pimblr.com

“People were asking for shirts, so we decided to do it,” said BJ Sabate of Maui Bay and Buti Groove.
You might not have known about the Punahou School connection. Sabate is a 1993 graduate.
He was more than happy to help contribute to a candidate who could be the next president.
The company was asked to sell shirts at the state Democratic convention two weeks ago.
“We donated the proceeds to the campaign and the turnout was crazy. We sold out of all our shirts,” Sabate said.
The machines at the Mapunapuna print shop were in full swing on Tuesday, printing up “I Love Obama” tank tops and Obama totes.
The shirts and other merchandise are all locally printed and exclusive to Hawaii. They are only offered online or at the Piikoi shop.
They went on sale about two months ago. Buti Groove is known for its youthful edgy designs. However, the presidential campaign with local ties is something they had not thought could broaden their reach.
“It’s a great way to bring in different customers and the get to see the shop and we also offer custom printing here,” Sabate said.
“Most of the people who come in here are buying it and shipping it to the mainland and buying it for gifts for people who support him,” Buti Groove retail worker Keika Albarado said.
Back at the plant, the Obama designs are flying off racks.
“I’m sure after tonight there will be more people printing T-shirts,” Sabate said.
The shop hopes to present Obama Ohana T-shirts to the family on their return to the islands.
Copyright 2008 by KITV.com All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

kitv.com