By Staff Reports
(Hilo) – Mauna Loa® macadamia nut company shared plenty of aloha yesterday with the delivery of much-needed disposable masks to Hilo Medical Center. Hilo Plant Manager Tony Pastrama paid Hilo Medical Center a visit yesterday morning to drop off 6,600 disposable masks for the hospital’s medical staff. The masks were discovered as part of a “Pandemic Kit” the plant had in its storage facilities.
As the number of COVID19 patients continue to rise, healthcare professionals are facing a vast shortage of masks, leaving them more susceptible to illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has gone as far as to advise healthcare workers to find other means to protect themselves via bandanas or scarves in lieu of the now-scarce masks.
With this in mind, the team at Mauna Loa reached out to Hilo Medical Center immediately and devised a plan to get the masks in the right hands as soon as possible.
“During these hard times, we all have to work together and help in whatever way we can,” says Ed Schultz, President and CEO of Hawaiian Host Group (Mauna Loa’s parent company). “These emergency kits are here for a reason, and we’re just glad to be able to do our part for our community.”
About Mauna Loa®
More than 40 years ago, Mauna Loa® started perfecting the art of growing and roasting macadamias. The result? Producing a nut with a distinct flavor and crunch. Since then, the Hawai‘i-based brand still roasts macadamias in its own manufacturing plant in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawai‘i and has created a wide variety of macadamia nut snacks. It continues to innovate its product line with bold new selections that harness the vibrant flavors and exquisite tastes of Hawai‘i. For more information on Mauna Loa®, visit maunaloa.com.
About Hawaiian Host Group
Hawaiian Host Group, parent company to Hawaiian Host® and Mauna Loa® brands, is the leading manufacturer of premium chocolate and macadamia nut snacks. Renowned for providing an authentic chocolate and macadamia nut experience, the iconic Hawai‘i company has been offering high-quality, delicious products—from fine confectionery gifts to indulgent snacks—since 1927. Headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaiian Host Group produces a wide assortment unique premium chocolate and macadamia nut snacks and distributes globally. For more information on Hawaiian Host Group, visit hawaiianhostgroup.com.