Jason Lees, Author at OHA Loan Programs

Flavors of Italy: Fresh Cheese and Italian Wine in the Heart of Honolulu

By Jason Lees Posted on January 10, 2023 Posted in OHA Loans

Donato and Desiree Loperfido in the kitchen of their cafe, Bocconcino, in Kakaʻako. - Photo: Jason Lees

Desiree Kanae Loperfido and her husband, Chef Donato Loperfido, are building on their vision to bring Italy to Hawaiʻi. The couple operates Flavors of Italy LLC, a licensed importer and distributor of alcohol and spirits specializing in a wide range …

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Soaring to New Heights with an OHA Mālama Education Loan

By Jason Lees Posted on January 10, 2023 Posted in OHA Loans

Kawehi Napoleon beams with pride when talking about her son, Wailani Wong, who dreamed of becoming a pilot for Hawaiian Airlines since he was 2 years old; and she has been cheering for him every step of the way. “He …

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No Fear of Failure

By Jason Lees Posted on January 10, 2023 Posted in OHA Loans

Physical Therapist Malia Tallett, owner of Ke Ola Kino Physical Therapy in Hilo, was able to grow her business thanks to an OHA Mālama Loan. - Photo: Courtesy

“You have to strive to fail,” said Malia Tallett (P.T., D.P.T., T.P.S.), owner of Ke Ola Kino Physical Therapy in Hilo. “You don’t learn from being successful. I have failed a number of times, but failure doesn’t mean you’re done. …

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Office of Hawaiian Affairs Native Hawaiian Revolving Loan Fund Program Outcome Evaluation 2020

By Jason Lees Posted on November 5, 2021 Posted in OHA Loans

This report describes the results of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ (OHA) 2020 outcome evaluation of the Native Hawaiian Revolving Loan Fund program (NHRLF). OHA’s loan program annually surveys its borrowers to evaluate the impact of consumer and business loans …

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The Fruit of Their Labor

By Jason Lees Posted on December 8, 2020 Posted in OHA Loans

Umi and Kaʻiulani Martin with their son, Hāloa, daughter, Kiʻiwai, and their faithful ʻilio. – Photo: Courtesy[/caption] “The pandemic has changed local farming. There is a greater priority on buying local and supporting local businesses. Food banks are buying from …

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“HI Now” featuring OHA Mālama Loans recipient Salt + Sea

By Jason Lees Posted on October 22, 2020 Posted in OHA Loans

OHA Mālama Loans supports Native Hawaiian owned businesses and with many struggling during the pandemic, some are showing true resilience and even growth during this time. Salt + Sea Kauai is one of them, but grit is nothing new to …

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The Hanohanos keep up with the changing times

By Jason Lees Posted on September 18, 2020 Posted in OHA Loans

A move back home to Maui and the desire to provide for their ʻohana necessitated some repairs and renovations to the Hanohano’s home. Peter and Lynn Hanohano were able to get a low-interest OHA Mālama Home Improvement Loan to have …

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Pacific Isles Equipment Rental, Inc receives $1 Million Hua Kanu Loan

By Jason Lees Posted on May 23, 2019 Posted in OHA Loans

Pacific Isles Equipment Rental, Inc. also known as P.I.E.R. Inc., received a $1,000,000 Hua Kanu loan from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Native Hawaiian Revolving Loan Fund. This was the first million dollar loan issued by the NHRLF program to a Native …

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808 Cheesecake Interviewed on HNN Sunrise

By Jason Lees Posted on April 26, 2019 Posted in OHA Loans

OHA Malama Loans recipient 808 Cheesecake appeared on HNN Sunrise in Hilo during the Merrie Monarch festival.

GOLDWINGS SUPPLY SERVICE Commercial

By Jason Lees Posted on April 4, 2019 Posted in OHA Loans

Hua Kanu loan recipient Goldwings Supply Service was featured in an OHA Loans commercial which aired during the 2019 Kamehameha Song Contest. It is set to air again during the 2019 Merrie Monarch Festival. Established in 1976, Goldwings Supply Service …

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Author: Jason Lees