Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros
Aloha, I am Aloha State Daily’s senior editor reporting on community news. Know of any organizations and people making a positive difference in Hawaiʻi? Please reach out to me at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
Originally from Los Angeles, I am Native Hawaiian with roots from Maui, residing on Oʻahu with my husband. Since moving to the Islands in 2019, I have volunteered for various local organizations such as 808 Cleanups, Keiki O Ka ʻĀina’s Board and Stone, March of Dimes Hawaiʻi and more.
Most recently, I was the associate editor of Pacific Business News for nearly six years. Prior to that role, I served as a copy editor and reporter for a daily newspaper, as well as a freelance writer for a lifestyle magazine, in California. Over the years, I have received multiple awards for my writing. I hold a bachelor's degree in communications from The Master's University, where I played soccer.
I am excited to build ASD as your go-to, reputable and fun news source for Hawaiʻi. Happy reading!
Latest from Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros
Hilo’s Kevin Hopkins to be honored by ALS Network
A retired UH Hilo aquaculture professor, Hopkins serves as member of the nonprofit’s Community Research Committee, which aims to advance research, support and advocacy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, nationwide. He was a dedicated caregiver to his wife, Margarita “Dayday” Hopkins, who died in 2021 after battling ALS for four years. The pair was married for 48 years, with three children and 11 grandchildren.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 17, 2026
Walk to support library services in Waikoloa
Hosted by Friends of the Library Waikoloa Region and Kohala Coffee Company, the annual 5K Walk/Run for Literacy is set for Saturday, Feb. 7, at Waikoloa Plaza. Proceeds from the fundraiser – which this year includes two auctions, both online and in-person, will go toward programming.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 16, 2026
Aulani Scholarship recipient first to land job at resort
Born and raised in Nānākuli, Nawahine Nascimento recently graduated from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in both hospitality and Hawaiian Studies. She received aid from the Aulani Scholarship and went on to pursue full-time work at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, in Ko Olina – the first recipient to do so. Learn more about Nascimento’s career path and how to apply for the scholarship.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 15, 2026
JABSOM aims to create AI that will help recruit physicians
One solution to Hawai’i’s physician shortage, particularly in rural areas, is being tested thanks to a recent grant awarded to The John A. Burns School of Medicine Native Hawaiian Center of Excellence from the American Medical Association. Meet the team of researchers who will be carrying it out.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 14, 2026
Maui recovery nonprofit plans to scale services
Rhonda Alexander-Monkres, executive director of Ho‘ōla iā Mauiakama Long Term Recovery Group, reflects on the past year and shares how the organization is gearing up for an increase in case management cases with the Hawai’i Disaster Case Management Program set to close at the end of the month.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 12, 2026
Alzheimer’s Association Hawaiʻi fundraises over $1M for continued outreach statewide
The local chapter’s Executive Director LJ Duenas shares updates from the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s Hawaiʻi campaign, which raised more than $1 million dollars across the Islands to support its programs. He also discusses priorities for the new year such as raising awareness about the disease and recruiting more volunteers who are vital to the organization’s mission.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 08, 2026
