KILAUEA — Ed Kawamura said his family is what makes everything possible Thursday during the Kauai Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, co-hosted by the Small Business Administration at Anaina Hou Community Park’s Porter Pavilion.
“I’m glad my whole family was able to make it,” the senior Kawamura of M. Kawamura Farm Enterprises said. “Without my family, I couldn’t do things like attending functions like this. My family makes all of this work.”
Kawamura was one of three Kauai Small Business Administration award winners highlighted before an audience of about 150 people and hosted by Jill Lowry, director of Anaina Hou and their staff. The winners were announced in April.
Nominated by Paul Endo of First Hawaiian Bank, M. Kawamura Farm Enterprises was presented the SBA Family-Owned Business of the Year recognition by Jane Sawyer, district director for the U.S. Small Business Administration and accolades from government dignitaries including the governor, mayor, and the Kauai County Council.
“This is not just someone who started business,” Sawyer said. “The qualifying criteria is for a business that have continued to operate for at least 15 years, and has transferred a portion of ownership from one family member to another, and integrates family members in a variety of employment roles and opportunities.”
“Kawamura is not a stranger to SBA awards,” Sawyer said. “He’s earned awards previously for the work he does for the veterans.”
She suggested that Christine and Bob French, the County of Kauai SBA Small Business Person of the Year awardee, could be nominated for the Family-Owned Enterprise division as well.
Nominated by Tom Canute, who earlier in the day stood in for Joyce Vidinha in accepting one of the Contractors Association of Kauai home expo prizes, of First Hawaiian Bank, Bob French was accoladed as the County of Kauai SBA Small Business Person of the Year.
French, whose dad was a former employee with First Hawaiian Bank, is the president of Lealani Corporation who does business as Brennecke’s Beach Broiler, and Brennecke’s Beachside Deli.
While growing up, French said his job was “to get money to the bank.”
Nominated by Jeffrey Murata of First Hawaiian Bank, Kristal Muhich of the Kauai Juice Co. is not just a Kauai awardee, she is a state of Hawaii SBA Small Business Person of the Year, Sawyer said.
The Kauai contingent of winners are part of the 29 winners announced in the 32nd annual statewide SBA Small Business Awards for Hawaii in celebration of National Small Business Week May 5 through 10. The winners were selected for their achievements and contributions to the vitality of our local economy.
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Dennis Fujimoto, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
