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.
News
Young Entrepreneurs Marketplace on Oʻahu showcased student creations
More than 20 student-run businesses statewide set up shop at the KCC Farmersʻ Market on Saturday, selling snacks, beverages and skin care, among other locally made products, as part of the Hawai‘i Agricultural Foundation’s Young Entrepreneurs Program.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 15, 2025
Wai‘anae District Park gets renamed to honor late boxing coach
On Saturday, lawmakers, family and community members gathered to mark the official renaming of The Fred “Pops” Fernandez Pereira, Sr., Wai‘anae District Park Boxing Gym. Pops, who died April 25, 2024, was known for founding the Waiʻanae Boxing club and mentoring youth.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 14, 2025
Hunt’s Tony Gaston shares how his work and community service go hand in hand
Gaston, a longtime Mililani resident and engineer, enjoys giving back to local public schools, as well the University of Hawai’i College of Engineering. For Hunt Companies Hawai‘i, he has also attended numerous Neighborhood Board meetings to help inform community members about ongoing road improvements at Kalaeloa.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 14, 2025
Here are a few of the most well-attended Good Friday/Easter services on Oʻahu
Easter Sunday is a high attendance day for most churches across the country. While this is not an exhaustive list of Easter services statewide, hereʻs how three local organizations plan to celebrate "the greatest story ever told" this year.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 11, 2025
3 things we learned from visiting a hula class at Mid-Pacific
Led by Kumu Hula Michael Lanakila Casupang, the private school’s Pūpūkahi halau has about 90 high school students, who study and practice Hawaiian language, culture and traditions, as part of their curriculum. Here’s how a recent $250,000 gift will help expand its hula program.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 11, 2025
King Lunalilo Trust CEO shares plans to grow long-term care services, affordable housing for kūpuna
Meet Keolamaikalani Dean, a former attorney and health policy expert, who followed his aumakua and returned home to the Islands three years ago. Now, the CEO of King Lunalilo Trust and Home is mapping out expansion plans that include unveiling a new cultural center, affordable rentals and a larger long-term care facility.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 10, 2025
RevoluSun: Homeowners beware of ‘misleading’ sales tactics by Mainland solar companies
RevoluSun’s Eric Carlson shares tips for individuals who may be targeted by door-to-door scammers. “If it feels off, it probably is,” he said in an interview with Aloha State Daily.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 09, 2025
Easter activities on Oʻahu
Aloha State Daily rounded up some ways to entertain keiki leading up to Easter, including appearances by the Easter Bunny across the island.
Katie HellandApril 09, 2025
Local church network offers support to those affected by Myanmar earthquake
Aloha State Daily spoke with John and Gay Williams, directors of disaster relief ministries at Hawaiʻi Pacific Baptist Convention, to learn more about the organization's relief efforts underway to aid our neighbors in Southeast Asia, following the deadly 7.7-magnitude quake last week.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 03, 2025
Longtime Hawaii attorney Gerald Clay wants his legacy to be ‘Partnering’
“Partnering", a collaborative approach designed to help groups become more effective, is an alternative to the legal system’s traditional dispute resolution because it promotes dispute prevention among stakeholders, says Clay, who is a trained facilitator. He recently wrote an article for the Hawai’i Bar Journal about why he launched Clay Partnering LLC, a company that aims to positively impact local businesses, nonprofits, government agencies and beyond.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 02, 2025
District health offices to host community events in April
With National Public Health Week (April 7-13) right around the corner, Aloha State Daily spoke with Kaua‘i District Health Officer Dr. Janet Berreman about what attendees can expect from the Open House on April 11, as well as the initiatives she’s most excited about on Kauaʻi that are contributing to the state's health goals.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 01, 2025
Block party for the keiki this Saturday
Looking for some free family fun this weekend on Oʻahu? Head to Our Kaka‘ako’s Keiki Street Festival presented by American Savings Bank on Saturday, March 29.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 29, 2025
Harold K.L. Castle Foundation’s Terry George talks succession planning and the new co-leadership model rooted in its values
Leadership may be shifting at the foundation, but George, who is set to retire in July, says the mission remains the same: To build resources for Hawaiʻi’s future, including addressing achievement gaps in public education, restoring reefs and fisheries statewide, and investing in resilient Windward O’ahu communities and beyond.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 28, 2025
Video: Executive director shares update on housing in Lahaina
Aloha State Daily recently caught up with Rhonda Alexander-Monkres, the newly appointed executive director of Ho‘ōla iā Mauiakama Long Term Recovery Group. With the help of community partners, the Maui-based organization is tackling issues such as housing, emotional care, case management and more.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 27, 2025
An exclusive tour of Sumida Farm
It’s time to celebrate watercress season. ASD goes in-depth for the story behind the fourth-generation landmark family farm in ‘Aiea. And yes, we asked about that iconic grass shack.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMarch 26, 2025
Local nonprofits, artists plan weeklong festival to support Lahaina
Spectra Fest is returning in June – this time on Maui. Last year’s event on Kauaʻi garnered more than 5,000 attendees across five days focused on painting murals in schools, educational workshops by CreativeMornings Honolulu, live music and a market by Art + Flea. Joining the lineup of events this year is a free film screening by Hawaiʻi International Film Festival, or HIFF.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 26, 2025
The Pantry’s Jennine Sullivan named among USA Today’s Women of the Year
The Oʻahu-based nonprofit’s executive director runs Hawaiʻi’s only online food pantry, serving thousands of families for free based on their needs. Sullivan was recently recognized among women nationwide who are making a significant impact in their local communities.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 25, 2025
Local staffing firm supports annual fundraising event, volunteerism
What to expect from Aloha United Way’s Women United “Chocolate, Champagne & Couture For-A-Cause," and why ALTRES looks forward to this event every year.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 22, 2025
Oʻahu-based artist chases ʻbig dreamʻ of opening a ceramic studio, store and space for creatives
But until then, customers can shop Flutterby Creative by artist and owner Giovanna Bonasso online and at various markets across the island.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 21, 2025
3 things you might not know about Native Hawaiian Philanthropy
Native Hawaiian Philanthropy CEO Ku‘uleinani Maunupau shares more about the organization’s mission to increase funding opportunities for Hawaiʻi nonprofits, while investing in local communities.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 19, 2025
North Shore surfer bounces back after near-death experience to make positive change
iBounce Up, a Hawaiʻi-based organization that equips individuals with skills to navigate life's challenges, recently took on a deeper meaning for co-founders Lauralee and Andy Pierce. Last month, he broke his neck surfing at Sunset Beach and became even more of a living example of resilience.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 18, 2025
From Waipahu to Fort Street Mall, this new sober living store and bar prepares to open in Downtown Honolulu
Viper Heart, owner of Viper’s SanctuarNII, took over Waipahu-based Nii Superette last year after her friend and store owner Stephen Nii died suddenly. Heart, who is in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction, hopes to promote healing in the new space, which officially opens April 1. Its offerings include spiritual services and community events complete with hand-crafted mocktails, herbal teas and mushroom coffee, crystals, chicken feet and more.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 15, 2025
Culinary teacher inspires student entrepreneurs on Maui
Joyce Miyamoto facilitates The Hawai‘i Agricultural Foundation’s Young Entrepreneurs Program at Baldwin High School. The culinary teacher shares her experience working with more than 100 local students, who have developed and launched new products with locally sourced ingredients such as kalo, macadamia nuts and fresh Kula strawberries.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 14, 2025
New book features stories from world's most iconic surfers
Claudia Lebenthal's "Surfer Stories" is set to be released on March 18.
Christian ShimabukuMarch 13, 2025
Nānākuli teen named Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Club of Hawaiʻi
Ladayna Aranas, 17, is a senior at Nānākuli High & Intermediate School with plans to attend the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in the fall. She joined the Boys & Girls Club Nānākuli Clubhouse at age 6 and today, volunteers at its Teen Center – and recently won an award for it.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 11, 2025
Krave Marketing brings back Kāneʻohe Night Market for St. Paddy’s Day weekend
The family-friendly event planned for Saturday, March 15, on Oʻahu’s Windward side, will feature more than 125 vendors, free keiki activities and live performances by Kaʻimi Hananoeau, Peni Dean and The Imposters Band.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 10, 2025
LJ Duenas on how Alzheimer’s Association Hawaiʻi supports local families
Duenas, who has led the local chapter for five years, talks about his personal connection to the cause and the shared commitment of staff, volunteers and partners, to care for ʻohana affected by dementia and other brain diseases.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 07, 2025
Nonprofit seeks business help to boost volunteerism
National Volunteer Month is coming up in April. In Hawaiʻi, volunteer opportunities are listed year-round by local nonprofit Kanu Hawaiʻi, whose mission is to help people connect with one another through compassionate actions that build more resilient communities. Executive Director Keone Kealoha shares how organizations and businesses can engage with local volunteers and students, as well as visitors.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 06, 2025
What’s free to do at the 2025 Honolulu Festival and why this decade-long volunteer ‘keeps coming back for more’
For the first time, the Honolulu Festival Foundation will charge admission for its offerings at the Hawai‘i Convention Center, where most of the cultural and music performances, activities and exhibits are held. Many outdoor events will be free to the public. Since 2011, Conrad Maranon has volunteered at the festival. He shares his personal experiences and a charge to those looking to get involved.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 05, 2025
HOPA hosts community celebration
Shave ice brought the community together in ʻĀina Haina over the weekend during a two-day celebration commemorating the recent closure of Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 03, 2025
Community organizations advocate for Hawaiʻi’s working families at the Capitol
HCAN Speaks!, the lobbying arm of Hawaiʻi Children Action Network, spearheaded its first Working Families Day at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol on Friday, complete with a resource fair featuring more than 50 nonprofits, family activities and a rally around legislation. Here’s what government and nonprofit leaders said about their efforts.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 01, 2025
New shelter prioritizes brain and behavioral health
The Kumu Ola Hou Iwilei Transitional Shelter is a collaboration between the city, which owns the the Iwilei Center, where the shelter is located, and the state, which is providing funding to the Institute for Human Services to manage the facility.
Stephanie SalmonsMarch 01, 2025
HANO’s Melissa Miyashiro navigates federal funding concerns, prepares for local impacts to nonprofits
Meet the executive director of Hawaiʻi Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations, who is tracking changes happening at the federal and state levels, to help strengthen the local sector by providing information and resources.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosFebruary 28, 2025
Keiki take Ōlelo Hawaiʻi to Disneyland
This hui marked Hawaiian Language Month with a trip to Southern California.
Katie HellandFebruary 27, 2025
3 strategies to address childhood homelessness in Hawaiʻi
Family Promise of Hawaiʻi held its first-ever Childhood Homelessness Symposium on Tuesday, which brought together nearly 200 local and national experts and stakeholders to help inspire solutions for childhood homelessness statewide. Topics included homelessness among Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, early childhood education, affordable housing and more.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosFebruary 26, 2025
Why this mom is advocating for water safety statewide
On Feb. 28, which is the 21st anniversary of her daughter's death, Allison Schaefers Dubovsky will visit the detention pond where 5-year-old Charlotte “Sharkey” Schaefers drowned rescuing her friend. The bereaved mom shares how advocating for legislation and developing a water safety plan this year will help prevent drowning in Hawaiʻi.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosFebruary 24, 2025