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Hawaiian Paddle Sports, a Maui eco-tour company specializing in ocean activities, announced it has become a Certified B Corporation.

It is the first company on Maui and one of only seven in the Hawaiian Islands to receive this prestigious designation.

“With the ocean as our office, it feels natural to do everything we can to take care of our environment, our community and Maui’s island culture,” said Timothy Lara, founder and president of Hawaiian Paddle Sports.

“We’ve always strived to be a leader in sustainable practices, to support local nonprofits and provide strong employee benefits,” Lara added. “The B Corp certification reinforces our commitment, and we encourage more Hawaii businesses to join the B Corp community.”

The B Corp designation is awarded to companies who use business to solve social and environmental problems and meet higher standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability than traditional businesses.

The rigorous certification process requires companies to undergo an extensive evaluation of their business practices.

Hawaiian Paddle Sports was founded in 2010 and provides cultural and educational experiences for its guests through intimate outrigger canoe tours, kayak tours, surf lessons, and stand-up paddleboard lessons on Maui. All tours and lessons are private or limited to small groups, inspiring guests to develop a deep connection and respect for the Island of Maui.

Company representatives say that despite its continued growth, Hawaiian Paddle Sports remains committed to preserving Maui’s environment and community.

During its monthly give back program, Hawaiian Paddle Sports donates to a local nonprofit and its employees volunteer for service projects – ranging from restoring native habitats to taking underprivileged youth out in the ocean.

To reduce the company’s environmental footprint, guides conduct small beach cleanups before each lesson or tour. Plastic water bottles have also been replaced with stainless steel reusable bottles.

Believing its dedicated and passionate team is vital to its success, Hawaiian Paddle Sports provides 100% of employees above living wages in addition to a strong benefits package and other rewards and incentives, company representatives said.

Hawaiian Paddle Sports joins more than 1,600 B Corp companies around the world – including brands such as Patagonia, Ben & Jerry’s and Etsy – who are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their employees, community, suppliers, customers, and environment.

B Corps are to business what Fair Trade is to coffee or USDA Organic is to milk. Certified B Corporations 1) meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance; 2) legally expand their corporate responsibilities to include consideration of stakeholder interests; and 3) build collective voice through the power of the unifying B Corporation brand.

Written by: Maui Now