DUKE AIONA WRAPS UP SMALL BUSINESS INITIATIVE

Meets with more than 100 small businesses in 100 days

News release from www.DukeAiona.com

HONOLULU – Over the last 100 days, Lt. Governor Duke Aiona, the leading Republican candidate for Governor, has personally visited more than 120 small businesses across the state to seek their input on the local economy and doing business in Hawai`i.

  Duke Aiona at Gina’s BBQ in Honolulu

"Small businesses drive our economy," Lt. Governor Aiona said. "It's important to get out and see what they see and listen to what they have to say. The strength of our campaign lies with working families and small businesses across the state, so it's important to get outside of the political bubble and connect with our local communities."

The Lieutenant Governor met with small business owners, managers and employees on Kaua`i, Maui, Moloka`i, East Hawai`i Island, West Hawai`i Island and O`ahu.

"We've never had an elected official on any level come out to our place of business to ask for our input," said Paul Gammie, president of Gammie HomeCare, which sells high quality home healthcare equipment and supplies. "We were very appreciative that he took time out of his schedule to personalize the visit and get a firsthand look at what small businesses are going through, especially on the Neighbor Islands."

Lt. Governor Aiona is applying the information he gathered during his small business meetings to the formulation of his policy agenda to create jobs, strengthen the economy and improve education in Hawai`i.

"Duke is a strong advocate for small businesses, and it will be important to get him elected so we can ensure the next Governor will improve the business climate in Hawai`i," said Sonny Pascual of Hot Unique Images, LLC, a custom apparel company. "He's got my vote."

Small businesses comprise approximately 98 percent of all businesses in Hawai`i and they account for roughly 69 percent of private jobs in the state.

More information about Duke Aiona's small business initiative, including photos and a listing of businesses, can be found online at www.DukeAiona.com/100days.

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