Aloha Air Cargo held a blessing ceremony at its new air cargo facility in Kahului, Maui recently.' A traditional Hawaiian blessing and lei untying were conducted by Kahu Alika, the Kahu of Keawalai Congregational Church in Makena, Maui.' Numerous Maui dignitaries joined Aloha Air Cargo executives, employees, clients, business and community partners at the event.
'The opening of this new facility imparts tremendous opportunity for Aloha Air Cargo, as it provides us with more room and a better layout for our Maui operations, which ultimately allows us to better serve our customers,' said Mike Malik, president of Aloha Air Cargo.
'Aloha Air Cargo's generous allocation of time and money for the new Kahului Cargo Facility is a testament to its allegiance in improving the welfare of Maui residents and Hawaii as a whole,' said State Senator J. Kalani English, chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation, International and Intergovernmental Affairs.' 'Infrastructure improvements such as this take the collaboration of many; when the public and private sector work hand-in-hand, we can accomplish great things.'
After the blessing, an Aloha Air Cargo plane departed the new facility transporting approximately 1,200 pounds (45 cases) of Maui Gold pineapple from Maui to Oahu, as a symbol of hospitality and a show of support for sustainability in Hawaii.' The fresh pineapples were then donated to the Hawaii Foodbank.
"Aloha Air Cargo is a long-time supporter of Hawaii Foodbank. Our congratulations to'everyone that made the new Maui cargo facility possible,' said Polly Kauahi, director of development for Hawaii Foodbank. ''It is especially heart-warming that giving back to our island community remains part of the corporate culture, as evidenced by the gift of pineapple, the Hawaiian symbol of hospitality. Mahalo nui loa!"
'As a connecting link for the Hawaiian Islands chain, it is Aloha Air Cargo's privilege and duty to do all that we can to support our communities. From offering discounts for local farmers to ship their products statewide, to donating provisions for the Hawaii Foodbank -- Aloha Air Cargo is fully committed to servicing Hawaii with true Aloha,' added Malik.
Approximately $1 million went towards the interior construction of the new Kahului cargo facility, which houses approximately 60 shift employees that handle cargo from 15 flights arriving or departing daily. Diana Kekuewa is the ground operations manager for the Maui facility, which officially began operations in mid-April. The new facility also provides cargo handling services for Delta Air Lines, Northwest Airlines and American Airlines.
