MAUI, Hawaii (KHON2) — Shop local and show aloha for Maui at the Kokua for Maui holiday shopping event at the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa on Nov. 15. Shoppers will be supporting Lahaina small businesses and artisans who were impacted by the August 2023 wildfires. Check out what's going on around the nation on our National News page Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and Lahaina Town Action Committee Director Tambara Garrick joined Wake Up 2Day to tell us more. Black Friday shopping already underway According to Lt. Gov. Luke, "the Kokua for Maui effort came about from a collection of organizations after the fire in 2023 including the Chamber of Commerce, Maui Chamber, Lahaina Town Action Committee and other partners to highlight the loss of revenue and provide opportunities for small, local businesses." This was the result of State, County and private business leaders coming together to help uplift and support local businesses. This continues to be important as businesses are still working through Insurance, SBA and FEMA and while some businesses have found temporary new locations, many are waiting to rebuild so these events provide an opportunity to connect with the community and showcase their products. As Maui continues to recover, it is vital we continue to support the small, local businesses that help to uplift our community. With Maui still experiencing a loss in visitor travel, it is very important that we continue to highlight local businesses to visitors and residents alike. The holiday season is the perfect time to remember to show local and support our Maui Small businesses. Here's what Director Garrick shared: "We are so excited to be featuring 30 Lahaina small businesses that were impacted by the August 8th wildfires. I brought a small selection of some of the items you can find at this Friday's event. Of course, we have Maui Gold Pineapple from the Pineapple Store – but they will also have their exclusive holiday tee-shirt and lots of made-on Maui gifts like this HiSpice Hot sauce gift box. Hawaii-exclusive toys from Maui Toy Works, for those who love to fish there will be a great selection from Maui Sports & Fishing, they recently won the County of Maui Mayor's Small Business award and reopened a temporary location in Kaanapali. We have incredible handblown glass art and jewelry from Kai Pua Gallery. Our friends at the Lahaina Yacht Club will be there with great new merchandise. And who wouldn't love a new hammock – Hang loose Hammocks will be at the event with hammocks in every color and style which is a great holiday gift." He added they "are so thrilled that the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa has generously stepped up once again to host the Kokua for Maui Shop pop-up event." The event is this Friday, Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public so please come shop and support these incredible Lahaina Small Businesses. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You There will be live entertainment throughout the day and a $15 plate lunch special by the culinary team at the Sheraton. Discounted parking is also available so come shop, enjoy the entertainment, and have a wonderful day supporting Lahaina small businesses. For more information, click here.