Island Treasures: Puna Kamali‘i Flowers
Vicki Nelson, co-founder of Puna Kamali‘i Flowers, Inc., started her business with her husband in 1998 after searching for employment for her son with developmental disabilities.
After realizing there were limited jobs available for him, Vicki said she saw a void she needed to fill. Now her business has helped more than a hundred individuals throughout the years.
“This company is about helping people with developmental disabilities find work,” Vicki says.
Currently there are about 37 people working at the company, and about half of her employees are people with developmental disabilities.
On the company’s website, numerous testimonials pay homage to their employer describing how the work they perform may be challenging at times, yet it has instilled within them a sense of self-worth and independence.
One employee, Orren Flores, even refers to his job as a “second home.” “It is a lot of fun to work here, and I hope to work here for a long time,” he writes.
Vicki believes that it’s important for people with developmental disabilities to find gainful employment because like everyone else, work gives them a sense of accomplishment, pride, and joy.
Located in Kea‘au on the eastside of the island, Puna Kamali‘i Flowers, Inc. offers a wide range of services, including tropical flower sales and specialized tours.
They act as a vocational training center, provider of services, and employment center and offer retail or wholesale floral gift boxes, tropical cut flowers, tropical plants, lei, tropical foliage, and more.
One of their diversified services is confidential document shredding for businesses.
Vicki said they’re always looking to grow and expand their opportunities and business partnerships on the island.
Puna Kamali‘i Flowers, Inc also accepts donations.
16-211 Kalara St., Kea‘au
808.982.8322
