on Hawaiʻi Island.
Kokua for Maui at the Neal Blaisdell Center (Nov. 19): This collaborative event with the City and County of Honolulu and community partners features Maui-based vendors and their products.
Kokua for Maui in Waikiki (Nov. 20-21): Bringing Maui’s entrepreneurs to showcase their products, art, and more; allowing visitors to support and show aloha for Maui and its businesses.
The MauiNuiFirst.com website also includes a directory of local businesses you can support.
Hawai‘i State Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke underscored the importance of supporting local businesses and families, saying, “November is typically the month for giving, and we all know someone affected by the Maui wildfires. Our islands might be separated by ocean, but we’re one island state. When one island hurts, we all feel it. We keep hearing from people, how we can help? One way to make a real difference for small businesses and local families is to keep supporting local.”
For more information and updates on “Kokua for Maui – Shop & Show Aloha,” please visit MauiNuiFirst.com.
About MauiNuiFirst.com: MauiNuiFirst.com is an online directory created by the County of Maui Office of Economic Development to celebrate and support the diverse businesses, products, services, and activities that make “Maui Nui” no ka oi. Serving as a vital resource for both businesses and consumers alike, it plays a pivotal role in nurturing a strong, interconnected community.
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LAC Businesses Impacted by Wildfire Meeting 9/5/23
The LahainaTown Action Committee (LAC) collaborated with local government officials to organize a crucial meeting for our valued members and businesses most affected by the Lahaina Wildfire. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Senator Lynn DeCoite and her office for their invaluable support in coordinating a panel designed to specifically address the questions presented by our members.
To access the meeting recording, please follow the link below or reach out to president@visitlahaina.com if you need assistance accessing the video. Furthermore, we are fully committed to producing a comprehensive document that compiles the questions submitted by LAC members alongside the responses from government officials. This document will be promptly shared with our dedicated LahainaTown Action Committee members and made available on our website for the benefit of the wider community.
In these intricate and sensitive times for Lahaina, we recognize the paramount importance of transparency and inclusivity. While our primary focus was addressing the immediate needs of our members, it is clear that the entire West Maui Community is seeking answers and solutions. We sincerely hope that by sharing this meeting video with the public, we can inspire other groups to seek the same level of attention and responsiveness for their unique needs.
We deeply regret any confusion or inconvenience caused by misleading communications regarding attendance at this meeting without prior registration. These messages and social posts were disseminated by individuals seeking to divide us. The survival and recovery of Lahaina from one of the most significant natural disasters in recent history depends on our collective efforts. If you were turned away today and are a business within the impact zone or on West Maui in general, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Our dedicated board president, Sne Patel, is readily available to personally address your concerns.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support. Together, we can foster a more informed and engaged community.
Sne Patel, LAC President
LahainaTown Action Committee
September 5th, 2023 4:40 PM HST
Park Maui Lahaina Virtual Open House July 24, 2023
County of Maui’s PARK MAUI to hold Lahaina Virtual Open House
The County of Maui announces it will hold a virtual open house on Monday, July 24th, to discuss their new parking management program, PARK MAUI. Two sessions will be offered: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. These public meetings will primarily focus on Lahaina Town, one of the locations selected for the PARK MAUI pilot program.
County staff will provide an update on the PARK MAUI program in Lahaina and answer questions from attendees. In addition to the PARK MAUI program, the County will also share an update on various topics discussed during the in-person PARK MAUI Open House held in March. These include bike parking, road congestion during boat days, alternative transportation options, and parking lot improvements in Lahaina.
Participants can assess the Open House via event links on the website www.parkmaui.com (refer to “Upcoming Events”).
Lahaina Town, as part of the PARK MAUI program, will provide both on-street and off-street parking options, including designated areas for employee parking. The proposed parking rates, fees, and permits are currently awaiting approval from the Maui County Council.
The PARK MAUI pilot program is slated to launch late this summer at these locations: Lahaina Town, Wailuku Town, Kamaole beach parks, and Ulua/Mokapu beach park.
For more information on PARK MAUI, visit www.parkmaui.com.
Donations needed for the 2023 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular
LahainaTown Action Committee Requests Donations to Support the 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular in
Lahaina Town
Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii – The LahainaTown Action Committee and the County of Maui Mayor’s Office of Economic
Development are thrilled to announce the highly anticipated 2023 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular. We are
seeking financial support from the community to make this event a resounding success.
“The July Fourth celebration in Lahaina Town has consistently proven to be a significant economic catalyst, firmly
established as a cherished tradition embraced by our community and visitors,” states Sne Patel, President of the
LahainaTown Action Committee. “We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Mayor’s Office, the Office of
Economic Development, and the Maui Police and Fire Departments for their invaluable support in organizing this
remarkable event. We are immensely grateful to the businesses that have already demonstrated their generosity
through financial contributions. While we have made substantial progress, additional funding is still required, and
we warmly welcome donations at any level.”
All residents and visitors are cordially invited to partake in the festivities by strolling through historic Lahaina and
indulging in the holiday specials offered by many oceanfront restaurants and town shops. Prepare to be
entertained with live music in Campbell Park and a captivating classic car show presented by Maui Classic Cruisers
along the 700 Block of Front Street. The highlight of the evening will be an awe-inspiring aerial fireworks display
illuminating the night sky over Lahaina, scheduled for 8:00pm, originating from a barge positioned offshore of
Front Street. Spectators can enjoy the fireworks from charter boats in Lahaina Harbor or from land throughout
Lahaina Town.
The captivating live music in Campbell Park will commence at 5:00pm and is graciously sponsored the Lahaina
Restoration Foundation, Lahaina Sunrise Rotary Club, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Arts Education for Children
Group, and Jazz Maui, featuring the Chop Suey Jazz Orchestra, King Kekaulike Na Alii Big Band, and the Maui
Community Band.
Please note that there will be no parking on Front Street on Tuesday, July 4th, from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, spanning
from Papalua Street to Hotel Street. Additionally, Front Street will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic from
5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
To ensure the continuation of this beloved tradition, we kindly request your support through donations for the
July 4th Fireworks. Contributions can easily be made online at www.visitlahaina.com.
Join us in celebrating our nation’s independence with a truly spectacular event in Lahaina Town. Your generous
donations will help create lasting memories for our community and visitors alike.
For more information, please contact:
LahainaTown Action Committee info@visitlahaina.com PO Box 1663 Lahaina, Hawaii 96767
Volunteer for the 18th Annual Lahaina Town Cleanup
Maui, Hawaii – Volunteers are being sought for the 18th Annual Lahaina Town Cleanup to be held Saturday, September 24, 2022. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. The cleanup will be held from 8 a.m. to noon.
The 18th Annual Lahaina Town Clean Up event is supported by Malama Maui Nui’s “Get the Drift and Bag It!” campaign, in conjunction with The Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Clean Up. “Get the Drift and Bag It!” is an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to join in an effort to remove litter and debris from our coastal environment. The campaign is also a part of the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup month held annually in September. The ICC engages hundreds of thousands of volunteers each year to take action for the ocean and for the creatures that depend on it (including humans). Over its 30+ years of existence, approximately 17 million people have picked up some 348 million pounds of trash across more than 150 countries. By participating in the 18th Annual Lahaina Town Clean Up, you can make a difference, right here in your own community.
Over the past 17 years thousands of volunteers have come together to help clean up over 7 square miles of Lahaina Town from the beach to the highway, including two boat harbors, 7 surf spots, and numerous parks with divers, students, parents, and volunteers in the largest and longest ongoing Town Clean Up we know of in the state of Hawaii.
“We are thankful to the thousands of volunteers and sponsors that have helped at this event over the years,” said Tambara Garrick, Event Organizer and Board Member of LahainaTown Action Committee, “While we continue to work with the county and community partners on education and prevention, we know that the town has litter and we want to do our part to make sure that it does not reach out precious waterways.”
Cleanup volunteers are requested to download and utilize the Clean Swell App to keep track of the debris removed during the cleanup. This data will be added to the International Coastal Cleanup’s marine debris database. Results from the data help inform policy and debris removal efforts.
Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own water bottle, gloves, reef safe sunscreen and aloha! Water bottle refill station sponsored by Tropic Water. Dumpster sponsored by Waste Pro Hawaii. Meet at the parking structure at the Outlets of Maui to register and pickup supplies. Music will be provided by DJ Ron. Official event t-shirts sponsored by Paradise Lahaina for the first 100 volunteers. For more information go to visitlahaina.com or call (808) 269-8457.
Mahalo to these Event Sponsors and Volunteer Teams: County of Maui, Malama Maui Nui, Outlets of Maui, Waste Pro Hawaii, Tropic Water, DJ Ron, Maui Surf Clinics, Down The Hatch, Volcom, Maui Surfrider Foundation, Maui Waveriders, Jucker Hawaii, Breakwall Shave Ice, Goofy Foot Surf School, Makai Adventures, Kainani Sails, Mala Tavern, Maui Girl Swimwear, Hawaii Farm Project, Maui Pineapple Store, Starbucks, Rotary Clubs Of Lahaina, Matt Lane, Paradise Lahaina, Maui Resort Rentals, Local Businesses, Lahaina Schools And Many More!