MEDIA RELEASE

Sen. Gilbert Kahele, along with his colleagues, has honored Hawaii recipients of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2012 Awards with a Certificate of Recognition.

Big Island residents Michael Tokunaga received the 2012 Small Business of the Year Award and Constance Cate received the 2012 Home-Based Business Champion of the Year Award.

They were among several small business leaders honored by the Senate.

“Small businesses are truly at the economic heart of the Big Island community, helping to serve our communities which resonates a sense of pride,” said Kahele, who represents District 2, encompassing Ka‘u, Puna, Hilo. “Thanks to strong leaders like Michael Tokunaga and Constance Cate, our community continues to strive.”

Tokunaga was honored for his demonstration of outstanding skills and ability to create successes in the small business community. After taking over S. Tokunaga Store, a fishing and ocean sports store in 1991, Tokunaga continues his family’s legacy of hard work and determination through the diversifying of product lines and adopting a 21st century integrated marketing strategy. As a result of his efforts, Tokunaga has successfully grown the store’s operation, provided steady employment, and generated growth in sales.

As the director for the East Hawaii office of the Hawaii SBDC Network, Cate continues to be a powerful advocate and leader for the home-based business sector. She carefully reviews regulations that impact home business operators and educates community members on important issues.