Kamehameha Schools supports commercial tenants during tough economy

November 12, 2009

Contributed by Thomas Yoshida

Mālama Card was created by Kamehameha as a way to generate business for its commercial tenants during these difficult economic times. The School is funding and administering the program.

Mālama Card includes a growing number of participating merchants including eateries, hair salons, doctor's offices and other retailers. Many Mālama Card businesses are locally owned and operated. Card members can save on everything from plate lunches and teeth whitening to gym membership.

All Mālama Card merchants are located on Kamehameha Schools' lands. These properties include Royal Hawaiian Center, Windward Mall, Pearlridge Center, Kahala Mall, Kapālama Shopping Center, as well as Waipahu, Waiakamilo, Kaka'ako, Keauhou, Hawai'i Kai and Hale'iwa. Income from the school's commercial leases fund KS' campus and community outreach programs throughout the state.

"Kamehameha Schools' new Mālama Card discount program is a way for KS' 'ohana and the general public to have a meaningful impact on the schools' educational mission," said Paul Quintiliani, Kamehameha Schools' Senior Director of Commercial Real Estate. "It also is a great way to support our tenants in these current economic times. Mālama Card captures the meaning of the word mālama, by creating a program where everyone benefits."

For a list of all merchants and discounts, see attachment or go to www.malamacard.com.

Key elements of the Mālama Card program include:

• The Mālama Card program is free to join and available to anyone including Kamehameha alumni, students, parents, and the general public.
  
• www.malamacard.com includes updated specials and discounts from participating merchants.
  
• Member participation in the Mālama Card program supports Kamehameha Schools' educational mission.
  
• Merchants who participate in the Mālama Card program are located on Kamehameha Schools' lands which generate the revenue needed to fulfill the trust's educational mission.
  
• Mālama means to care for, to nurture. With the Mālama Card, shoppers, businesses and Kamehameha Schools benefit.

Kamehameha Schools is a private, educational, charitable trust founded and endowed by the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. Kamehameha Schools operates a statewide educational system enrolling more than 6,700 students of Hawaiian ancestry at K-12 campuses on O'ahu, Maui and Hawai'i and 31 preschool sites statewide. Thousands of additional Hawaiian learners are served each year through a range of other Kamehameha Schools' outreach programs, community collaborations and financial aid opportunities in Hawai'i and across the continental United States.