Hawai`i Companies Receive Export Awards
Emphasizing their respective roles in diversifying the state's economy and creating jobs for local businesses, Lt. Governor Aiona helped recognize six Hawai`i exporters who have been honored by the federal government.
With (left) Mark Anderson, deputy director, Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, and John Holman of the U.S. Export Assistance Center, Lt. Governor Aiona honors Hawai`i exporters
“They help to increase our state’s self-sufficiency as well as our efforts to build a better Hawai‘i,” said Lt. Governor Aiona, as the companies received achievement awards from the U.S Department of Commerce for exporting merchandise ranging from organic honey and gourmet salts to cosmetic and skin care products.
“I cannot overstate how important this recognition is to our efforts to diversify the local economy and create jobs for local businesses,” Lt. Governor Aiona said during the export awards ceremony at the State Capitol.
According to the latest figures available from the U.S. Export Assistance Center, Hawai‘i exported $705 million in merchandise in 2006. That number represents a 37 percent increase in export growth since 2002.
At the same time, Hawai‘i-produced manufactured goods generated more than 3,800 jobs for workers statewide in 2005.
Among the six companies honored were: The Big Island Bees, which produces organic honey; Hawai‘i Kai Inc., which produces gourmet salts on Moloka‘i; and Maile Inc., which manufactures luxury body and skin care products from Kaua‘i.
Rounding out the group were: Oils of Aloha, which produces cosmetic and skin-care products; TALL English Solutions, a Hawai‘i-based language training institution; and Tradewinds Global, an export management company that helps connect local companies with international buyers.
- Learn more about the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.
