Longtime Maui resident Carol Adyeeri Adams is a global activist, philanthropist and founder of Youth Encouragement Services (YES) Uganda in Fort Portal. Today, she is also an author. In her first and inspiring book, Grit of Love: A Memoir, the lifelong humanitarian brings clarity, compassion, and a sense of humor to the essential question of ‘how to love’. After experiencing a new awakening to faith while living on Maui, Adams made her way to Uganda to start and run YES, where she devotes her life to the work of helping the orphans, the poor, and the marginalized.
“At the beginning of 1995, I was living on Maui, running the riding program at Mauka Lani Stables,” Adams explained. “I was doing very well and had leisure time to enjoy life on my beautiful island. However, I had this intense feeling that I should be contributing more to the world, but was not sure how.”
Adams, a deeply religious lady from Po’okela Church in Makawao, with strong connections to other island churches, Rotary Clubs, organizations, and people on island, felt that God gave her the thought that she should consider the mission field, which she did in Africa. Once she reached Uganda, she faced many trials and obstacles. Nevertheless, she found herself and her calling in the process. Her memoir gives our Maui community an inside glimpse into the life of an unsung hero.
Adams noted, “Upon arriving in Uganda, my challenges were great. However, one person after another showed up at the most critical times. One day a minister showed up, who also had a desire to work with orphans and widows in the Fort Portal area. As our callings seemed to coincide we became immersed in working at our orphanage, Manna Rescue Home, for children born with AIDS.”
In her book, Adams shares how humanitarian work focuses on creating a positive impact that the world needs now. She also encourages others to keep going even when things are hard. She reflected, “I am forever grateful to the loving Maui community who continue to help our YES ministry.”
I will be giving a talk at the Makawao School cafeteria from 5:30-7pm on April 28th. My book, Grit of Love: A Memoir, is available on Amazon.
Carol Adams, Author, Humanitarian, Founder, YES Uganda
Most small businesses are not familiar with the Hawaii State Small Business Regulatory Review Board (SBRRB) and their work towards a regulatory environment that encourages and supports the vitality of small business in Hawaii. As part of Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) Business Assistance Webinars, a recent online Zoom event with the Hawaii SBRRB discussed rights and rules for small businesses. The one-hour webinar, led by Vice-Chair of the SBRRB, Mary Albitz, and Jet’aime Ariola, SBRRB Office Assistant, informed the community on SBRRB’s advocacy for “for-profit’ small business owners and entrepreneurs.
“We believe that small businesses are the pathway to a stronger economy for Maui and the State of Hawaii,” said Leslie Wilkins, MEDB President and CEO. “Along with SBRRB, MEDB works diligently to assist small businesses with the tools they need for success.”
The SBRRB is an eleven-member board appointed by the Governor from among small business owners and officers from across the State. Its main activities include reviewing and making recommendations to State and County agencies on any proposed new or amended administrative rules, and responding to small business requests for assistance with administrative rules. The Board ensures that regulators do not burden small businesses disproportionately by imposing regulations unfairly. They invite all to get involved as rules are being written.
Albitz explained, “The Board reviews administrative rules that impact small business, and advocates for changes. It is vital for all business owners to learn about the Hawaii Small Business Bill of Rights—what they are and how they affect the way business is done. If you have ever dealt with departments like Environmental Management, Liquor Control, Planning, Public Works, Transportation or Water Supply, then you want to know all about the SBRRB.”
“The SBRRB encourages all Hawaii small business owners to get involved if and when their small business is affected by burdensome rules or regulations,” noted Ariola. “Since the SBRRB’s inception in 1998, it has been perhaps the single most important voice within the government for employers with fewer than 100 employees. If you have any legislative issues or concerns go to https:/sbrrb.hawaii.gov/resources, or contact the SBRRB at 808-798-0737 for assistance.”
Our vision is to make Hawaii the most business friendly state in the nation.
Mary Albitz, SBRRB Vice-Chair
In March, MEDB’s Women in Business Seminar Series celebrated Women’s History Month with guest speaker Angela Garmon, an award-winning business owner and philanthropist. The founder and CEO of ARG Coaching & Consulting Group LLC, a strategic change management consulting firm that supports diverse teams nationwide, spoke about how not only to handle change but to embrace it. The Women in Business Seminar Series is presented by Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) in partnership with the Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBEC) and supported by the SBA Community Navigator Pilot Program and the County of Maui.
“WBEC is one of the official certifiers for SBA Women Owned Small Business certifications,” said Leslie Wilkins, MEDB President and CEO. “Businesses can get certified as being a 51% owned and operated (Minority, Women, Veteran) in order to qualify for special consideration in government and private contracts and to participate in a sponsor company’s Supplier Diversity programs.”
Garmon described how to use SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) Analysis when you are setting new goals, rolling out new products, services, and identifying your next move. “To stand out in your field, explore ways to leverage your strengths to drive competitive advantages and opportunities,” she explained. “Understand the weaknesses that may leave you vulnerable to the competition, and identify ways to expand the share of the marketplace by minimizing the threats. In addition, use SWOT to create a solid plan of action. It will help you prep for opportunities and potential barriers, serve as a pulse check, as well as indicate that more work is required.”
Kat Tracy, Akakū Director of Education, said, “Today’s seminar inspired us to take action and consider what we need to start, stop, or change, no matter the size or the challenges in our businesses and lives.”
Brandy from Cajudoy Construction, LLC shared,” My WBEC certification and the MEDB Women in Business Seminar Series have both provided me with an abundance of opportunities. Today’s discussion offered help in how to use SWOT to evaluate my business going forward.”
President and CEO of WBEC-West Dr. Pamela Williamson added, “MEDB provided yet another conversation with great information and lots of food for thought.”
Our journeys should be measured not only by the number of years that we spend on earth but also by our abilities to persevere through the battles and conquer what seems to be insurmountable.
Angela Garmon, ARG Coaching & Consulting Group LLC, Founder and CEO
The well-attended U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) hybrid workshop, sponsored by Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) and USDA, brought together an inter-island team of specialists to advise Maui residents seeking to know more about energy efficiency programs, loans, and grants. The USDA Rural Development initiative operates over 50 financial assistance programs for a variety of rural applications in housing, business and critical infrastructure.
“I thought the workshop provided very helpful information on a number of federal grant and loan programs,” said Michele McLean, representative for Council Chair Alice Lee. “The USDA supports farms and ranches for solar, wind or energy efficiency; business or marketing plans; working capital for value-added products; disaster and drought assistance for crops and livestock; organic certification; and operations, ownership and manufacturing. MEDB hosting the workshop was an important contribution in providing this information to those who will benefit from it.”
Denise Salmeron, USDA Business Programs Director, explained, “Our mission is to increase opportunities and quality of life throughout the Hawaiian Islands and the nation, We have USDA personnel available on Maui and other islands to assist with the application process.”
Walter Enomoto, Hawaii Energy Maui County Manager, noted, “Our organization helps educate island families and businesses about the many and lasting benefits of energy efficiency and conservation. We encourage and reward smart energy decisions that allow our state to reach 100% clean energy faster and cheaper, while lowering energy costs.”
Workshop participant Gigi Voiland from Johnny V. Enterprise said, “I came today to learn about the programs available to help my ag business. I have a four-acre farm in Kaupo and I need solar to get everything to run. I am so grateful to MEDB for hosting this workshop with such valuable information on every level.”
Participant Ron Viloria added, “I learned about Hawaii Energy rebates, USDA opportunities such as Farm Loan Programs, and financing from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority. MEDB reaches out and alerts the public about seminar and workshop opportunities that engage members of the community in a genuine and helpful way. Their wide variety of programs, networking events, and workshops have touched thousands of people.”
“We conduct regular one-on-one and group consultations to help individuals get their financial numbers and details together that they will need to apply for a USDA loan or grant.” For more information, visit https://www.medb.org/business-assistance/ OR email info@hightechmaui.com.
Gary Albitz, MEDB Business Program Manager
Women’s History Month, a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society, has been observed annually in March in the United States since 1987. The 2023 theme, ‘Celebrating Women Who Tell Stories’, recognizes women, past and present, who have used, and are using their voice and creativity to educate and inspire.
“Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) celebrates the talents and achievements of all the women in our community and nation,” said Leslie Wilkins, MEDB President and CEO. “By doing so, we uplift, honor, and embrace progress towards true equity.”
Every woman has a story to tell and gifts to share. This year, MEDB recognizes Maui resident Sissy (Kahakuhaupiokamakani) Lake-Farm, Executive Director of the Maui Historical Society/Hale Hō’ike’ike (House of Display), whose inspiring creative work in the museum and the community knows no end, and whose smile is contagious.
Lake-Farm, a Hawaiian cultural practitioner and Kumu Hula (master hula teacher), inherited her love for sharing Maui’s past, present, and future from her dad, John Keola Lake, a renowned Hawaiian historian, a Kumu Hula, and perpetuator of ‘ōlelo Hawaii. “My job at the museum is the honor of a lifetime,” she said. “I feel a deep kuleana (responsibility) and connection to the history of the land. Plus, in addition to its cultural and historical treasures, I am delighted the museum has become a gathering place for people of all ages to take part in educational workshops, presentations, concerts and other community events.”
Over five years ago, Lake-Farm was approached to join an innovative collaboration, Small Town*Big Art, to develop an arts district that celebrates the distinctive sense of place, history and culture of Wailuku Town. She reflected, “As the recipient of many gifts from my Hawaiian upbringing, I felt called to this new creative endeavor.”
Recently, Lake-Farm was chosen by the Hawaii Visitor’s Convention Bureau as an Aloha Ambassador from Maui, to share stories about her beloved island on the mainland. “I am glad to be in a position to give back to the community,” she added. “As a Hawaiian woman on Maui, to be part of the preservation of our history and culture is priceless!”
Women’s History Month is a time to honor our role in preserving the cultural roots and history that will define our community for future generations. It’s my passion!
Sissy Lake-Farm, Maui Historical Society, Director
