FOCUS MAUI NUI

08/15/2024

The Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset recently featured Jenny Worth, Maui Disaster Program Manager for the American Red Cross, as their guest speaker to share information about the efforts of the Maui Red Cross since the 2023 wildfires. In her role, Worth educates families on emergency preparedness ahead of a crisis and responds to local disasters by providing comfort and emergency resources to people affected. She is also a resident of the West Maui community. Please read full story in this week’s Focus Maui Nui, also published weekly in The Maui News

The Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset recently featured Jenny Worth, Maui Disaster Program Manager for the American Red Cross, as their guest speaker to share information about the efforts of the Maui Red Cross since the 2023 wildfires. In her role, Worth educates families on emergency preparedness ahea...

08/08/2024

On the anniversary of the tragic 2023 wildfires, Maui Economic Development Board joins the Lahaina and Upcountry communities in expressing our grief and honoring the memory of the family members, neighbors, and friends we lost on August 8. MEDB remains committed to healing, community-led economic recovery, and long-term resilience as Maui Nui moves forward together.

08/01/2024

Maui artist Joanne Hopper was recently juried into the American Watercolor Society’s 157th International Exhibition in New York City for her painting, Lahaina Banyan Light. Hopper’s work was her heartfelt response to the fires on Maui.

“I painted this watercolor of the iconic Lahaina Banyan Tree in response to the wildfires of August 8, 2023, which utterly destroyed Lahaina town and ravaged other areas of Maui as well,” Hopper said. “The beloved tree was planted near Lahaina Harbor more than 150 years ago and now covers an entire city block, the largest banyan in the United States. It was severely damaged during the fires. All of its foliage, many of its aerial roots, and several of its trunks on the town side seemed gone or damaged beyond recovery.” Please read full story in this week’s Focus Maui Nui, also published weekly in The Maui News https://focusmauinui.com/banyan-light-in-nyc

Maui artist Joanne Hopper was recently juried into the American Watercolor Society’s 157th International Exhibition in New York City for her painting, Lahaina Banyan Light. Hopper’s work was her heartfelt response to the fires on Maui.  “I painted this watercolor of the iconic Lahaina Banyan ...

07/25/2024

David Sellers, co-founder, president, and principal architect of Hawaiʻi Off Grid: Architecture & Engineering (HIOG), one of the state’s premier multidisciplinary green energy firms, recently gave a presentation as part of the resilient housing and energy panel at the 2024 Hawaiʻi Energy Conference presented by Maui Economic Development Board, Inc. (MEDB). Sellers discussed HIOG’s residential and commercial architectural, civil, and structural engineering projects, permitting expertise, and in-depth sustainability consulting and design services. Please read full story in this week’s Focus Maui Nui, also published weekly in The Maui News

David Sellers, co-founder, president, and principal architect of Hawaiʻi Off Grid: Architecture & Engineering (HIOG), one of the state’s premier multidisciplinary green energy firms, recently gave a presentation as part of the resilient housing and energy panel at the 2024 Hawaiʻi Energy Confe...

07/18/2024

Over many years, Maui Economic Development Board, Inc. (MEDB), the Small Business Association (SBA), and the Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBEC) have collaborated to offer the Women in Business Seminar Series. The series’ purpose is to introduce local small businesses to information, resources, and networking opportunities. One such resource is SBA’s Minority Owned Small Business (MOSB) Certification, which includes women-, veteran-, and minority-owned small businesses. Please read full story in this week’s Focus Maui Nui, also published weekly in The Maui News

Over many years, Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), the Small Business Association (SBA), and the Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBEC) have collaborated to offer the Women in Business Seminar Series. The series’ purpose is to introduce local small businesses to information, resources,...

07/11/2024

Brighten Tantisira, a King Kekaulike High School alumnus, recently wrote and graphically designed a book, Why Look Up? An Introduction to Our Fascinating Universe for Young Students and Novices. Tantisira is a former Maui Economic Development Board, Inc. (MEDB) STEMworks™ intern who worked with the UH Institute for Astronomy (IfA) last year. While interning at IfA, he experienced a fascinating branch of science not offered in his high school curriculum and published a peer-reviewed paper, “Consistency and Precision Measurements of Seven Double Stars,” in the Journal of Double Star Observations. He also felt compelled to write a non-fiction astronomy book geared towards elementary and middle school students. Please read full story in this week’s Focus Maui Nui, also published weekly in The Maui News

Brighten Tantisira, a King Kekaulike High School alumnus, recently wrote and graphically designed a book, Why Look Up? An Introduction to Our Fascinating Universe for Young Students and Novices. Tantisira is a former Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) STEMworks™ intern who worked with the UH I...

07/04/2024

Maui is preparing for a cherished tradition. The Makawao Stampede begins on Friday July 5th and continues through the holiday weekend at the Oskie Rice Event Center in Makawao. Since its inception in 1956, the Stampede has attracted multitudes of spectators and competitors. This year, contenders are coming from other islands, the mainland, and as far away as Australia to compete in a variety of events. Please read full story in this week’s Focus Maui Nui, also published weekly in The Maui News

Maui is preparing for a cherished tradition. The Makawao Stampede begins on Friday July 5th and continues through the holiday weekend at the Oskie Rice Event Center in Makawao. Since its inception in 1956, the Stampede has attracted multitudes of spectators and competitors. This year, contenders are...

06/27/2024

The 56th Annual Makawao Parade, to be held on June 29th at 9am in Makawao town, is a much-anticipated event each year. The parade kicks off a week of festivities filled with tradition, community spirit, and the vibrant culture of the Upcountry paniolo (cowboy) lifestyle. More than just a show, the parade demonstrates the town’s deep connection to its paniolo roots, blending its rich history with authentic experience for residents and visitors alike. “The parade, a much-treasured tradition, began decades ago as mounted units only,” said Maile J. Masada, the Director of Facility Operations for Oskie Rice Event Center. “Now, it includes floats, walking units, classic cars, marching bands, special tributes, and more.” Please read full story in this week’s Focus Maui Nui, also published weekly in The Maui News https://focusmauinui.com/makawao-celebrates/

06/20/2024

Treecovery Hawaiʻi Inc., a new Hawaiʻi-based non-profit, has been working with the Army Corps to help keep surviving trees in the Lahaina and Kula burn zones healthy while also providing soil remediation in the area. In addition to caring for existing trees, the organization is working with 14 partners to plant and oversee the growth of 30,000 new trees over the next several years, at no cost to the community. Treecovery was founded by Duane Sparkman, chairman of the Maui County Arborist Committee and the 2021 recipient of the Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award. The award is presented annually by the Maui Invasive Species Committee to recognize efforts in the landscape and agricultural community to keep invasive species out of Maui County. Please read full story in this week’s Focus Maui Nui, also published weekly in The Maui News https://focusmauinui.com/treecovery-growing-for-the-future/

06/13/2024

During a recent Maui TechOhana meeting organized by Maui Economic Development Board, Inc. (MEDB) and supported by the County of Maui , participants learned about the inspiring work being done at the Maui Food Innovation Center (MFIC) located on the University of Hawai'i Maui College (UHMC) campus. Ian Stewart, UHMC Entrepreneurship and Business Development Specialist for the Pā‘oihana Program, was joined by Chef Douglas Paul to explain the work being done at the MFIC. Attendees discussed the benefits of the first value-added food manufacturing incubator and accelerator in Hawaiʻi and learned about the entrepreneurial programs and services available at MFIC. The presenters also shared some of the success stories emerging from the program. Please read full story in this week’s Focus Maui Nui, also published weekly in The Maui News
https://focusmauinui.com/maui-food-innovation-center/

06/06/2024

This spring, Maui Economic Development Board, Inc. STEMworks program organized three Healthcare Exploration Day events with Maui Health. The events, hosted by the Maui Health team at Maui Memorial Medical Center (MMMC) and made possible by generous funding from the County of Maui, aimed to inspire and educate students from middle and high school campuses across Maui, Molokai, and Lāna’i. In total, 11 schools, 260 students, and 20 healthcare professionals participated in hands-on activities, seeing first-hand how students can make a difference in their communities by learning life-saving skills. Please read full story in this week’s Focus Maui Nui, also published weekly in The Maui News https://focusmauinui.com/healthcare-exploration-for-students/

06/01/2024

Recently, all the Rotary Clubs on Maui were invited to gather at Lahainaluna High School to welcome the Rotary International President Gordon McInally, his wife and fellow Rotarian, Heather McInally, and Maui Mayor Richard Bissen. Over 150 Maui Rotarians, as well as some from other Hawaiian Islands and Canada, heard about a multitude of ways that Rotarians have met the needs of people harmed by the fires in Lahaina and Upcountry. Please read full story in this week's Focus Maui Nui, also published weekly in Maui News https://focusmauinui.com/rotary-international-helps-maui/

05/24/2024

On a beautiful Maui morning in Sprecklesville, Sarah Shim, retired Kaunoa Senior Services Specialist for Assisted Transportation and Meals on Wheels, presented an on-site fashion show with designs from Hawaiʻi’s past and present. A division of the County of Maui’s Department of Housing and Human Concerns, Kaunoa provides services and activities for seniors with diverse needs seeking to learn and grow through a variety of ongoing programs offered across the county. Read full story in this week's https://focusmauinui.com/classic-hawaiian-fashions-at-kaunoa/

05/23/2024

Amber Imai-Hong, program manager and avionics engineer at Hawaiʻi Space Flight Laboratory (HSFL), and Yosef Ben Gershom, operations manager at HSFL, are thrilled about HSFL’s unprecedented opportunity for hands-on involvement in space exploration. Their Hyperspectral Thermal Imager (HyTI) satellite was launched by NASA to the International Space Station (ISS) and was recently deployed from the ISS for use. https://focusmauinui.com/hyti-launches/

05/08/2024

In a world where extreme weather events are increasing in severity and frequency, prioritizing energy resilience for homes, businesses, and communities is the only path forward to maintain a reliable and accessible supply of energy. Done properly, resilient energy systems can also improve health, comfort, and affordability. The 11th Hawaii Energy Conference (HEC) on May 22 and 23 will explore cutting-edge solutions to improve resilience in the face of a rapidly changing climate. Read more in this week's Focus Maui Nui, also published weekly The Maui News

In a world where extreme weather events are increasing in severity and frequency, prioritizing energy resilience for homes, businesses, and communities is the only path forward to maintain a reliable and accessible supply of energy. Done properly, resilient energy systems can also improve health, co...

05/01/2024

In December 2023, Maui Academy of Performing Arts (MAPA) started construction on its new black box theater at 2027 Main Street in Wailuku. Completion is scheduled for March 31, 2025. The culmination of a 30-year dream, the Naylor Family Theatre will seat 185 audience members with a flexible seating system that can be re-configured to accommodate different types of performances. In the heart of historic Wailuku, the theatre will serve people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and economic circumstances. Read full story in this week's Focus Maui Nui, also published weekly in The Maui News

In December 2023, Maui Academy of Performing Arts (MAPA) started construction on its new black box theater at 2027 Main Street in Wailuku. Completion is scheduled for March 31, 2025. The culmination of a 30-year dream, the Naylor Family Theatre will seat 185 audience members with a flexible seating....

04/25/2024

As part of ongoing efforts to support culturally relevant education, Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) STEMworks™ AFTERschool Program recently organized a trip to Molokai for eight of its Maui Island teachers. Read full story, also published weekly in The Maui News

As part of ongoing efforts to support culturally relevant education, Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) STEMworks™ AFTERschool Program recently organized a trip to Molokai for eight of its Maui Island teachers. “Offering an approach to merge traditional Hawaiian knowledge with modern STE...

04/17/2024

In one of its most informative sessions to date, Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) recently presented a Maui TechOhana meeting with guest speaker Dr. Erin Hughey, Director of Global Operations for Pacific Disaster Center - PDC Global, during which she shared about the extraordinary work that PDC does on Maui and globally. A 28-year-old applied research center now managed by the University of Hawaiʻi, PDC supports both governmental and nongovernmental organizations worldwide to help create a safer, more disaster-resilient world. Read full story in this week's , also published weekly in The Maui News

In one of its most informative sessions to date, Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) recently presented a Maui TechOhana meeting with guest speaker Dr. Erin Hughey, Director of Global Operations for Pacific Disaster Center (PDC), during which she shared about the extraordinary work that PDC does....

04/11/2024

Each year, in conjunction with National Engineering Week, Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) STEMworks™ program offers their popular Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day (IGED). This year, MEDB hosted 120 young minds from across Maui County including Molokai and Lanai. During the program, participants did hands-on experiments and learned about the various engineering careers and the contributions engineers make to the community. The students, teachers and engineers enjoyed a successful day of learning, sharing, and inspiration. Read full story in this week's Focus Maui Nui

Each year, in conjunction with National Engineering Week, Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) STEMworks™ program offers their popular Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day (IGED). This year, MEDB hosted 120 young minds from across Maui County including Molokai and Lanai. During the program, p...

04/03/2024

Two thoughtful and concerned students from Baldwin High School launched a campaign to promote a Pledge To Our Keiki. Through the pledge, senior Anica Ancheta, the Hawaiʻi State Student Council Representative, senior Penelope Tupou, the Baldwin Student Body President, and their advisor, Student Activities Coordinator Donna Vierra, are working hard to have students, their families, locals, and visitors preserve and protect Hawaiʻi’s environment and culture. Read full story in this week's

Two thoughtful and concerned students from Baldwin High School launched a campaign to promote a Pledge To Our Keiki. Through the pledge, senior Anica Ancheta, the Hawaiʻi State Student Council Representative, senior Penelope Tupou, the Baldwin Student Body President, and their advisor, Student Ac...

03/28/2024

As we celebrate Women’s History Month and Agriculture Week, Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) is happy to introduce a remarkable individual who embodies resilience, leadership, and a passion for community impact. Tambara Garrick, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for Hawaiʻi Farm Project’s Maui Gold Pineapple, is not just leading market initiatives, she is crafting a narrative of empowerment and sustainability in the agricultural sector. She was recently acknowledged for her contributions to a thriving future for Maui Nui by Pacific Business News as one of their 2024 Women Who Mean Business honorees. Read full article in this week's Focus Maui Nui, also published weekly in The Maui News https://focusmauinui.com/a-woman-who-means-business/ Ka Ipu Kukui Fellows

As we celebrate Women’s History Month and Agriculture Week, Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) is happy to introduce a remarkable individual who embodies resilience, leadership, and a passion for community impact. Tambara Garrick, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for Hawaiʻi Farm Project’s Mau...

03/22/2024

A World Peace Event, presented by Mindfulness Presentations, Films and Concert, will be held on Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24 at the Iao Theater in Wailuku. The fundraiser for Keola Beamer’s Mohala Hou Foundation, whose mission is to spread aloha around the world, will include a full weekend program. On Saturday the 23rd, the presentation kicks off at 1pm with the film Himalayan Prayer for World Peace 3D by PBS award-winning Maui filmmaker and humanitarian, Dr. Tom Vendetti, and a stage presentation on World Peace and Compassion byTibetan Flautist Nawang Khechog. The event will continue with a panel discussion on Telescopes, Microscopes and Human Consciousness, followed by two additional films.

A World Peace Event, presented by Mindfulness Presentations, Films and Concert, will be held on Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24 at the Iao Theater in Wailuku.

03/20/2024

Maui Economic Development Board’s STEMworks™ Program announced that Grammy award-winning Maui High and STEMworks alumnus Jason Baum will be one of the keynote speakers for the 15th Annual Hawaii STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) Conference. Taking place on April 4-5 at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu, the conference is presented each year by MEDB to inspire Hawaii’s middle and high school students to study and pursue careers in STEM fields by giving them opportunities to learn directly from industry professionals. Read full story in

Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) STEMworks™ Program announced that Grammy award-winning Maui High and STEMworks alumnus Jason Baum will be one of the keynote speakers for the 15th Annual Hawaii STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) Conference.

03/18/2024

Black History Month honored the achievements, triumphs, and contributions of African- Americans to U.S. history and culture. As we recognize and reflect on influential voices, past and present, and also enter Women in History month in March, Maui Economic Development Board celebrates Maui resident Judge Bevanne J. Bowers.

Black History Month honors the achievements, triumphs, and contributions of African- Americans to U.S. history and culture.

03/13/2024

Observing Women’s History Month during March, Maui Economic Development Board celebrates revered poet and activist Dana Naone Hall, who was recently named the Hawaii Land Trust 2023 Champion of the Land. Read full story in Focus Maui Nui

Observing Women’s History Month during March, Maui Economic Development Board celebrates revered poet and activist Dana Naone Hall, who was recently named the Hawaii Land Trust 2023 Champion of the Land.

02/28/2024

The Maui Quilt Shop on Central Avenue in Wailuku is packed full of fabrics, quilt patterns, and quilt kits with a contemporary Hawaiian style, besides patterns and kits for basic quilting. In this distinctive Maui store, a haven for any quilter and fabric lover, a remarkable humanitarian gesture occurred. Read about the response to the Maui wildfires in Focus Maui Nui

The Maui Quilt Shop on Central Avenue in Wailuku is packed full of fabrics, quilt patterns, and quilt kits with a contemporary Hawaiian style, besides patterns and kits for basic quilting.

02/17/2024

Focus Maui Nui has a fresh look. View articles that put the spotlight on your Maui community. View the Trends Maui Nui Report. Focus Maui Nui - Our Islands, Our Future.

quote of the week  TSHR Equine Therapy Program for children 11-17 is open to all agencies and schools, beginning January 2024. Paige DePonteFounder & Executive DirectorThe Spirit Horse Ranch READ MORE IN THIS WEEKS FEATURED ARTICLE Recent Articles Horses Heal Hearts Feb 14, 2024The Spirit Horse R...

02/15/2024

The Spirit Horse Ranch (TSHR) Inc., a 501(c)(3) Maui nonprofit, helps adolescent and other survivors of abuse and trauma through the healing energy of equine-assisted learning, organic gardening, creative expression, and the healing energy of the Haleakala setting. Read full story in this week's , also published weekly in
The Maui News.

The Spirit Horse Ranch (TSHR) Inc., a 501(c)(3) Maui nonprofit, helps adolescent and other survivors of abuse and trauma through the healing energy of equine-assisted learning, organic gardening, creative expression, and the healing energy of the Haleakala setting.

02/03/2024

Recently, through Maui Economic Development Board, Inc.’s STEMworks™ program, students from Lokelani Intermediate, Maui Waena, Iao Intermediate, and Baldwin High School had a unique opportunity to delve into the world of artificial intelligence (AI). A total of 160 students from these Maui schools participated in a hands-on, in-person AI training experience. The mission of STEMworks is to provide students and teachers with resources, inspiration, and tools that empower them to improve their community and the world. Read full story in this week's Focus Maui Nui

Recently, through Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) STEMworks™ program, students from Lokelani Intermediate, Maui Waena, Iao Intermediate, and Baldwin High School had a unique opportunity to delve into the world of artificial intelligence (AI).

01/25/2024

Julia Allisson Cost is from a family of well-known artists. Her father, Curtis Wilson Cost, is one of the most acclaimed artists on Maui and her mom, Jill, is a multi-talented sewist, fabric and fashion designer and business manager. Read her story in this week's Focus Maui Nui

Julia Allisson Cost is from a family of well-known artists. Her father, Curtis Wilson Cost, is one of the most acclaimed artists on Maui and her mom, Jill, is a multi-talented sewist, fabric and fashion designer and business manager.