Hawaii manufacturers tap nearly $1M in state grants

Nearly 30 Hawaii companies will share almost $1 million in state grant money awarded through a state agency to help manufacturing businesses expand or increase efficiency.

The Hawaii Technology Development Corp. announced the award made through its manufacturing assistance program.

The grant reimburses companies for as much as 20 percent of the cost, up to $100,000, for new equipment, training, feasibility studies and energy efficiency improvements. HTDC said it provided $930,680 to 29 manufacturers, including 23 that had never before received such a grant.

“The grant helps companies expand their production, resulting in more jobs in Hawaii and contributing to the state’s economy overall,” said Robbie Melton, HTDC executive director and CEO in a statement.

HTDC said 87 percent of the grant money went to new equipment and the balance was for feasibility studies.

Among the grantees were Island Plastic Bags Inc., Aloha Shoyu, Honblue, Lanikai Brewing Co., Waimanalo Wood, IL Gelato Hawaii, Maui Bay Shirt Co., The Art Source and Choco Lea.

Watchdog issues dangerous-toys list

BOSTON >> A Boston-based consumer watchdog warned that water balloon slingshots, lawn darts and other toys pose a danger to children.

Those playthings top a list of 10 questionable toys issued Thursday by World Against Toys Causing Harm.

Others include low-riding wheeled toys; swimming pools; all-terrain vehicles; toys with small parts; baby pools and garden buckets; backyard water slides; high-powered water guns; and bounce houses and backyard trampolines.

ON THE MOVE

Rose Kirland, District 49 Director of Toastmasters Hawaii 2017-2018, has honored the following Toastmasters members:

>> Anne Myers, Royden Koito and Janet Andres were recognized for their service and contributions in 2017-2018, which enhanced the quality for membership of District 49 Toastmasters Hawaii.

>> Raphael Ramos received the Division Director of the Year award. Ramos gave the most outstanding performance in membership building and retention as well as education and training, club extension, leadership and other areas critical to District 49’s success in 2017-2018.

>> Andrew Storey was granted the Area Director of the Year award. Storey was the most outstanding contributor in 2017-2018 to District 49’s goal achievement of the year.