Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 13, Number 7, 1 July 1996 — Loan fund recipient makes sure Moiokaʻi tourists aren't left stranded [ARTICLE]

Loan fund recipient makes sure Moiokaʻi tourists aren't left stranded

by Patrick Johnston "It's hard to make a lot of money on this island," says Moloka'i's Vandale Dudoit, "but there is enough work to carry us." Dudoit is owner of Kukui Tours and Limousines, one of only two tour companies that serves the tourist industry on Moloka'i. His company received a loan from OHA's Native Hawaiian Revolving Loan Fund in 1990.

He says owning his own eompany has been a dream of his. "I always thought having my own business was like sitting on top of the world," Dudoit says. Dudoit is not sitting on top of the world right now but the view from Moloka'i's Mauna Loa ffom one of his company vehicles is pretty lush. Starting small, Kukui Tours now has three seven-passenger minivans and two 21 passenger mini-buses. The company uses the vehicles to provide ground transportation between the airport and island

locations, and offer sightseeing tours to groups. He also has a stretch limousine for weddings and special parties. He says his limousine was the first to eome to the island. Dudoit began Kukui Tours in 1990 after 14 years of working in the tourist interest. Why did he quit and start a business of his own? "Like anyone else I thought I could do a better job than the next guy." Dudoit says. He was also aware that visitors were coming to the island after the car rental offices had closed and were getting smck at the airport. "It bothered me that people were getting stranded," he says. "If I was new to the area I would want someone to meet me." To solve the problem Dudoit began operating a service between the airport and hotels well into the evening. Other tour bus companies knew of the problem but couldn't justify the cost of keeping a bus operating during such a slow period. When hotels realized that Dudoit was the only one providing the service they began tuming to him to help with visitor transportation. Dudoit now has accounts with United Vacations and several of the major island hotels. Dudoit recognizes that not all in the Moloka'i community support the tourist industry but says that access to the island is so limited that he ean only do so mueh business. "Because we're doing things on a small scale people don't seem to mind." This means

smaller profits, but he is still able to make money. He also points out that Kukui Tours is a locally owned and run business and so is less likely to be viewed as a harmful outside influence. The business is a family operation with his wife working part time and his mother - a partner in the operation - doing the books. His father also helps out as do two full time drivers. Dudoit is grateful for the support he recieved from OHA's Revolving Loan Fund. "We're carrying on thanks to OHA. They helped us get through." Kukui Tours and Limousines ean be reached on Moloka'i at (808) 553-5133. For more information about the Native Hawaiian Revolving Loan Fund eall 594-1888 or 1-800-468-4644 ext. 41888.

"It's hard to make a lot of money on this island, but there is enough work to carry us." - Vandale Dudoit