KKM

Senior Editor, Community Reporter

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!

Find Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Latest from Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

There’s still time to enter the National Civics Bee Hawaiʻi

Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi is hosting its second annual civics competition for intermediate students. To enter, students must first write an essay exploring a community issue of interest while offering a thoughtful solution. Last year, topics ranged from strengthening elderly care services to increasing access to swim education in the state, and more. The deadline to submit for 2026 has been extended to Tuesday, Feb. 17.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosFebruary 11, 2026

Local floral designer presents the ‘Spirit of Aloha’ on global stage

Sue Tabbal-Yamaguchi, who owns Kakaʻako-based business SU‑V Expressions, set out to share "the aloha spirit through flowers" at IPM Essen 2026, the world’s largest trade fair for horticulture in Germany.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosFebruary 06, 2026

Love to eat poi? This contest could be for you

There’s still time to enter this Poi Eating Contest on the Big Isle put on by Hilo-based businesses So Juicy Hawai’i and Mokuwai Piko Poi. Entrepreneur Kwai-Chang Publico shares about his latest venture and some more context around the competition. "May the best poi pounder win," he said.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosFebruary 04, 2026

How to get discounted tickets for this Honolulu museum

Hawai‘i residents, active-duty service members, military dependents and veterans can visit the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, including the USS Bowfin, for $5 per ticket over Presidents Day weekend from Saturday, Feb. 14, to Monday, Feb. 16. Ticket pre-registration is now open.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosFebruary 03, 2026

Chef from Honolulu competes in cooking show

Watch Mililani High School grad Hunter Gentry on Fox’s newest season of “Next Level Chef," judged by celebrity chefs Richard Blais, Nyesha Arrington and Gordon Ramsay. Gentry shares with Aloha State Daily about the experience, his cooking journey and style, and favorite restaurants to eat at when visiting home.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosFebruary 02, 2026

Nonprofit advocating for Hawaiʻi keiki appoints new leader

John-Paul Chaisson-Cárdenas, who joined Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network earlier this month as executive director, brings more than 20 years of leadership experience to the role. He spoke with Aloha State Daily about the organization’s 2026 legislative priorities and goals ahead, as well as how he approached preparing for this job by connecting with Native Hawaiians living in the diaspora.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 30, 2026

Nonprofit works to restore watershed in Mākaha Valley

Mohala I Ka Wai and its various partners including Ka’ala Farm, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply and state Department of Land and Natural Resources, among others, aim to provide a space for the community to participate in ʻāina restoration, while creating opportunities for sustainable food production in Waiʻanae. Longtime volunteer and resident William Aila Jr. shares about the group’s history and purpose in this place.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 29, 2026

Where to find cow cuddling, bull safaris on the Big Island

James Narayan Higgins of Krishna Cow Sanctuary in Hilo took a leap of faith to save cows from slaughter in 2019. Now responsible for more than 250 bovines, he shares how he incorporates his Hindu beliefs into daily operations, which include popular and new experiences for visitors and kamaʻāina alike.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 28, 2026

Kaiser volunteers at Kaʻala Farm in Waiʻanae

Kaiser Permanente Hawaiʻi’s Annual Day of Service on Martin Luther King Jr. Day spanned nine cultural sites on four islands. We joined its hundreds of employees statewide, some of which worked in Waiʻanae Valley to restore ancient taro terraces and maintain a heiau. Learn more from physicians who look forward to this event every year, as well as the team who stewards this land daily.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 24, 2026

Maui-based brand aims to give back to native ecosystems

Roselani Aiwohi, owner of Waiwaolani, a local clothing business featuring prints of Hawaiian plants, shares how the venture got started and what community initiatives its spearheading today.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 23, 2026

Hilo’s Kevin Hopkins to be honored by ALS Network

A retired UH Hilo aquaculture professor, Hopkins serves as member of the nonprofit’s Community Research Committee, which aims to advance research, support and advocacy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, nationwide. He was a dedicated caregiver to his wife, Margarita “Dayday” Hopkins, who died in 2021 after battling ALS for four years. The pair was married for 48 years, with three children and 11 grandchildren.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 17, 2026

Walk to support library services in Waikoloa

Hosted by Friends of the Library Waikoloa Region and Kohala Coffee Company, the annual 5K Walk/Run for Literacy is set for Saturday, Feb. 7, at Waikoloa Plaza. Proceeds from the fundraiser – which this year includes two auctions, both online and in-person, will go toward programming.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 16, 2026

Other Authors

Aulani Scholarship recipient first to land job at resort

Born and raised in Nānākuli, Nawahine Nascimento recently graduated from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in both hospitality and Hawaiian Studies. She received aid from the Aulani Scholarship and went on to pursue full-time work at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, in Ko Olina – the first recipient to do so. Learn more about Nascimento’s career path and how to apply for the scholarship.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 15, 2026

JABSOM aims to create AI that will help recruit physicians

One solution to Hawai’i’s physician shortage, particularly in rural areas, is being tested thanks to a recent grant awarded to The John A. Burns School of Medicine Native Hawaiian Center of Excellence from the American Medical Association. Meet the team of researchers who will be carrying it out.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 14, 2026

Maui recovery nonprofit plans to scale services

Rhonda Alexander-Monkres, executive director of Ho‘ōla iā Mauiakama Long Term Recovery Group, reflects on the past year and shares how the organization is gearing up for an increase in case management cases with the Hawai’i Disaster Case Management Program set to close at the end of the month.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 12, 2026

Alzheimer’s Association Hawaiʻi fundraises over $1M for continued outreach statewide

The local chapter’s Executive Director LJ Duenas shares updates from the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s Hawaiʻi campaign, which raised more than $1 million dollars across the Islands to support its programs. He also discusses priorities for the new year such as raising awareness about the disease and recruiting more volunteers who are vital to the organization’s mission.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 08, 2026

Nonprofits receive grants to continue mental health services on Maui

A hui of funders including the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, the HMSA Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund and Maui United Way committed more than $2.7 million to organizations providing support to survivors of the 2023 Maui wildfires.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 08, 2026

Sentry gifts $1M to Maui nonprofits

Three local nonprofits benefited from The Sentry Insurance Foundation’s donation on Tuesday.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 07, 2026

Small business owner with Hawaiʻi roots to open first store in Seattle

Born and raised on Oʻahu, Isaiah Corpus plans to launch Shop Kainalu, a Hawaiʻi inspired lifestyle and apparel brand, in Washington where he now lives. Corpus, a self-described ocean and beach enthusiast, discusses the details leading up to its spring debut, as well as his hope to open another retail store in his island home.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 03, 2026

6 nonprofits to watch in 2026

Aloha State Daily will be keeping an eye on these six nonprofit executives in the New Year.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 01, 2026

North Shore mom launches new brand

Heather Young, owner of Pūpūkea Lux, a candle and lifestyle brand infused with intention, shares her goals for the biz in 2026, which include supporting local causes and other small businesses, as her ʻohana prepares for the arrival of twins.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 26, 2025

Volunteers bring holiday cheer to IHS

For the fifth consecutive year, Hawai‘i Modern Realty (formerly Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hawaiʻi Realty) spent time at The Institute for Human Services this month helping decorate for the holiday season. Realtor Ululani Nauka talks about her experiences, what it takes to plan community events and why it’s worth it.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 24, 2025

Nonprofit plants native trees

Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative is nearly halfway toward its goal of planting 1.3 million native trees, representing one tree for every resident in the state. Executive Director Susanne Kurisu shares more about the organization’s approach to conservation and plans for the new year.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 23, 2025

Hawai’i Appleseed: 5 ways Hawai’i counties can help address food insecurity

A new nonprofit policy brief recommends areas of focus for leaders at the county level to make the most impact on local food systems in coordination with state and federal resources.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 20, 2025

Nonprofit gets $5M boost for community-led conservation project

A hui of local organizations will continue working to restore native forests and coral reefs in East Honolulu's Maunalua Bay with aid from federal funding. Here’s more about the project and how to get involved.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 19, 2025

Holiday shows benefit Kumu Kahua Theatre

Funds raised this month from the nonprofit theatre’s Dark Night Programs — "Improv Superette” and “The Work”— will go toward its operating budget, according to managing director Donna Blanchard. Tickets are available for three more shows Dec. 19 to 21.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 18, 2025

Catch two Christmas concerts for free

Honolulu-based community choir Voices of Aloha, led by music director Jim Cismowski, has two final shows this season. He shares more about the group, what audiences can expect and what he loves most about music.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 17, 2025

Local maker loves to malama the ocean

Shera Mercer, owner of ‘Alohi Kai, a Hawaiʻi-based jewelry business inspired by her own underwater encounters, talks about her slow fashion approach making hand carved pieces — in shapes like sharks, turtles, Hawaiian monk seals and more — each with a story to tell. Her overall goal is to raise awareness about ocean sustainability and conservation.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 15, 2025

History teacher excited to bring back Sakada Day

Michelle Aquino, who teaches social studies at Farrington High School, was inspired by her family heritage to pitch the idea of a plantation-era fashion show at the annual Sakada Day Celebration, honoring Filipino plantation workers who immigrated to Hawai’i in the early 1900s. The event is this Saturday, Dec. 13, at Hawaiʻi’s Plantation Village.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 11, 2025

Lahaina shop to support two nonprofits

Hana Hou by Hale Zen’s Sip and Shop, a community event featuring sparkling beverages and festive items for sale, will benefit two nonprofits — Maui Food Bank and Maui Humane Society — on Dec. 12 and 13, respectively. Owner Lisa Payne shares what to expect and why to give.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 11, 2025

Hawaiʻi among most generous states, according to GoFundMe

The ranking from the crowdfunding platform's 2025 Year in Help report, released Tuesday, is based on the percent of repeat donors.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 10, 2025

Jamba Hawaiʻi fundraising initiative raises thousands for nonprofits

Here are the nonprofit beneficiaries so far from Jamba Hawaiʻi's Blend it Forward program, which launched this summer. Nonprofits may apply online for the next fundraiser in the new year.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 09, 2025

Christmas event on Nānākuli Avenue promotes unity

The festive street party hosted by Ahupua’a O Nānākuli Homestead is planned for Saturday, Dec. 13, on Oʻahu’s Leeward side. Organizers says it will feature 80 vendors, free gifts for keiki, a resource fair, live performances, and more.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 06, 2025

New wellness concept coming to Honolulu

All too familiar with injury, former UH athlete Steele Dubar aims to help bring healing to everyday people and life through new dual venture.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 05, 2025

‘Significant gift’ supports Mid-Pacific’s new middle school building

School alumna Mercedes Millington with Mainland-based John C. Mithun Foundation donated $500,000 toward a capital project still in the fundraising phase.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 03, 2025

Maui nonprofit focuses on statewide workforce training

Nick Winfrey, executive director of Imua Onipāʻa, discusses what drew him to the organization, what heʻs working toward and more.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 02, 2025

Read Aloud America readies for next chapter

Founder and president Jed Gaines reflects on the Honolulu-based organization’s past and shares what’s ahead.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosNovember 25, 2025

Ways to give back this holiday season

Here is a roundup of upcoming events and community-focused programs that benefit local charities assisting ʻohana in need.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosNovember 22, 2025