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
Families fast-tracked at Honolulu airport
TSA launches new initiative at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport that enhances hospitality for families traveling with keiki 12 and under. The “Families on the Fly” campaign rolled out this summer across several airports throughout the country.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 13, 2025
Learn to line dance at Windward Mall
Every Thursday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Kāne‘ohe, The Aloha Line Dancers Association teaches popular line dancing techniques free to the community. Instructor Bev Braun shares more about the group’s history and goals, as well as upcoming festivals and where else one can go to line dance.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 13, 2025
Goodwill Goes Glam! fashion show tickets still available
Goodwill Hawaiʻi’s three-day annual fundraiser is back from Aug. 14 to 16, featuring upcycled designs from Rumi Murakami and a sale of curated goods from various Isle stores.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 11, 2025
Local teachers turn to GoFundMe to fundraise for classroom needs
It’s crunch time for many Hawai’i teachers readying to welcome students back to school this month. To help relieve some of the financial burdens on families, a couple have taken matters into their own hands to provide supplies and cozy spaces for students.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 08, 2025
Diamond Bakery’s new school snack features ʻulu
Aloha State Daily recently toured the iconic cracker and cookie manufacturer’s Honolulu factory during the production of its animal crackers made with local breadfruit and honey for school cafeterias statewide. Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative and FLIK808 are key partners for this initiative.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 07, 2025
Pearl City’s Chuck E. Cheese auction underway
Bidding has begun for this auction of food/restaurant items to arcade games that bring you back to childhood now through Aug. 11. A community celebration is also planned for this Friday, Aug. 8, from 4 to 8 p.m., at the Chuck E. Cheese located at Pearl City Shopping Center.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 07, 2025
Kalihi furniture delivery made possible by three nonprofits
Since its inception in 2015, HomeAid Hawaiʻi has completed 17 housing projects, with more than $35 million in savings, thanks to partnerships that help provide donated labor and materials. It new relationship with Re-Use Hawaiʻi "makes so much sense," per leadership.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 07, 2025
Community commemorates bombing of Hiroshima in Mōʻiliʻili
This and upcoming events aim to remember the lives lost in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, while promoting peace, resilience and hope for the future.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 06, 2025
Servco invests in Hawaiʻi business students
Leadership of the company's Fukunaga Scholarship Foundation shares its impact over the past 75 years and plans to sustain the program for future generations.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 05, 2025
Behind the scenes of Kāneʻohe’s Aloha Animal Sanctuary
The Oʻahu-based nonprofit that rescues farm animals took to GoFundMe in April to solicit donations to help build its reserves and continue operations. Support from the community has been great, according to Executive Director Kristie LaRose, who shares more about fundraising, volunteer recruiting and plans for growth.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 05, 2025
YMCA of Honolulu manages program waitlist through hiring initiatives
Vice President of People and Culture Kevin Patterson discusses the organization’s immediate staffing needs and current incentives for anyone – youth, teen or adult – looking for mission-driven work. To those questioning if they have what it takes to work with kids, he says, “You do!”
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 02, 2025
Doctor's office for Big Isle schools gets wheels
With the addition of a new mobile health clinic, partially funded by ‘Ohana Health Plan and the Centene Foundation, Hawaiʻi Island Community Health Center will begin service at DOE public and charter schools around the island. Funding supports HICHC’s Gateway to Health project to “expand access to essential health services for students in underserved areas."
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 31, 2025
Nonprofit serves up food and smiles amid tsunami warning
The Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division staff and volunteers prepared breakfast for 1,200 individuals across five shelters statewide, following a tsunami warning Tuesday.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 31, 2025
Meet Miss Hawai‘i 2025 Emalia Dalire
Born and raised in Kāneʻohe, Dalire, 19, was crowned by the Miss Hawaiʻi Organization in May and will soon be headed to The Miss America Competition. Those interested in supporting her journey are welcome to come out to a fundraiser this Friday, Aug. 1, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Bayview Golf Course, featuring live music, small bites and door prizes.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 29, 2025
UH Cancer Center program brings free workshops to community
Saturday's event focused on the science of mindfulness, part of a quarterly series presented by the Susan C. Hirano Cancer Community, Awareness, Research, and Emotional Well-Being (CARE) Community endowment fund. Learn more about Hirano and her vision to impact the lives of patients at the center and those touched by cancer through cultivating support, connection and community.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 29, 2025
Recent funding allocated to help Lahaina families rebuild
Hawai‘i Community Foundation in collaboration with Maui County and the Partnership to Rebuild Lahaina has earmarked $15 million in grants toward Maui’s long-term recovery from the August 2023 wildfires. The grants will support 77 median income families who are reconstructing their homes, providing access to affordable loans and additional financing resources.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 28, 2025
Chinatown resource hub ‘a place of respite’ for those in need
Malu Kou Community Connection Center operated by UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Hawai’i is focused on uplifting community by connecting ʻohana to services for health, housing and more. Its name means "shade from the kou tree" and the local team intends to help individuals "take a load off," says Recovery and Resiliency Manager Adrian Contreras.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 26, 2025
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.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 25, 2025
GSF Foundation delivers on supporting local families
Leadership at Quality Custom Distribution in Hawai'i discusses Golden State Foods Foundation’s impact across the Islands from its Focus on Food program, which addresses food insecurity among ʻohana, to other yearly initiatives run and funded by its staff of associates nationwide.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 24, 2025
Relief for family of victims of fallen banyan tree in Hilo
A GoFundMe page, which identified the victims as Trisha and Michelle, is raising funds for their service planned for August.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 23, 2025
Native Hawaiian-owned design and manufacturing companies aim to ʻuplift communityʻ
Tanya Uyehara, owner and designer of Lahaʻole Designs, also runs Kāholo Manufacturing Co., both of which currently operate out of Chinatown. She shares how her products share stories that “add intention and purpose” in a fast-fashion age. As Uyehara eyes a new location to take on more manufacturing clients, she's also getting ready for an exclusive release at Made in Hawai'i Festival.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 23, 2025
Volunteers add final touches to family home in Waimānalo
Work is underway at the Keliinui ‘ohana's future home, where the multi-generational family will get to move into by the end of August. Aloha State Daily lent a hand over the weekend with Honolulu Habitat for Humanity. We share more about the nonprofit's mission for more affordable housing, as well as the many hands involved to pull this off.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 22, 2025
Weinberg Foundation VP Marisa Hayase on impact and leadership
Hayase was recently promoted to lead The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation’s $150 million in annual grantmaking nationwide and in Israel. She joined the organization in 2019 as program director for Hawaiʻi. Aloha State Daily spoke with her about how the foundation has evolved since then and its priorities for the future.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 19, 2025
Teach For America Hawaiʻi names new leader
Meilan Akaka Manfre became executive director of the organization this month, bringing more than 15 years of education experience to the role.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 17, 2025
Global philanthropy firm funds UH rural health efforts, policy solutions
The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust has awarded more than $30 million to Hawaiʻi to date – here’s what its latest grants will fund.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 17, 2025
Community leaders continue celebrations for Obon and plan to commemorate Hiroshima
Obon season is well underway in Hawaiʻi. Learn more from past and current leaders of the United Japanese Society of Hawaiʻi, who share about the recent Obon Memorial Service, the nonprofit's mission and their own family ties to Makiki, the place where early immigrants lay to rest, and Japan.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 16, 2025
Local artist adds gyotaku art – Japanese fish printing – to portfolio
Oʻahu resident Jade Fernandez started Hapa Girl Studio in 2020 to showcase her digital prints of surfer girls, which grew to include Hawai’i flowers, plants and birds. Now, she’s working on an exclusive collection for Made in Hawai’i Festival, which will feature gyotaku art – a traditional Japanese fish printing method.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 16, 2025
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. Only a week in the role, he offers insights on collaboration and community-building to help implement such objectives by 2030.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 15, 2025
Kauaʻi resort launches scholarship program
Leadership at Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi Resort & Spa share why they are investing in continued education of its employees and their dependents.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 14, 2025
Medical distributor Henry Schein opens in Honolulu
The newly opened distribution center in the former R. Weinstein space on Oʻahu offers next-day delivery of medical products — vaccines, surgical supplies and equipment — for health care practitioners across Hawai’i.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 11, 2025
Three-city benefit concert tour to kick off in Lahaina
From Aug. 15 to 16, the Hua Momona Foundation will host its second annual Maui Music & Food Experience at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, showcasing nationwide musicians and chefs. Proceeds from the tour will go toward the foundation’s efforts to address food insecurity and invest in youth music programs on Maui.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 09, 2025
How to help ʻohana following the Māʻili wildfire
A GoFundMe page has been created for the Ahuna family, which lost their dog, home and event business equipment, in the blaze this past weekend in Waiʻanae. A GoFundMe was also created for the family of a 94-year-old woman who died of fire injuries. Gov. Josh Green comments on fire response and Aloha State Daily lists a few resources for those who were impacted.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 08, 2025
Lānaʻi resident Vince Cabanilla bridges art and community
The Lānaʻi Art Center is a nonprofit art gallery offering spaces for keiki to kūpuna to create and come together. Aloha State Daily spoke with the center’s co-director Vince Cabanilla about challenges, upcoming events and how art has helped to heal those affected by the 2023 Lahaina fire.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 08, 2025
Jamba Hawaiʻi offers new program that supports local nonprofits
Owned and operated by Fresh Dining Concepts LLC, Jamba Hawaiʻi recently launched its Blend it Forward program to support nonprofits across the Islands. This month, the company will donate proceeds to Boys & Girls Club of Hawaiʻi for every Mango-A-Go-Go and Watermelon Breeze smoothies sold at participating locations.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 07, 2025
Fundraising progresses for new documentary spotlighting Hawaiʻi soldiers who share aloha
Filmmaker Steve Sue, founder and chairman of ID8, which is the nonprofit producing “The 100th: Seeds of Aloha,” shares the story of the 100th Infantry Battalion unit that fought in World War II. Sue provides an update about this project and the trilogy it's part of that largely relies on donor support.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 04, 2025
Hawaiʻi Police Department is collecting new backpacks now through July 20
New and unfilled backpacks may be dropped off at any Hawaiʻi Island police station, as part of HPD's annual backpack drive for keiki getting ready to go back to school. This community initiative is in partnership with Hope Services Hawaiʻi, a nonprofit agency committed to ending homelessness.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 03, 2025
Meet this year’s grand marshals of the Kailua Village Independence Day Parade
Kona-based community leaders Frank and Laura Mallery-Sayre will proceed down the parade route starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 4. The pair founded The Daniel Sayre Memorial Foundation in 1997, which has raised funds for the fire departments on Maui and Hawai’i Island.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 02, 2025
Global Christian organization delivers housing to ʻohana in Lahaina
Samaritan’s Purse staff and volunteers, along with the local community, gathered Saturday to welcome three Maui families home. Since the 2023 Lahaina wildfire, the relief organization has donated 41 tons of supplies and equipment; rebuilt five homes, with 16 more underway; and deployed hundreds of volunteers to assist with ongoing recovery efforts.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 01, 2025
Mark your calendars for Mari’s Gardens Summer Fair on July 19
The summer event in Mililani will feature more than 50 vendors, keiki activities and, of course, plants. Mari’s Gardens Manager Mariko Lau shares what to expect, where to park and more about the family business.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 28, 2025
Hawai‘i experts disagree on interstate telehealth to solve doctor shortage — here's why
In this deep dive, Aloha State Daily spoke with Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi Policy Director Malia Hill and Wellness Partners Hawaiʻi President and CEO Bradley Kuo on the issue of permitting out-of-state physicians to treat local patients.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 27, 2025
Kauaʻi artisan has fun with feathers
Diane Mitsuyasu-Masumura, owner of Weslyn’s Creative Feather, has created traditional Hawaiian lei hulu, feather accessories, lauhala ornaments and more since 1989. She shares her process and about preparations for the upcoming Made in Hawaiʻi Festival, which sheʻs participated in since it started 31 years ago.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 25, 2025
Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i goes mobile
The nonprofit's new "grocery-style food pantry on wheels" will bring food to rural and underserved communities across the Garden Island.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 25, 2025
New oceanfront chapel opens in Waikīkī
A new destination wedding venue called Kahawai Chapel, located at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, opened this month. Learn more about its unique offerings catered toward the visitor market, while rooted in Hawaiian culture, from chapel general manager Takeshi Miyamoto.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 23, 2025
Made in Hawaiʻi to feature Molokai Alliance for Native Artisans
Molokai resident Solana Adachi shares the heart behind this new organization and what it means to be featured at Made in Hawaiʻi Festival on Oʻahu this year. Adachi volunteers as the nonprofit’s interim president, is a full-time business owner and mom to twins.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 21, 2025
Lahaina nonprofit advocates for community
Since the 2023 wildfires, Kaibigan ng Lahaina has connected ʻohana in West Maui to recovery services including case management, workforce education and training, and mental health and wellness – all rooted in culture. ASD shares an update from the organization about its long-term plans, as well as information for this Sundayʻs Lahaina Palengke Night.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 20, 2025
What to know about The Walk for Life this Saturday
Wondering what to expect at this year’s Honolulu AIDS Walk, where fundraising dollars go, or even where to park? We have got you covered. Note, for the month of June, donations to walk organizer Hawaiʻi Health & Harm Reduction Center will be matched.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 19, 2025
State ramps up plan to add more pre-K classrooms across the Islands
Kalihi Elementary Principal John Hamilton says the Ready Keiki program is a “wonderful opportunity” for Hawai'i families who wish to see their children thrive in school and life. The buildout of the classrooms so far has been under budget, with 50 more to be added by next year.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 18, 2025
Dakota Briley, son of Big Wave surfer Shawn Briley, in critical condition after recent pedestrian-vehicle collision in Hale‘iwa
A GoFundMe page identifies 20-year-old Dakota Briley as the pedestrian “pinned between two vehicles” on June 14 at Oʻahu’s North Shore. As of Tuesday, more than 1,000 donations amounting to nearly $120,000 have come in to help cover his medical expenses.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 18, 2025
Check out these 5 local charity events
Here are some happenings over the next week that will benefit organizations, causes and communities in Hawaiʻi.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 17, 2025
Navy Region Hawaiʻi showcases ‘250 acts of community service’ ahead of 250th birthday
Jordan Garrett, director of Fleet and Family Readiness, shares more about Laulima Navy, an initiative reinforcing ongoing volunteer work by Navy personnel in Isle communities.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 17, 2025
Katie Kaahanui scales Safe and Sound Waikīkī program
This initiative has reduced crime and homelessness from Ala Wai Boat Harbor to Diamond Head in less than three years. As executive coordinator, Kaahanui highlights Safe and Sound’s success and shares about her long-term goal of replicating it in other communities.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 14, 2025
Historic Kona church gets rededicated after several years of renovations
A virtual visit with Christ Church Episcopal in Kealakekua: We share before and after photos of the 158-year-old buildingʻs transformation and community sentiment since its completion of this restoration project.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 13, 2025
A new bowling alley, more workforce housing planned for Lānaʻi
Learn more about the initiatives at Pūlama Lāna’i, including its dual credit program for students on the island, a 10-year partnership with the University of Hawai’i Maui College.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 12, 2025
Waimea-based custom cowboy hat company returns to Oʻahu this week
The Uihā Hat Bar pop-up shop at Ka Makana Aliʻi will be back starting Thursday. Designer and owner Chaz Lindsey Kamauu created the brand to honor his family’s paniolo legacy, while also giving customers an experience that speaks to their own.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 11, 2025
Nonprofit persists in ocean conservation work despite federal funding cuts
Mālama Maunalua Executive Director Doug Harper shares with ASD about the organization’s ongoing initiatives to restore Maunalua Bay. During the interview, he received word that a grant from the federal government supporting invasive algae removal would not be awarded — and that wasn’t the first time.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 10, 2025
Terry George to lead Hawaiʻi Community Foundation come August
The Harold K.L. Castle Foundation president and CEO will succeed Micah Kāne, who is moving to Waimea to take the helm of Parker Ranch Inc. in September. HCF also promoted Michelle Kaʻuhane to chief operating officer and executive vice president.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 10, 2025
Meet the next generation of leadership at PBR Hawaiʻi
Founded by Frank Brandt, PBR Hawai’i and Associates Inc. has provided professional landscape, architectural and community planning services statewide and in the Pacific for more than 55 years. Since the beginning of the year, the company has promoted several employees from within, including Kimi Yuen, serving as president and chairperson, and its two new executive vice presidents.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 09, 2025
Relationships are the reason this Honolulu-based financial advisor loves her job
When Michelle Kreis joined Northwestern Mutual as an assistant in 2008 while living in Oregon, her passion for financial planning grew. Five years after that, she moved back home to Hawai’i and continues to help small businesses and individuals from its local office.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 06, 2025
Mom from Mānoa grows alohawear company for ʻohana
Guava Jammies turns one this month. Small business owner Steffy Simms shares her story as a self-taught designer with an eye for color and heart for Hawaiʻi-made products. She also works full-time as a teacher and has a second child on the way.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 06, 2025
Turtle Bay Foundation provides thousands in college scholarships to Oʻahu students
Malakai Vendiola, 18, an aspiring Artificial Intelligence specialist from Kahuku, was one of 86 students awarded a total of $200,000 in scholarships – Turtle Bay Foundation’s largest annual distribution to date. He shares with ASD what receiving this year’s Barbara Keen Scholarship meant to him and how it will help his future pursuits.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 05, 2025
Statewide nonprofit aims to build confidence in local students with free resources
Learn more about Helping Hands Hawaiʻi's Ready to Learn program, which for 27 years, has provided basic school supplies for K-12 students in need.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 04, 2025
Kaiser Permanente Hawaiʻi to expand with purchase of Maui News property
The more than six-acre campus neighbors the health organization’s medical office and subsidiary Maui Memorial Medical Center in Wailuku, representing "an investment in the future of health care on Maui,” local leadership told ASD.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 03, 2025
Waimānalo charter school honored for innovation
Mālama Honua Public Charter School recently won top honors – and a $20,000 grant – for The Educational Innovation Award presented by national nonprofit Building Hope. School Director Denise Espania shares about the school’s immersive programs, as well as plans for a new campus.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 29, 2025
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