Homer A Maxey was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award given by the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (NAFTZ) for his many accomplishments and firsts as Hawaii’s Foreign-Trade Zone No. 9 Administrator as well as his tenacious advocacy for the national foreign-trade zone program.

Homer is also recognized by  NAFTZ with an annual Award named in his honor. The Homer Maxey Award honors foreign-trade zone professionals who have made outstanding contributions and provided significant support to NAFTZ advocacy. The award is named for Homer Maxey the former head of FTZ #9 in Hawaii, first president of the NAFTZ at its creation in 1973, honorary NAFTZ life member, and legendary advocate for the Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) program.

This video is a tribute to Homer Maxey that highlights his accomplishments and contributions to the industry.

---

Timeline of FTZ9 

1966 – Foreign-Trade Zone No. 9 was activated at an office at Pier 39, Honolulu Harbor with Homer A. Maxey, Jr. as its first Administrator.

1970 – First oil refinery to be situated in a foreign-trade zone, Hawaii Independent Refinery, Inc.

1973 – One of 10 founders and charter members of the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones, Homer Maxey was elected as its first President and served till 1975.

1973 – First garment manufacturing producing in an FTZ for export market, Cuty International.

1974 – First synthetic natural gas plant operating in an FTZ, Enerco Inc.

1976 – Hawaii’s FTZ9 was the first foreign-trade zone awarded the President’s “E” Award for for Excellence in Export Service.

1984 – First flour mill blending baking mixes in an FTZ for export markets, Hawaiian Flour Mills, Subzone 9B.

1985 – First can making and food canning operations in an FTZ, Dole Processed Food Company, Subzone 9C. The second operation was Maui Pineapple Co. Ltd. in 1986, Subzone 9D.

1993 – Homer Maxey retires as Administrator of Hawaii’s Foreign-Trade Zone No. 9 after 27 years of dedicated service.

2014 – FTZ9 opened the Homer A. Maxey International Trade Resource Center and conference room.

2020 – NAFTZ honored Homer Maxey with an annual award inaugurated in his name given to the trade professional who has made outstanding contributions and provided significant support to advocacy in the industry. He was also recognized by NAFTZ with its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.