As a way to help Hawai‘i businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, a Punahou family with talents and expertise in employment law, human resources and technology launched free webinars to share valuable information about the federal CARES Act, a $2 trillion economic relief package recently passed by Congress and President Trump.
Knowing the devastating impact the crisis is having on local businesses, employment attorney Darin Leong ’95 and his brother, Evan Leong ’91, a business consultant, decided to spread the word about available resources by initiating a webinar with Jane Sawyer, Hawai‘i district director of the U.S. Small Business Administration, and Stacey Katakura, president of the Honolulu outsourced accounting firm, Accumulus, which works with small- to mid-sized companies. The response was so strong, it quickly reached maximum capacity, and prompted the Leongs to plan future sessions. “Congress provided a huge financial lifeline to businesses, essentially paying for two months of payroll and some rent if conditions are met,” Darin said. “We’re just trying to get the word out.”
Here’s a recording of their first webinar, “Save Hawaii Jobs and Businesses.”
The Leongs invited their respective professional and personal networks to participate in their efforts, and Evan’s children, Buddy ’21 and Koko ’24, helped set up the webinar links, YouTube channel, social media, email lists and Google Drive folder full of resources.
The next free webinar is scheduled for Friday, April 3, at 2 p.m. (Hawai‘i Standard Time). The Leongs will provide updates on the status of local banks getting ready to accept Paycheck Protection Program applications. You can register at: https://us04web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gIxHs5X6QCOgpuD_N2wvHw
Other Resources:
Google Drive, includes a memo for employers, an FAQ and sample forms.
Recordings of our webinars and webinar updates on YouTube
Email newsletters, sign up here.
Employers who have questions can email questions@braingainhi.com for pro bono assistance.