ALOHA PETROLEUM CONTRIBUTES TO MA’O ORGANIC FARMS’ SUCCESS WITH MONTHLY FUEL EXPENSE OFFSETS

Honolulu, Hawai`i – Over the last three years, 11 MA’O Organic Farms interns from Wai’anae have earned Associate of Arts degrees from Leeward Community College thanks in part to Aloha Petroleum, Ltd.’s ongoing support of the local farm through fuel expense offsets. This spring, an additional four interns will earn degrees as part of MA’O’s unique Youth Leadership Training College Internship program, which helps Wai’anae youth earn college degrees while gaining valuable work and leadership experience.

“Not only is MA’O Organic Farms a local organization, but it’s also committed to the well-being and success of Hawaii’s youth,” said Aloha Petroleum’s CEO and President, Richard Parry. “When you consider the way that MA’O operates, providing a nurturing and learning environment for students, you see that we’re not just supporting a non-profit organization or charity – we’re really investing in our community and in Hawaii’s future.”

Since 2008, Aloha Petroleum has provided monthly fuel expense offsets to MA’O, making it possible for the local organization to operate on a level playing field with its competitors and to create educational opportunities for students who otherwise would not have the resources or support to pursue a college education.

“Aloha Petroleum’s support for MA’O Organic Farms has played a fundamental role in our ability to remain competitive in this challenging economy,” said Kamuela Enos, MA’O’s community director.  “Instead of allocating funds to fuel costs, we’re able to reinvest in the farm and enhance our developmental programs such as the Youth Leadership Training Program. We like to say we’re ‘powered by Aloha – the fuel and the spirit’.”

In addition to work experience, the Youth Leadership Training Program provides interns with developmental support and services such as full-tuition scholarships to Leeward Community College, monthly stipends, workshops on effective communication and financial education, cultural protocol classes, opportunities to travel both nationally and internationally for conferences and an asset building savings account that is matched 1:2 by MA’O.

About Aloha Petroleum, Ltd.

Aloha Petroleum, Ltd. is an independently owned and locally operated petroleum marketer and convenience store operator with a history in Hawaii that dates back to the early 1900s. Aloha employs approximately 480 Hawaii residents and now markets through over 100 Shell, Aloha, and Mahalo branded fueling stations in the state.

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