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
Salvation Army’s Sam LeMar shares updates and plans for growth for Hilo shelter
Leadership of The Salvation Army Hilo Temple Corps says since its opening last September, the Hilo Overnight Safe Space “is doing well.” Looking ahead, the organization aims to expand bed and staff capacity, along with its services.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 28, 2025
Nānākuli teen competes for national title awarded by Boys & Girls Club of America
Young leader Ladayna Aranas will represent Hawaiʻi and her Nānākuli clubhouse at a regional competition next month, striving for the title of Youth of the Year. Here’s what makes her worthy of this recognition, according to those she serves with.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 26, 2025
Family in ʻEwa Beach has fostered local children for nearly 20 years
Since 2006, Maria and Rodney Sabado have participated in nonprofit Hale Kipa’s Transitional Family Homes program, having served more than 10 kids of varying ages, while raising two girls of their own. Program manager Greg Spangler discusses his strategy to be recruiting more foster parents to match the need in the community.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 22, 2025
Lahaina fire survivor Cesar Martinez looks to be part of the solution for housing
Since joining HomeAid Hawaiʻi in January, Martinez has helped place more than nearly 250 families in temporary housing on Maui, as part of a project called Ka La‘i Ola, which is on track to welcome 1,500 residents by the end of this year. The nonprofit's CEO Kimo Carvalho shares about its cost-effective approach and blueprint for the future.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 20, 2025
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Hawaiʻi searches for new COO
With the help of the nonprofit’s board of directors, RMHC President and CEO Ed Nishioka seeks to hire a local leader who will oversee its annual budget, facility operations, human resources and more. He also provides an update on the organization.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 19, 2025
Hawaiʻi Water Safety Day brings ‘awareness, prevention and preparedness,’ says Gov. Green
Government and community leaders convened at the 2025 Hawai’i Water Safety Conference in Waikīkī to discuss priorities for the next legislative session and show appreciation for water safety champions statewide.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 17, 2025
Mental health hui helps ʻohana in Wai‘anae and beyond
Originally from Hawaiʻi Island, Social Worker Noelani Sagapolutele has served Oʻahu's Leeward Coast for more than two decades. She just launched startup Kākoʻo Hawaiʻi Mental Health Collective, or Waʻa Collective, to match providers with patients in a culturally conscious way across the country.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 16, 2025
Dave & Buster’s liquidation sale from former Ward Village spot happening now
You have a week to browse and bid on the biz’s furniture, equipment and more.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 14, 2025
ʻIolani Palace to Hawaiʻi lawmakers: ‘It's really important that we have your support.’
Leaders from ʻIolani Palace and Bishop Museum recently shared updates on their current operations and future challenges, including proposed cuts to federal funding, to state lawmakers.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 14, 2025
Here's another chance to learn about UH’s “Campus Town” plans this week
UH Mānoa is exploring redevelopment plans for its property on the ʻEwa side of University Avenue, currently home to University Lab School and other tenants. A community outreach workshop engaging stakeholders will take place from 6:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. this Wednesday, May 14, at the Noelani Elementary School cafeteria, located at 2655 Woodlawn Dr.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 12, 2025
Bud Pikrone to retire as GM of the Wailea Community Association after 25 years
Since 1987, the nonprofit corporation has stewarded the 1,500-acre master-planned Wailea Resort community on Maui, which today, has over 2,400 members and a budget of more than $3.5 million. A search for Pikrone’s successor is underway led by the board of director’s hiring committee and Inkinen Executive Search.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 10, 2025
Hawaiʻi Appleseed has a new executive director
Will White assumed the role last month, succeeding Gavin Thornton, who stepped down at the end of 2024. White aims to build from the organization’s "solid foundation" to advance its mission of advocating for economic justice for Hawaiʻi's people.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 09, 2025
Report: Honolulu has the cleanest air nationwide
Here’s how Hawaiʻi counties ranked among U.S. cities in air quality, according to the American Lung Association. Local Executive Director Pedro Haro shares what the findings mean for Isle communities and how it helps inform the organization’s priorities.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 08, 2025
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.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 07, 2025
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 over the weekend toward its goal to deploy 300,000 Genki Balls, made of effective microorganisms, to make the water safe for fishing and swimming by 2026, while inspiring other waterway cleanups on Oʻahu and beyond.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 06, 2025
Meet Mighty Mo volunteer Chuck Malefyt
Malefyt, a licensed amateur radio operator, has volunteered for the Battleship Missouri Memorial for more than a decade – and recently, he was awarded for his efforts to keep its rich history alive.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 05, 2025
Two stories of transformation from a program within The Salvation Army
Local residents Tai Lizama and David Chung share how the nonprofit’s Adult Rehabilitation Center changed their lives for the better, and how they’re still involved today.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 02, 2025
Chuck Merkel reflects on nine years at the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum
On May 1, Merkel will retire as executive director of the museum, featuring World War II submarine USS Bowfin, within Pearl Harbor National Memorial. He shares the accomplishments he’s most proud of and what’s next for the nonprofit.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 01, 2025
Recent gifts boost housing and strategic planning efforts by local nonprofits
The Central Pacific Bank Foundation and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines recently teamed up to provide a total of $625,000 in grants to local organizations addressing Hawaiʻi’s housing crisis. Aloha State Daily spoke with recipients about how they plan to use the dedicated funds, as well as CPB Foundation President Catherine Ngo about its overall goal to strengthen Isle communities.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 30, 2025
Kakaʻako church to host Lei Day celebration
Rock Church Oʻahu is planning a free lei-making event for women and children on Saturday, May 3, at Magic Island. Oʻahu Campus Pastor Mark Richardson shares what to expect for this event and more about the organization’s outreach efforts.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 28, 2025
Study: How Hawaiian cultural practices can help heal first responders
Vibrant Hawaiʻi CEO Janice Ikeda shares findings from its recent study, No Nā Pua, which put participants knee-deep in fishponds to work with the ʻāina – and each other. She shares the nonprofitʻs overall goal with studies like these, next steps and even whatʻs sheʻs been learning as a leader in the community.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 25, 2025