Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros
Aloha, I am Aloha State Daily’s senior editor reporting on community news. Know of any organizations and people making a positive difference in Hawaii? Please reach out to me at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
Originally from Los Angeles, I am Native Hawaiian with roots from Maui, residing on Oahu with my husband. Since moving to the Islands in 2019, I have volunteered for various local organizations such as 808 Cleanups, Keiki O Ka Aina’s Board and Stone, March of Dimes Hawaii and more.
Most recently, I was the associate editor of Pacific Business News for nearly six years. Prior to that role, I served as a copy editor and reporter for a daily newspaper, as well as a freelance writer for a lifestyle magazine, in California. Over the years, I have received multiple awards for my writing. I hold a bachelor's degree in communications from The Master's University, where I played soccer.
I am excited to build ASD as your go-to, reputable and fun news source for Hawaii. Happy reading!
Latest from Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros
Here are a few of the most well-attended Good Friday/Easter services on Oʻahu
Easter Sunday is a high attendance day for most churches across the country. While this is not an exhaustive list of Easter services statewide, hereʻs how three local organizations plan to celebrate "the greatest story ever told" this year.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 11, 2025
3 things we learned from visiting a hula class at Mid-Pacific
Led by Kumu Hula Michael Lanakila Casupang, the private school’s Pūpūkahi halau has about 90 high school students, who study and practice Hawaiian language, culture and traditions, as part of their curriculum. Here’s how a recent $250,000 gift will help expand its hula program.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 11, 2025
King Lunalilo Trust CEO shares plans to grow long-term care services, affordable housing for kūpuna
Meet Keolamaikalani Dean, a former attorney and health policy expert, who followed his aumakua and returned home to the Islands three years ago. Now, the CEO of King Lunalilo Trust and Home is mapping out expansion plans that include unveiling a new cultural center, affordable rentals and a larger long-term care facility.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 10, 2025
RevoluSun: Homeowners beware of ‘misleading’ sales tactics by Mainland solar companies
RevoluSun’s Eric Carlson shares tips for individuals who may be targeted by door-to-door scammers. “If it feels off, it probably is,” he said in an interview with Aloha State Daily.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 09, 2025
‘Ohana Military Communities invests millions in military housing improvements in 2025
Brent Arakaki, director of development for Hunt Military Communities, which manages ‘Ohana Military Communitiesʻ more than 7,000 residential units on Oʻahu, says it reinvests “tens of millions" of dollars back into local communities on average per year. Hereʻs what the company is spending on this year.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 08, 2025
Local church network offers support to those affected by Myanmar earthquake
Aloha State Daily spoke with John and Gay Williams, directors of disaster relief ministries at Hawaiʻi Pacific Baptist Convention, to learn more about the organization's relief efforts underway to aid our neighbors in Southeast Asia, following the deadly 7.7-magnitude quake last week.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 03, 2025
Longtime Hawaii attorney Gerald Clay wants his legacy to be ‘Partnering’
“Partnering", a collaborative approach designed to help groups become more effective, is an alternative to the legal system’s traditional dispute resolution because it promotes dispute prevention among stakeholders, says Clay, who is a trained facilitator. He recently wrote an article for the Hawai’i Bar Journal about why he launched Clay Partnering LLC, a company that aims to positively impact local businesses, nonprofits, government agencies and beyond.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 02, 2025
District health offices to host community events in April
With National Public Health Week (April 7-13) right around the corner, Aloha State Daily spoke with Kaua‘i District Health Officer Dr. Janet Berreman about what attendees can expect from the Open House on April 11, as well as the initiatives she’s most excited about on Kauaʻi that are contributing to the state's health goals.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 01, 2025
Block party for the keiki this Saturday
Looking for some free family fun this weekend on Oʻahu? Head to Our Kaka‘ako’s Keiki Street Festival presented by American Savings Bank on Saturday, March 29.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 29, 2025
Adopt A-Pet March 28, 2025: Meet Ahi, a snuggly pup who loves a good treat
The Hawaiian Humane Society says, "If you’re looking for a loyal, playful companion who loves adventure and cuddles, Ahi might be your perfect match!"
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 28, 2025
Harold K.L. Castle Foundation’s Terry George talks succession planning and the new co-leadership model rooted in its values
Leadership may be shifting at the foundation, but George, who is set to retire in July, says the mission remains the same: To build resources for Hawaiʻi’s future, including addressing achievement gaps in public education, restoring reefs and fisheries statewide, and investing in resilient Windward O’ahu communities and beyond.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 28, 2025
Adopt A-Pet March 27, 2025: Meet Bubbles, a smart ʻgoofballʻ terrier mix
Learn how to adopt this pup named Bubbles from the Hawaiian Humane Societyʻs Mōʻiliʻili Campus.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 27, 2025
Video: Executive director shares update on housing in Lahaina
Aloha State Daily recently caught up with Rhonda Alexander-Monkres, the newly appointed executive director of Ho‘ōla iā Mauiakama Long Term Recovery Group. With the help of community partners, the Maui-based organization is tackling issues such as housing, emotional care, case management and more.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 27, 2025
Local nonprofits, artists plan weeklong festival to support Lahaina
Spectra Fest is returning in June – this time on Maui. Last year’s event on Kauaʻi garnered more than 5,000 attendees across five days focused on painting murals in schools, educational workshops by CreativeMornings Honolulu, live music and a market by Art + Flea. Joining the lineup of events this year is a free film screening by Hawaiʻi International Film Festival, or HIFF.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 26, 2025
Adopt A-Pet March 26, 2025: Meet Pata, a playful pit bull terrier mix
ASD is thrilled to debut this adopt-a-pet series, thanks to an ongoing partnership with the Hawaiian Humane Society, which has two locations on Oʻahu. Getting us started is Pata!
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 26, 2025
The Pantry’s Jennine Sullivan named among USA Today’s Women of the Year
The Oʻahu-based nonprofit’s executive director runs Hawaiʻi’s only online food pantry, serving thousands of families for free based on their needs. Sullivan was recently recognized among women nationwide who are making a significant impact in their local communities.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 25, 2025
Local staffing firm supports annual fundraising event, volunteerism
What to expect from Aloha United Way’s Women United “Chocolate, Champagne & Couture For-A-Cause," and why ALTRES looks forward to this event every year.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 22, 2025
Oʻahu-based artist chases ʻbig dreamʻ of opening a ceramic studio, store and space for creatives
But until then, customers can shop Flutterby Creative by artist and owner Giovanna Bonasso online and at various markets across the island.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 21, 2025
Measles are making headlines but Hawai‘i's top diseases may surprise you
Gov. Josh Green recently highlighted measles. That had Aloha State Daily wondering what are Hawaiʻi's most common infectious diseases? The answers are icky.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 20, 2025
3 things you might not know about Native Hawaiian Philanthropy
Native Hawaiian Philanthropy CEO Ku‘uleinani Maunupau shares more about the organization’s mission to increase funding opportunities for Hawaiʻi nonprofits, while investing in local communities.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 19, 2025
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. Last month, he broke his neck surfing at Sunset Beach and became even more of a living example of resilience.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 18, 2025