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
The Future is Keiki Market comes to Kāhala Mall
More than a dozen young entrepreneurs have been getting a lesson in business and entrepreneurship through Vivistop Honolulu's Dream Incubator program, which culminates with The Future is Keiki Market this weekend.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 17, 2025
Video: Kumu Hula Michael Lanakila Casupang on Merrie Monarch, May Day celebrations
Spanning the next two weeks Casupang has three major showings. In this recorded conversation, he shares more about his upbringing and introduction to hula, as well as what audiences can expect to see at the 2025 Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo and May Day Lei Day celebration in Honolulu.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 17, 2025
Easter service coordinator plans to serve hundreds of churchgoers at ‘Hill of Sacrifice’
Meet the coordinator of this historic event, The Rev. Samuel Domingo, a pastor at Wahiawa United Methodist Church. The 124th annual Punchbowl Easter Sunrise Service will take place this Sunday, April 20, starting at 6:15 a.m.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 16, 2025
Nonprofit, community members to ‘March for Babies’ this weekend
March of Dimes Hawaiʻi is gearing up to host more than 700 walkers for one of its annual fundraising events this Saturday, April 19, at Kakaʻako Waterfront Park. The organization’s overall goal this year is to raise $280,000 for ʻohana statewide.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 15, 2025
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
Aloha Freedom Coalition rallies against vaccine bill HB1118
The grassroots organization hosted a rally at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol on Thursday opposing legislation that would bar new non-medical exemptions to vaccines at schools.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosFebruary 22, 2025
Hawaiʻi’s Vivia Cares expands to Washington
Executive Director Racheal Lynch on bringing a senior care model developed in Honolulu to Olympia. She shares hiring tips and more about her focus on ‘keeping the aloha mentality.’
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosFebruary 20, 2025
Vibe turns 5, celebrates by giving $5,000 worth of free marketing services to one local nonprofit
In 2020, founder and CEO Erica Mau-Schank branched out from her family’s business to create her own Hawaiʻi-based marketing agency, which caters to more than 30 small- to medium-sized companies and nonprofits. Today, her mission to boost business, while increasing community impact, continues.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosFebruary 19, 2025
Family business based in ‘Ewa Beach creates clothing that captures ‘working with aloha’
For Shane and Corry Ahlo, the owners of Ahlo’s Apparel, family and faith are what drive their passion to promote the aloha spirit in work environments. In addition to their full-time jobs in construction and as parents, the couple creates HI-Vis safety aloha shirts and other items, for those who want to rep Hawaiʻi wherever they are.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosFebruary 14, 2025
Bronson Chang, co-founder of Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha, reflects on closing the ‘Āina Haina shave ice shop and living Pure Aloha
“It’s a time to honor and celebrate the legacy of HOPA with the people who made it special,” Bronson said. “This is why we were so determined, never threw in the towel for so many decades, even when I think most would have.”
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosFebruary 13, 2025
5 reasons why Micah Kāne decided to move to Waimea’s Parker Ranch
Kāne has led Hawaiʻi Community Foundation for nearly 10 years, in addition to serving on its board seven years prior. Now, he’s preparing to move to Hawaiʻi Island in September, where he will lead Parker Ranch Inc., home of the paniolo since 1847.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosFebruary 13, 2025
Solomon Kaimimoku connects culture and community in Waikīkī
Kaimimoku became general manager of the Waikīkī Business Improvement District’s Aloha Ambassador program last August.
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 13, 2025
Great Aloha Run road closures and get to know the local graphic designer behind this year’s swag
The main event, which includes three races for keiki to kūpuna, will culminate on Monday, Feb. 17, from 7 to 10 a.m. Volunteers and those registered will receive a T-shirt designed by local artist Nurry Kwan, who shares with us his inspiration. For non-runners, try to avoid certain streets – like Middle Street and Dillingham Boulevard – in Downtown Honolulu on Presidents Day morning.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosFebruary 11, 2025
Meet Project Dana’s new executive director
Maria Morales was promoted after more than 10 years of service at Project Dana, which focuses on elderly care. Recently, she has helped rollout a new electronic data system for volunteers and program recipients on Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosFebruary 11, 2025
Hawaiʻi Black Chamber of Commerce to host expo in Kapolei
To celebrate Black History Month, Hawaiʻi Black Chamber of Commerce is hosting a family-friendly event this Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Kapolei Heritage Center. It will showcase local businesses, culture, art and more.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosFebruary 08, 2025
Kahu Anela Rosa prepares to welcome ʻohana back to Lahaina’s Waiola Church
This congregation will gather in-person for the first time since its historic structure was destroyed by the 2023 Lahaina fire. As church leadership looks to rebuild, local families and visitors can plan to reconnect at a casual, outdoor service on Sunday, March 2.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosFebruary 07, 2025
Honolulu Zoo’s elephants make 2025 Super Bowl pick
On Wednesday, the Honolulu Zoo’s two Asian elephants predicted the outcome of Sunday’s Super Bowl 59 game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. Find out which team it chose to win and how it happened.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosFebruary 06, 2025
Mary Kawena Pukui featured on new $1 coin
The coin features an image of Pukui wearing a hibiscus flower, a kukui nut lei and a mu‘umu‘u with an aloha print, and “stylized depictions of water” in the background.
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 06, 2025
Adorable pets up for adoption, plus other services the Hawaiian Humane Society offers
What does a dog named Goose, Sassy the cat, and a tortoise called Greased Lightnin all have in common? These animals were rescued by Hawaiian Humane Society and are looking for a new home. The nonprofit aims to help pet owners with everything they need from medical support and microchipping to supplies, dog-walking, meetups and more.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosFebruary 05, 2025
Where to park, what app to download and other fun things for Punahou Carnival
Hereʻs what you need to know to enjoy the ride at this weekendʻs Pā‘ina Paniolo: A Country Carnival!
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosFebruary 04, 2025
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
Jazz up your week at this Downtown church service
Music volunteer Manny Dayao helped put a jazz band together more than 10 years ago that performs at 6 p.m. on Thursdays at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 23, 2024