Aloha Air Cargo held a Hawaiian blessing yesterday for its new Kahului cargo facility that is expected to improve service and enhance the company's Maui operations.

About $1 million went toward the interior construction of the facility, which houses approximately 60 shift employees that handle cargo from 15 flights arriving or departing daily.

The facility, which officially began operations in mid-April, also provides cargo-handling services for Delta Air Lines, Northwest Airlines and American Airlines.

“;The opening of this new facility imparts tremendous opportunity for Aloha Air Cargo, as it provides us with more room and a better layout for our Maui operations, which ultimately allows us to better serve our customers,”; Aloha Air Cargo President Mike Malik said.

After the blessing, 1,200 pounds (45 cases) of Maui Gold pineapple were transported from Maui to Oahu as a symbol of hospitality and a show of support for sustainability in Hawaii. The fresh pineapples were then donated to Hawaii Foodbank.

Numerous Maui dignitaries joined Aloha Air Cargo executives, employees, clients, businesses and community partners at the event.

“;Aloha Air Cargo's generous allocation of time and money for the new Kahului cargo facility is a testament to its allegiance in improving the welfare of Maui residents and Hawaii as a whole,”; said state Sen. J. Kalani English, chairman of the Senate Committee on Transportation, International and Intergovernmental Affairs. “;Infrastructure improvements such as this take the collaboration of many. When the public and private sector work hand in hand, we can accomplish great things.”;