Honolulu, HI - February 20, 2024 – In commemoration of its 80th Anniversary, Pacific Marine & Supply Company announced today a donation of $80,000 to Palama Settlement to build preschool classrooms. The new classrooms align with the state’s universal access to preschool initiative, Ready Keiki, which is being led by Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke. Pacific Marine has also committed to work with Palama Settlement on additional funding needs to ensure that these classrooms come to fruition.
 

Since its founding by Fred and Alyce Loui in 1944, the Honolulu company has been a cornerstone of innovation and project excellence across diverse industries and has remained a family-owned and managed enterprise.

Throughout its history, Pacific Marine has been committed to giving back to the local community and inspiring the next generations of innovation, entrepreneurship, and building a strong local workforce. Each year, Pacific Marine has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to numerous local non-profit organizations, with a strong focus on education and children.
 

"Our company was built over the last eight decades on the foundation of dedicated service and a philosophy of building and supporting the local community,” said Steven Loui, Chairman & President of Pacific Marine & Supply Company. "It all begins with our keiki and we are so happy to be able to partner with Palama Settlement to build preschools right in the heart of Kalihi. When I learned about the Lieutenant Governor’s preschool program, I knew right away that we wanted to help give Hawaii’s children the right start and get them ready for success in school. Hopefully, to become Hawaii’s future engineers, inventors, leaders and even boat builders.”
 

Currently, there are over 8,000 unserved preschool-aged children in Hawaii. The Ready Keiki initiative focuses on expanding preschool seats —both public and private—while increasing childcare subsidies and supporting the early childhood workforce.
 

“These collaborative partnerships bring us closer to reaching our goal of universal access to preschool for Hawaii’s keiki,” said Lt. Gov. Luke. “The support from partners like Pacific Marine and Palama Settlement speaks to the multi-faceted approach of Ready Keiki, embracing community collaboration to serve more of our youngest learners.”
 

Since the pandemic, Palama Settlement has seen an increase in participating families and community volunteer groups that help to produce community events, engage in programming, and assist in community service projects. “As Palama continues to grow, we want to make sure that our programs and services are relevant, inclusive and accessible to our families,” said Executive Director Sam Aiona. “Thanks to Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and donors like Steven Loui, our “Pālama Mamas” can rest assure that their toddlers will be ready for Elementary School through the new Family Learning Center, here, at Palama Settlement.”
 

“Companies are about its people and we have been blessed,” continued Steven Loui. “As we celebrate this milestone, we reflect on our journey with immense pride, knowing that our family of companies continues to thrive thanks to the dedication of our highly qualified managers and talented employees and the support of our customers, vendors and the Hawaii Community. So many people have supported us and we want to make sure the next generation is ready to continue to move Hawaii forward.”

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About Pacific Marine & Supply Company:
841 Bishop St., Suite 1110 Honolulu, HI 96813
Pacmarhawaii.com
Pacific Marine & Supply Company, headquartered in Honolulu, has been a leading force in Hawaii's economy since 1944. Specializing in defense, maritime transportation, construction, tourism, and technology R&D, the company fosters innovation and excellence across its family of subsidiaries including PacMar Technologies, Pacific Shipyards International, HSI Mechanical, SEABLADE, FLS Composites, Hull Scientific Research, and CAP Insurance Co. Inc.
For more information about Pacific Marine & Supply Company and its subsidiaries, visit pacmarhawaii.com or contact us at info@pacmarhawaii.com or 808-848-6333. 

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About Palama Settlement:
810 N. Vineyard Blvd., Honolulu, HI 96817
Palamasettlement.org
Established in 1896, Palama Settlement is a nonprofit, community-based social service agency serving the Kalihi and Pālama neighborhoods. Palama offers a wide range of educational, recreational, cultural, social, health and community-building programs and services for children, youth, adults and senior citizens. Palama Settlement’s mission is to partner with those who have the greatest need in the community, empowering them to enhance their well-being through health, education, and recreation. For more information about Palama Settlement, visit palamasettlement.org or contact us at info@palamasettlement.org.