Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros
Aloha, I am Aloha State Dailyâs senior editor reporting on community news. Know of any organizations and people making a positive difference in Hawaii? Please reach out to me at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
Originally from Los Angeles, I am Native Hawaiian with roots from Maui, residing on Oahu with my husband. Since moving to the Islands in 2019, I have volunteered for various local organizations such as 808 Cleanups, Keiki O Ka Ainaâs Board and Stone, March of Dimes Hawaii 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 Hawaii. Happy reading!
Latest from Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros
Study: How Hawaiian cultural practices can help heal first responders
Vibrant HawaiÊ»i CEO Janice Ikeda shares findings from its recent study, No NÄ Pua, which put participants knee-deep in fishponds to work with the Ê»Äina â and each other. She shares the nonprofitÊ»s overall goal with studies like these, next steps and even whatÊ»s sheÊ»s been learning as a leader in the community.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 25, 2025
Hawaiâi Island nonprofit seeks community support for transitional housing project
Humanity Haleâs Charis Higginson recently launched the organizationâs first GoFundMe campaign requesting $550,000 to purchase a 10-acre farmstead in Captain Cook. Her goal is to build a safe haven for local youth, offering transitional housing, trauma-based support and Hawaiian arts and culture programming, as well as a community gathering space.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 23, 2025
This volunteer hates food waste and loves giving back to the local community
Meet Sally Chow, a volunteer for Oʻahu nonprofit Aloha Harvest, which collects on average about 6,000 pounds of excess food per day and redistributes it for free to partner agencies that feed those in need.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 22, 2025
Will the state acquire Downtown Honoluluâs HawaiÊ»i Theatre?
Beset by mounting insurance costs, the historic theater's nonprofit operator hopes the state can take ownership.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 22, 2025
What CRB Response is doing about this palm tree pest
Oryctes rhinoceros, also known as coconut rhinoceros beetle, was first detected in Hawaiʻi in December 2013 and has spread by the thousands across the Islands, most prominently on Oʻahu. We spoke to CRB Response, which has been on the frontlines of eradicating this invasive species in local communities.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 18, 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 âHill of Sacrificeâ
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 âMarch for Babiesâ this weekend
March of Dimes HawaiÊ»i is gearing up to host more than 700 walkers for one of its annual fundraising events this Saturday, April 19, at KakaÊ»ako Waterfront Park. The organizationâs overall goal this year is to raise $280,000 for Ê»ohana 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 FarmersÊ» Market on Saturday, selling snacks, beverages and skin care, among other locally made products, as part of the Hawaiâi Agricultural Foundationâs Young Entrepreneurs Program.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 15, 2025
Waiâanae 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 âPopsâ Fernandez Pereira, Sr., Waiâanae District Park Boxing Gym. Pops, who died April 25, 2024, was known for founding the WaiÊ»anae Boxing club and mentoring youth.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 14, 2025
Huntâs 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 Hawaiâi College of Engineering. For Hunt Companies Hawaiâi, 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 schoolâs PĆ«pĆ«kahi halau has about 90 high school students, who study and practice Hawaiian language, culture and traditions, as part of their curriculum. Hereâs 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 kƫpuna
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 âmisleadingâ sales tactics by Mainland solar companies
RevoluSunâs Eric Carlson shares tips for individuals who may be targeted by door-to-door scammers. âIf it feels off, it probably is,â he said in an interview with Aloha State Daily.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 09, 2025
âOhana Military Communities invests millions in military housing improvements in 2025
Brent Arakaki, director of development for Hunt Military Communities, which manages âOhana Military CommunitiesÊ» more than 7,000 residential units on OÊ»ahu, says it reinvests âtens of millions" of dollars back into local communities on average per year. HereÊ»s what the company is spending on this year.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 08, 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 âPartneringâ
âPartnering", a collaborative approach designed to help groups become more effective, is an alternative to the legal systemâs traditional dispute resolution because it promotes dispute prevention among stakeholders, says Clay, who is a trained facilitator. He recently wrote an article for the Hawaiâi 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 Kauaâi District Health Officer Dr. Janet Berreman about what attendees can expect from the Open House on April 11, as well as the initiatives sheâs most excited about on KauaÊ»i 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 OÊ»ahu? Head to Our Kakaâakoâs Keiki Street Festival presented by American Savings Bank on Saturday, March 29.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 29, 2025
Adopt A-Pet March 28, 2025: Meet Ahi, a snuggly pup who loves a good treat
The Hawaiian Humane Society says, "If youâre looking for a loyal, playful companion who loves adventure and cuddles, Ahi might be your perfect match!"
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 28, 2025
Harold K.L. Castle Foundationâs 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 HawaiÊ»iâs future, including addressing achievement gaps in public education, restoring reefs and fisheries statewide, and investing in resilient Windward Oâahu communities and beyond.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 28, 2025
Adopt A-Pet March 27, 2025: Meet Bubbles, a smart ʻgoofballʻ terrier mix
Learn how to adopt this pup named Bubbles from the Hawaiian Humane SocietyÊ»s MĆÊ»iliÊ»ili Campus.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 27, 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 HoâĆla iÄ 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
Local nonprofits, artists plan weeklong festival to support Lahaina
Spectra Fest is returning in June â this time on Maui. Last yearâs event on KauaÊ»i 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 HawaiÊ»i International Film Festival, or HIFF.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 26, 2025
Adopt A-Pet March 26, 2025: Meet Pata, a playful pit bull terrier mix
ASD is thrilled to debut this adopt-a-pet series, thanks to an ongoing partnership with the Hawaiian Humane Society, which has two locations on Oʻahu. Getting us started is Pata!
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 26, 2025
The Pantryâs Jennine Sullivan named among USA Todayâs Women of the Year
The OÊ»ahu-based nonprofitâs executive director runs HawaiÊ»iâs 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 Wayâs Women United âChocolate, 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
Measles are making headlines but Hawaiâi's top diseases may surprise you
Gov. Josh Green recently highlighted measles. That had Aloha State Daily wondering what are Hawaiʻi's most common infectious diseases? The answers are icky.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 20, 2025