Aloha Spirit

It’s all about giving back.

ASD’s Aloha Spirit beat covers the kama‘āina who are making a positive difference in people’s lives. This is where volunteers are heroes and non-profit leaders are Hawai‘i’s navigators. We also cover Hawai‘i’s diverse faith community, and the religions which so deeply tie the Islands together.

"Hawaiʻi to the World": Hawaiian Council announces chance to be in show's live audience

A new television show premieres this month that will feature Island talent competing for a $10,000 prize. Learn more about the chance to be part of the live audience for the finale and auditions of talent from Hawaiʻi Island and Oʻahu.

Katie HellandNovember 08, 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

Battle of the Bands and Comedians: tickets on sale for next round

HI93 FM Hawaiʻi’s Local Hits is hosting a battle of the bands and comedians. The fourth round of competition is this Sunday, Nov. 9. In just a few weeks, five bands and five comedians will come together for the finals of the competition, held Friday, Nov. 21, at The Gatsby in Kakaʻako.

Katie HellandNovember 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

Community Voices: A life of service and advocacy for Native Hawaiians

Remembering Louis "Lui" Hao (Jan. 2, 1935 – June 20, 2025), a lifelong community servant, social justice advocate, and two-term OHA trustee.

Puanani Fernandez-AkamineNovember 04, 2025

Hamada: Awareness and compassion needed for mental health issues

People don't hesitate to get help if they catch a flu or sprain an ankle. Looking after one's mental health should be just as natural and free of shame or stigma.

Rick HamadaNovember 04, 2025

A Night at the Museum, battle of the bands, and more: Friday, Nov. 7- Sunday, Nov. 9

Looking for fun weekend plans? Watch Prince Kūhiōʻs 40-foot racing canoe return to the water after a decade on land or check out Capitol Modern’s First Friday event, where dancers from Iona Contemporary Dance Theatre bring the museum's galleries, courtyard and lobby to life. It is also a Kamaʻāina Sunday for ʻIolani Palace, which means free entry for Hawaiʻi residents.

Katie HellandNovember 04, 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

Prince Kūhiō’s racing canoe returns to water after decade on land

This racing canoe is headed back to the ocean. Learn more about it and its recent role in an exhibit at the Bishop Museum.

Katie HellandNovember 01, 2025

Wreath submissions open soon for display at Honolulu Hale

Looking to share your creativity with the local community? Contestants in this holiday wreath contest will have their work on display at Honolulu Hale. This year, the theme of the contest is: navigating the stars.

Katie HellandOctober 29, 2025

Hamada: What I love about "Community Matters"

Here are just a few of the many worthy nonprofits in Hawai‘i that I've gotten to know through my years in talk radio. All of them do important work and deserve our support.

Rick HamadaOctober 28, 2025