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Hirono Marks National Small Business Week With Visits To Family Run Businesses

Businesses To Take Aloha Spirit To Washington, D.C. For 3rd Annual Hawaii On The Hill

HONOLULU- Senator Mazie K. Hirono, a member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, today toured Hawaii Candy, Inc., Island Princess, and Menehune Mac, Hawaii businesses set to participate in the upcoming Hawaii on the Hill, Hawaii’s state showcase in our nation’s capital. This week is National Small Business Week, an opportunity to highlight the successes within the business community.

“During National Small Business week, we celebrate Hawaii’s small businesses, which employ the majority of our state’s private workforce and are an integral part of our economy,” said Senator Hirono. “Hawaii Candy, Island Princess, and Menehune Mac are family-owned businesses, which have spurred economic growth and created jobs in our community. I’m proud to have them as part of the nearly 50 Hawaii businesses that will act as ambassadors of Hawaii’s culture at next month’s Hawaii on the Hill.”

Hawaii on the Hill is Hawaii’s state showcase in Washington, D.C. hosted by Senator Hirono and the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. Close to 50 participating businesses will have the opportunity to meet directly with federal officials, connect with national distributors, and show that Hawaii is home to diverse industries and a thriving business community.

Senator Hirono is scheduled to attend the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 2016 Small Business Expo this Friday, May 6, at the Dole Cannery Ballrooms, where she will visit with event participants and present certificates to this year’s SBA Small Business Award winners.

Hawaii Candies

(Left to right): Cheryl Ohta, Hawaii Candies Corporate Treasure, Senator Mazie K. Hirono, Keith Ohta, Hawaii Candies President,
Sherry Menor-McNamara, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii President and CEO.

Island Princess

(Left to right): Jerry Kalua, Island Princess General Manager, Sherry Menor-McNamara,
Chamber of Commerce Hawaii President and CEO, Senator Mazie K. Hirono.

Menehune Mac

(Left to right): Luvi Valentine, Menehune Mac candy maker, Neal Arakaki, Menehune Mac President, Senator Mazie K. Hirono, Sherry Menor-McNamara, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii President and CEO.