At Aloha State Daily, the Aloha Spirit beat was created to highlight giving back. In our first year, we took time to meet with those who are making a positive difference in the Islands, whether as a nonprofit or church leader or committed volunteer, and share their stories. A few volunteer profiles that stood out were Mighty Mo’s Chuck Malefyt, Maui Humane Society’s Cassie Christman and Cobalt Zucker, the the face behind @trashcleanupshawaii.
Ranked by page views, here are the top 15 Aloha Spirit stories for 2025.
- A new bowling alley, more workforce housing planned for Lānaʻi According to Pūlama Lāna‘i President Kurt Matsumoto, one of the company's goals this year was to demolish the old, shuttered bowling alley and build a brand new one with a full-service restaurant and ’50s diner theme.
- Dakota Briley, son of Big Wave surfer Shawn Briley, in critical condition after recent pedestrian-vehicle collision in Hale‘iwa
A GoFundMe page identified 20-year-old Dakota Briley as the pedestrian “pinned between two vehicles” on June 14 at Oʻahu’s North Shore. There was an outpouring of support to help cover his medical expenses. An auction featuring tours, signed surfboard and more, was also created in September toward his long-term care. The family continues to provide updates on Instagram. - Turnout for Osaka orphans at HNL ‘unbelievable,’ says gov’t official
Four 11-year-old children from Holy Family Home in Osaka, Japan, landed at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport Monday met with cheering, lei giving and aloha, from dignitaries, the U.S. Army “Wolfhounds,” and local nonprofit Peace Bridge and its community supporters. These orphans stayed in Hawai’i for two weeks with military host families, while enjoying Oʻahu’s culture and attractions, promoting international peace and partnership. - Hawai‘i Green Growth’s new CEO shares mission, priorities
Kailua-born and raised Kalani Kaʻanāʻanā, a former Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority executive, talks about what initially drew him to the organization focused on advancing statewide and global sustainability goals. - Read Aloud America readies for next chapter
Within the next six months, founder Jed Gaines expects to take Read Aloud America’s family literacy program global, after two decades of trialing it across the Islands. The overall goal remains the same: to focus on family, and the communication and bonding that occurs through reading aloud. - Measles are making headlines but Hawai‘i's top diseases may surprise you
Earlier this year, Gov. Josh Green provided an update on the rise of measles cases nationwide. That had Aloha State Daily wondering what are Hawaiʻi's most common infectious diseases? - From Waipahu to Fort Street Mall, this new sober living store and bar prepares to open in Downtown Honolulu
For Viper Heart, meeting Stephen Nii, then-owner of family grocery business Nii Superette Inc. in Waipahu, changed the trajectory of her life as an alcohol and drug addict. Nii, who was a caregiver and worked 12-hour days at the store, died suddenly at age 51 last February, she said. Heart, who was a manager at spiritual shop Gaia Hawaiʻi before it closed, kept Nii's business operating after he passed, under its new name Viper’s SanctuarNII. - North Shore surfer bounces back after near-death experience to make positive change
iBounce Up, a Hawaiʻi-based organization that equips individuals with skills to navigate life's challenges, recently took on a deeper meaning for co-founders Lauralee and Andy Pierce, after his recovery from a broken neck surfing at Sunset Beach. - 3 things on BYU-Hawaiʻi president’s mind for the first week of school
John “Keoni” Kauwe, president of Brigham Young University of Hawaiʻi since July 2020, discusses ongoing construction and sustainability projects, as well upcoming events and community outreaches in Lāʻie. He also shares how faith creates a powerful sense of worth, belonging and connection for students and faculty — and even shows us around his office bookshelf. - Domestic Violence Action Center board president shares next steps
Aloha State Daily spoke with DVAC Board President David Tumilowicz about the nonprofit’s recent leadership transitions, near-term priorities and overall goal to end domestic violence. He also shares his personal journey to help reduce stigma around the issue. - Shred Shave Ice finds its niche in the local dessert business
Punahou School students Cassidy Crowley and Genevieve Iida share their journey as young entrepreneurs, with their latest venture paying homage to Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha. The pair have turned a profit in less than two months, serving sweet treats at private events and a pop-up. - What goes into making Genki Balls and why the Ala Wai is better for it
The Genki Ala Wai Project started in 2019 with a mission “to empower students, teachers and the community to work together to restore the ecosystem in Ala Wai Canal,” which runs through Waikīkī. Aloha State Daily lent a hand toward its goal to deploy 300,000 Genki Balls, made of effective microorganisms, to make the water safe for fishing and swimming, while inspiring other waterway cleanups on Oʻahu and beyond. - Waimea-based custom cowboy hat company returns to Oʻahu
Designer and owner Chaz Lindsey Kamauu created The Uihā Hat Bar to honor his family’s paniolo legacy, while also giving customers an experience that speaks to their own. - Former Blue Angels pilot John Hiltz leads local nonprofit museum
Get to know the new CEO of Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, who was appointed by the board of directors in June to take the organization into its next phase. - Why this mom is advocating for water safety statewide
On Feb. 28, which is the 21st anniversary of her daughter's death, Allison Schaefers Dubovsky will visit the detention pond where 5-year-old Charlotte “Sharkey” Schaefers drowned rescuing her friend. The bereaved mom shares how advocating for legislation and developing a water safety plan this year will help prevent drowning in Hawaiʻi.
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Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
