Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 5, Number 3, 1 March 1988 — Joni Lei Ibarra Takes Over QuiIt Business [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Joni Lei Ibarra Takes Over QuiIt Business

Former Hawaii resident Joni Lei Ibarra, who majored in textile design at Indiana University where she earned a Fine Arts degree, is the new owner of a EA of Hawaii, a well-known quilt pattern business in Honolulu. The business was started in 1969 by aeeomplished craftswoman Elizabeth Akana who ranks as one of Hawaii's finest quilters. She originally began in the arts of knitting, rug making and crewel embroidery. EA of Hawaii offers quilters an elegant line of quilt and pillow patterns. The company, whieh operates as a wholesale supplier of Hawaii made products to area retailers, also is known for its fine selection of wall hangings, crib quilt patterns, festive holiday patterns, quilting needles from England, tailor's thimbles, Kapa design stationery, books on Hawaiian quilting and top quality stitchery. After 14 years of operation, Mrs. Akana sold EA of Hawaii to Betty Hearst, artist and craftsperson, in 1983. Hearst last January sold it to Ibarra, whose business partner is Kevin Cronin, also known as Kevin Richards on several of Hawaii's radio stations over the years. He is in charge of sales, marketing and operations.

Among places where EA of Hawaii's line of quilt and pillow patterns are currently available are Liberty House, Bishop Museum, Queen Emma's Summer Palaee and the Hasegawa General Store in Hana, Maui. EA of Hawaii is located at 733 Bishop St., Suite 170-114. The telephone number is 537-9793.

New EA of Hawaii owner Joni Lei lbarra shows some of her company's various products.