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
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
There’s still time to pack a shoebox
It’s National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child by Samaritan's Purse. Cindy Dorflinger, area coordinator for East O‘ahu, shares about the project’s impact and how the local community can still get involved.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosNovember 19, 2025
Waimānalo community program embarks on next phase of master plan
Hui Mahi‘ai ‘Āina and aio Foundation broke ground Saturday on the expansion of its homeless community program in Waimānalo, which is expected to serve about 188 residents once phase one is completed next year.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosNovember 18, 2025
The Wailea Community Association has a new GM
Matt Chierek assumed the role as general manager last month, succeeding Bud Pikrone, who stepped down after 25 years. Chierek shares about his career path, what initially attracted him to the 1,500-acre master-planned resort community and his plans for its future.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosNovember 13, 2025
Community to serve up Thanksgiving meals
Four nonprofits — Giving Hope Hawaiʻi, Ko Olina Charities, Meals on Wheels and The Salvation Army and Pacific Islands Division — will be preparing hot and ready-to-go meals for thousands of ʻohana in need this Thanksgiving. Find out where to go and how to support.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosNovember 13, 2025
A teacher’s fire creates new glass blowing class, curriculum
Wahiawa-based Leilehua High School is the first DOE school to offer this course developed by Fine Arts Department Head Dustin Hart. He also created the curriculum for other public schools to pick up.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosNovember 11, 2025
Meet the new president of HBM
Born and raised in Hawai‘i, Ron Porter was recently named president of Hawaiian Building Maintenance. With a background in economics, finance and business operations, he shares immediate priorities for the more than 60-year-old commercial facility maintenance company.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosNovember 10, 2025
Oʻahu nonprofit to host food distributions, community events
FarmKineTings is a volunteer-run organization in Hauʻula that offers free programs aimed at keeping the community healthy, active and connected, says Executive Director Kimberly Fanene. She shares about what to expect at the Nov. 15 beach cleanup and bodyboard clinic, who is chipping in to make it happen and what resources are still needed.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosNovember 07, 2025
OHA votes on how to disperse emergency funds
The organization, whose mission is to improve the well-being of Native Hawaiians, moves forward on a plan to redirect $6.1 million in emergency funding to its beneficiaries affected by the federal government shutdown. Monies may be available as soon as Monday, Nov. 10.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosNovember 06, 2025
Chinatown’s River of Life Mission makes 40 years
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, among other dignitaries, declared Nov. 4 as “River of Life Mission Day,” in honor of 40 years of mission-driven work serving meals and ministry to homeless individuals and ʻohana on Oʻahu. Newly appointed Executive Director Keali‘i Kane Gray shares what this acknowledgement means to her and for the nonprofit now and into the future.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosNovember 05, 2025
OHA, nonprofits step up to help local families
As Hawaiʻi families that rely on SNAP benefits wait on funding allocated from the state, nonprofits are filling the gap. Here is a roundup of resources from interest-free payment plans at HECO to housing support and food distribution sites cropping up this week.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosNovember 04, 2025
Faith inspires Cobalt Zucker to do good in his neighborhood
Zucker, the face behind @trashcleanupshawaii, started cleaning up around his Oʻahu neighborhood during Covid. Now, through social media, his goal is to inspire others to do the same.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosOctober 02, 2025
Hawai’i Red Cross CEO on preparedness and priorities
Aloha State Daily recently sat down with Molly Schmidt, who was named interim CEO of American Red Cross the Pacific Islands Region in May and took the helm in August, for a wide-ranging conversation. Topics included her prior experience with the organization, lessons-learned from local disaster response, current priorities and more.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosOctober 01, 2025
JABSOM, HILT unite to train mental health providers to serve Isle communities
The University of Hawai‘i John A. Burns School of Medicine Department of Native Hawaiian Health and nonprofit Hawai’i Land Trust offer training to behavioral health specialists in clinical and culture-based care to better serve keiki and families across the Islands through new innovative program.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 30, 2025
Hawai’i nonprofits weave together at HANOCON
The annual event held by Hawai’i Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations, or HANO, convened industry professionals — as well as allies, supporters and advocates — to learn new strategies, share ideas and collaborate, while strengthening one another to carry out service to local communities.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 29, 2025
UHERO: ʻHawaiʻi could face a loss of $400 million in Medicaid spendingʻ
A third-quarter forecast released Friday by the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization notes that proposed federal cuts to SNAP and Medicaid benefits will impact thousands of low-income families across the Islands, especially those in rural areas. Though state tax relief in 2026 will provide some income support, the potential cuts "will be a growing weight" come 2027, UHERO warns.
Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros & Michael BrestovanskySeptember 26, 2025
Meet this Maui Humane Society volunteer and the pets she cares for
Cassondra “Cassie” Christman, a volunteer at Maui Humane Society who wears many hats, loves working with animals — dogs in particular. Christman has used her own social media platform to advocate for adopting and fostering furry friends, in addition to sharing the organization’s needs from wishlists for specific pets to relocating dogs from Molokai and Lānaʻi.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 25, 2025
Nonprofit aims to uplift Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students
Since 2020, The Kamery Lee Jr. Scholarships awarded by The Ho‘omau Foundation honors the life and legacy of an entrepreneur known by those he loved for his cultural pride, commitment to community and deep love for his family. His daughter, JoNelle Sood, established the foundation to empower Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students pursuing higher education, while staying rooted in their values. Learn more about the program from Sood and one of this year's returning recipients, Christina Young.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 24, 2025
Reader Submissions: Aloha State Daily wants to share your sky photos
Whether you live here or are visiting, we’d love to share a recent photo that you have captured while enjoying views of the Hawaiian Islands.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 23, 2025
5 questions with Pastor Mark Mohr of Christafari
Amid the Gospel reggae band’s Hawaiian Island Tour: Sounds of Salvation, Aloha State Daily talks story with Mohr about the group’s early beginnings and current goals, which include sharing a new album and biblical message to the masses worldwide, while uplifting the next generation of musicians.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 19, 2025
Meet the board chair for the state Agribusiness Development Corp.
Jayson Watts shares about his kuleana and ADC's mission, priorities and long-term vision, while also highlighting the challenges and opportunities ahead for Hawaiʻi’s agricultural community.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 17, 2025
Maui hotel GM talks new restaurant, business
Serkan Hizliok, area general manager of Hampton Inn & Suites Maui North Shore, shares about The Palms Bar & Bitesʻ Sept. 16 opening — including who helped with the design/build and his favorite item on the menu — and how business has been for the new 136-room property on the shores of Kahului Bay.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 15, 2025
Windward Community College’s Paniolo BBQ fundraiser celebrates culture and community
Supported by the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, the fundraising event is slated from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, at the college’s Great Lawn, and will feature live music from ʻAlewa and Hawaiʻi Loa, a mechanical bull, petting zoo, Texas Hold 'Em, roping competitions and more. It is free to attend though pre-orders for BBQ meals are encouraged to help raise money for student scholarships at the college.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 12, 2025
‘First real opportunity’ for public input on Ford Island’s future
Now through Oct. 4, The National Park Service is seeking public feedback for the sites it manages on Ford Island, which include six bungalows and the USS Oklahoma and USS Utah memorials. Pearl Harbor National Memorial Superintendent Tom Leatherman shares why the proposed long-term site management plan is needed now and how community members can weigh in via in-person and virtual meetings, as well as an online survey.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 12, 2025
LahainaTown Action Committee to host cleanup event
Community volunteers from keiki to kūpuna can lend a hand at the 21st annual Lahaina Town Cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 27, as part of International Coastal Cleanup Month. Tambara Garrick, director of LahainaTown Action Committee, the organizer of the event, shares what she’s most looking forward to, the overall impact and what day-of participants can expect.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 11, 2025
Auction supports surfer Dakota Briley’s recovery from pedestrian-vehicle collision
Now through Sept. 15, bid on items like signed Kelly Slater and John John Florence surfboards, signed guitars and ʻukuleles to golf and stays at The Ritz-Carlton O'ahu, Turtle Bay, gift cards to local restaurants and tour excursions, art and more — all benefiting Briley’s journey toward healing.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 10, 2025
Month-long fundraiser to support Kunia farmers, businesses
Nonprofits Kunia Village Development Corp. and the Hawai’i Agricultural Foundation, along with local businesses including Kō Hana Distillers and Nalo Farms, have launched the “Kōkua Kunia" campaign to support farmers in the area affected by the recent brushfires. A fundraising event is slated for Saturday, Sept. 20, at Kō Hana Distillers, which will feature a three-part rum tasting, food from various vendors in the neighborhood and a chance to meet first responders.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 09, 2025
Catch this Gospel reggae band in Hawaiʻi for free this month
Christafari, a band of ‘musical missionaries’ who have performed across more than 85 nations since 1989, are set to play across three islands in September as part of its Hawaiian Island Tour: Sounds of Salvation. Learn more about the group, its members and mission, as well as where to watch them for free.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 08, 2025
Empty Bowl Hawaiʻi returns after six-year hiatus
Proceeds from the event — set for Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Hawai’i Convention Center — will benefit Chef Hui and Aloha Harvest’s program, Feed the People Hawai’i, which combats food insecurity statewide. Hawaiʻi Potters’ Guild has contributed more than 3,000 hand-thrown bowls for guests to eat from and take home. Chef Mark Noguchi shares why he has participated in it for over a decade and the deeper meaning behind a bowl.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 06, 2025
The Jabbawockeez donate and dance benefiting youth at Liliʻuokalani Center
The iconic white gloved and masked dance group made a pitstop in Hawaiʻi this week to perform at the new 97,000-square-foot building on Ward Avenue owned by Liliʻuokalani Trust. Aloha State Daily also took a tour of the eight-story facility, which includes a rooftop garden, fitness center and gym, commercial kitchen, collaborative and creative spaces and studios for dance, film production, broadcast media, and more, that serve Native Hawaiian youth ages 12 to 24.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 05, 2025
Psychiatric practice born out of Mililani to expand
Fields Psychiatric Consultants Owner Dave Fields, who is a psychiatric nurse practitioner from Mililani and law student at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, shares how he got into private practice, what sets his business apart and plans for expansion on Oʻahu this year. Fields aims “to combine clinical credibility with legal leverage” to better represent patients and help them heal.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 04, 2025