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.

Study: How Hawaiian cultural practices can help heal first responders

Vibrant Hawaiʻi CEO Janice Ikeda shares findings from its recent study, No Nā Pua, which put participants knee-deep in fishponds to work with the ʻāina – and each other. She shares the nonprofitʻs overall goal with studies like these, next steps and even whatʻs sheʻs been learning as a leader in the community.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 25, 2025

Behind-the-scenes of Merrie Monarch prep with Hālau Pua Aliʻi ʻIlima

Kumu Hula Vicky Holt Takamine talks about how Hālau Pua Aliʻi ʻIlima will share a mele about Queen Emma and her visit to Mauna Kea at Merrie Monarch this week. For the longtime judge of the competition, Merrie Monarch is not about comparing hālau but rather supporting performances.

Katie HellandApril 24, 2025

Hawai‘i Island nonprofit seeks community support for transitional housing project

Humanity Hale’s Charis Higginson recently launched the organization’s 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 Honolulu’s Hawaiʻi Theatre?

Beset by mounting insurance costs, the historic theater's nonprofit operator hopes the state can take ownership.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 22, 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

Pigs, Spam and art – oh my!

This fundraiser combines painted pigs and cans of Spam with a chance to raise money for the Hawaiʻi Foodbank. Called the Piggyback Spam Project, it showcases made in Hawaiʻi artwork in a silent auction that closes April 26.

Katie HellandApril 19, 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

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