Press & Media

MAKAWAO, MAUI – Mahalo Rewards LLC launched a digital platform addressing Maui's recovery by tackling resident cost-of-living challenges and small business customer acquisition costs.

Founder Sterling Ross, a Maui-born developer with 25 years of software experience, created the initiative. He states: "Watching our local businesses struggle during COVID, and then fight to survive after the fires, I spent a lot of time reflecting on how technology could actually help."

The platform operates on three tiers:

• For Residents: Free app access with zero-friction registration, no tracking, and immediate discounts from local vendors.
• For Vendors: Complimentary participation with enterprise marketing tools, including hyper-focused targeting and privacy-first analytics measuring engagement without collecting personal data.
• For Visitors: Free app access with an optional $10 annual "Mahalo Pass" for exclusive redemptions, directly subsidizing local infrastructure.

Ross describes the model as "circular generosity," where visitor-focused deals generate business loyalty while supporting community recovery.

Availability: iOS/Android at mahalorewards.co/app; vendor signup at mahalorewards.co/vendors/

Contact: [email protected]