Viewpoints
Community Voices: Geothermal energy — solution or sacrilege?
The subject of geothermal energy has long divided the Native Hawaiian community. Proponents cite energy sovereignty and decreased reliance on foreign oil. Opponents point to the genealogical, cultural and spiritual ties that many Hawaiians have to Pele.
Cedric DuarteSeptember 23, 2025
Community Voices: Canoe clubs, guardians of our nearshore fisheries
Hawai‘i's canoe clubs can take a tradition up a notch by leveraging their expertise to guide fishing practices in the Islands.
Toby MorrisAugust 27, 2025
Community Voices: Remembering a life steeped in peace
Dr. Genshitsu Sen, a former WWII kamikaze pilot trainee who turned to the Way of Tea, practicing harmony, respect, purity and more, died last week at age 102. Since the early 1950s, he had deep ties to Hawai'i, including spending time with University of Hawai'i at Mānoa's faculty and students.
Justin PetersonAugust 21, 2025
Community Voices: Career Connections launches Hawai‘i high school students into the trades
Interns make $15 an hour while learning essential skills to become carpenters.
Andrew PereiraJuly 28, 2025
Community Voices: Built through brotherhood and meaningful moments
A personal essay by Makawao Eagle Scout Noah Kalehuawehe, who recently received the 2025 John Henry Felix Leadership Through Service Award.
Noah KalehuaweheJuly 12, 2025
Community Voices: ʻRespect and teamworkʻ drives these Hawaiʻi auto technicians
Find out why these three Servco Pacific Inc. employees got into the automotive industry and what keeps them servicing some of Hawaiʻi’s most popular car brands.
Mike Agcanas & Garrett Leong and Jarrett SilvaJune 27, 2025
Community Voices: How local nonprofits can practically support each other's mission
Have you ever thought about hiring a nonprofit for professional services? Maybe it's time to, especially if you're a nonprofit reliant on donations. Here's one way we're turning business expenses into "a built-in impact multiplier."
Ed NishiokaJune 19, 2025
Community Voices: Bills from the 2025 legislative session that will most impact Native Hawaiians
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs aims to improve the well-being of Native Hawaiians through advocacy, research, funding and more. Here is a breakdown of the measures that would advance its mission, if approved by Gov. Josh Green.
Michèle McCoyJune 03, 2025
Remembering Chaminade Coach Merv Lopes
Merv Lopes was already well-known in the local community from his time at Kailua and Kalāheo High Schools when he burst onto the college basketball scene like a meteor on December 23, 1982. That night, with much of the nation asleep, Lopes coached tiny Chaminade to a win over three-time Player of the Year Ralph Sampson and No. 1-ranked Virginia in what is considered the Greatest Upset in the History of College Basketball.
Jack DanilewiczMay 30, 2025
Community Voices: Economic prosperity rises from the bottom up
Special for ASD, the Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice looks at the recent Legislative sessionʻs hits and misses.
Will CaronMay 21, 2025
Community Voices: Your Zip code shouldn’t determine your access to mental health care
This Mental Health Awareness Month, we must confront the reality that where you live can define whether you receive life-saving care or none at all.
Amanda Pump and Michael Young & Child & Family ServiceMay 08, 2025
Community Voices: Partnering is a proven process for building stronger teams, securing better outcomes and preventing disputes
For organizations looking to improve internal alignment, stakeholder engagement, and/or internal or external collaboration, this structured, facilitation-based process offers a compelling alternative to traditional problem-solving and strategic planning models.
Gerald “Jerry” ClayMay 08, 2025
Community Voices: Backyard Kuleana 2025 – When the systems fail, we must return to each other
We are looking at a collapse of many systems that our communities rely upon to sustain themselves. We will all need to step up our service going forward. Here, I share more about that forward-looking evolution.
Keone KealohaApril 21, 2025
Community Voices: Presidential proclamation balances ocean protection and sustainable commercial tuna fishing
This viewpoint from the Hawai‘i Longline Association makes a case that President Donald Trump's reopening of commercial fishing grounds around Pacific islands is good for local consumers and industry, which use more sustainable methods than do foreign fishing fleets.
Eric KingmaApril 19, 2025
Community Voices: Persistence amid permit issues to hold services at Waikīkī Beach
Waikīkī Beach Chaplaincy has served the community surrounding the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waīkikī Beach Resort for 55 years. Last month, the chaplaincy received a “Cease and Desist Order” from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources for its Easter and weekly services. Pastor David “Waxer” Tipton, director and president of the chaplaincy since 2021, shares how the organization is handling permitting pitfalls this year.
David "Waxer" TiptonApril 17, 2025