Aloha Spirit
News
U.S. Vets Hawai‘i expands West O‘ahu operations
Executive Director Tanya Brown shares what it will take to run the state-funded kauhale project, which will aid Wai‘anae residents – veterans and civilians alike – who are experiencing homelessness.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 31, 2025
Nonprofit delivers food to Windward O‘ahu and beyond
In partnership with Hawaiʻi Foodbank, Giving Hope Hawaiʻi provides food and goods to families in need along the Windward Coast. Violette Ishikawa runs the operation founded two years ago by Jerry Romano of Jerry V’s Auto Group.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 30, 2025
Hawaiʻi dietician cares for community, starts business
Kristen Salles, a licensed dietitian nutritionist based on Oʻahu, has begun taking on new clients of her own. She aims to work with individuals and businesses on their health goals.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 25, 2025
Nonprofit director reimagines interfaith organizationʻs next steps
Rev. Estela Chao-Reza sees her role at Faith Action for Community Equity as a liaison for mobilizing causes that align with the grassroots organization’s mission "to act justly and speak boldly for all of the divine's creation in Hawaiʻi." Practically, her job entails partnering with like-minded nonprofits to offer resources and support with social justice issues.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 24, 2025
Dr. Marcus Iwane shares his experience from volunteering with Kaiser Permanente on MLK Day
Kaiser Permanente Hawai‘i’s annual day of service on Jan. 20 attracted hundreds of employees and their ʻohana, who helped restore cultural sites statewide. Recurring volunteer Dr. Marcus Iwane shares why this year was “special” at Kāko‘o ‘Ōiwi on Oʻahu’s windward side.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 23, 2025
How this Maui nonprofit has taken root
Maui-based nonprofit Treecovery Hawaiʻi aims to keep surviving trees alive within the burn zones of Lahaina and Kula, as well as provide free trees to families affected by those fires on Aug. 8, 2023.
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 23, 2025
POG comes in a can and a candle
For kamaaina near and far from their island home, smelling a candle from Hale Plume can bring back nostalgic memories. Owner Shandra Hastings is in the business of bottling local scents like lei, POG, ling hing mui and more, to pay homage to Hawaii. She shares why she started the Honolulu-based company and plans for growth.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 22, 2025
Kahala Nui closes on $90 million land sale
Hawaii’s Roman Catholic Church recently sold its 6.5-acre property to the senior living community in Kahala.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 20, 2025
Highlights from Friday’s gathering at Iolani Palace
The Jan. 17 Onipaa Peace March in Honolulu was organized by nonprofit Mutual Aid Ka Lahui and included commemoration, live entertainment and educational booths.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 18, 2025
Partnership brings ‘hub of healing’ to Hilo
Ohana Health Plan President and CEO Scott Sivik talks about its new transitional housing program in partnership with Hilo-based nonprofit Hope Services Hawaii.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 17, 2025
The heart behind North Shore's Camp Agape
This local nonprofit looks after children with incarcerated parents. It recently postponed its annual event, though year-round programming will continue.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 16, 2025
Tina Andrade succeeds Rob Van Tassell as head of Catholic Charities Hawaii
Civic leaders, community members gathered on Tuesday for a ceremony welcoming the nonprofit's new leadership, led by Bishop Larry Silva.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 15, 2025
Elijah Pierick launches telehealth company, preps for Opening Day
Why this legislator has launched his own mental health business.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 14, 2025
Meet 7 of Hawaii’s megachurches
There are about 1,800 megachurches nationwide, with at least seven operating on Oahu and Maui.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 10, 2025
Makiki church to host community events
The Giving Circle Church aims to "do good to the community" by awarding microgrants to local nonprofits, while introducing a series of community-focused events in the new year.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 04, 2025
