Two themes emerged from the first round of meetings Wednesday for Duke Aiona's "100 small businesses in 100 days" initiative: taxes remain a primary concern among small business owners, public education must be a top priority, and there's a lot of support and aloha for Duke Aiona. Ok...three themes.

Kicking off the initiative on Maui, and following meetings with hotel operators to discuss tourism-related issues, the Lt. Governor met with small business owners and employees of Hi-Tech Surf Sports, Hawaiian Sailboarding Techniques, Da Kitchen Hawaiian Cafe, Gammie HomeCare, and Aloha International Employment Services.

Hi-Tech Surf Sports has a lot going on. Owner Kim Ball, Lahaina News' Sportsman of the Year, is actively involved in the community, and with the help of dedicated team members such as Manager Steve Roan, Hi-Tech sponsors and organizes several surf events each year. Ball organized the first board sailing contest on Maui in 1985, helping to establish the windsurfing scene on the island, and his stores comprise the largest selection of boards - surfing, skateboarding, kitesurfing, paddleboarding and more - on Maui.

Da Kitchen Hawaiian Cafe doesn't advertise, but the great food and customer service keep this establishment a local favorite on Maui. Co-owners Mariah Brown and Les Tomita recognize that community involvement is an important part of their business. "Everyone helps everyone," said Brown. With three locations on Maui and a fourth opening on O`ahu, Da Kitchen has always maintained its focus on service. "You can't lose touch with the customer," said Tomita.

If you're looking for the latest technology in home medical equipment on Maui, look no further than Gammie HomeCare. For Paul and Nancy Gammie, selling home care equipment is a family affair. They established Gammie HomeCare in 1986 in Kahului and opened the Kaua`i branch in 1999. "Our goal is to provide the highest quality home healthcare equipment and supplies," said Paul and Nancy.

Employment services agencies are on the front-lines of the job market, and Aloha International Employment Services is no exception. Led by President and founder Bob Yeager and CEO Anela Malaqui Sanchez, Aloha International has been connecting Maui's employers and employees since 1981, and they have expanded their offices to O`ahu.