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 HawaiÊ»i? Please reach out to me at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
Originally from Los Angeles, I am Native Hawaiian with roots from Maui, residing on OÊ»ahu with my husband. Since moving to the Islands in 2019, I have volunteered for various local organizations such as 808 Cleanups, Keiki O Ka Ê»Äinaâs Board and Stone, March of Dimes HawaiÊ»i 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
UHERO: ʻHawaiʻi could face a loss of $400 million in Medicaid spendingʻ
A third-quarter forecast released Friday by the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization notes that proposed federal cuts to SNAP and Medicaid benefits will impact thousands of low-income families across the Islands, especially those in rural areas. Though state tax relief in 2026 will provide some income support, the potential cuts "will be a growing weight" come 2027, UHERO warns.
Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros & Michael BrestovanskySeptember 26, 2025
Meet this Maui Humane Society volunteer and the pets she cares for
Cassondra âCassieâ Christman, a volunteer at Maui Humane Society who wears many hats, loves working with animals â dogs in particular. Christman has used her own social media platform to advocate for adopting and fostering furry friends, in addition to sharing the organizationâs needs from wishlists for specific pets to relocating dogs from Molokai and LÄnaÊ»i.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 25, 2025
Nonprofit aims to uplift Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students
Since 2020, The Kamery Lee Jr. Scholarships awarded by The Hoâomau Foundation honors the life and legacy of an entrepreneur known by those he loved for his cultural pride, commitment to community and deep love for his family. His daughter, JoNelle Sood, established the foundation to empower Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students pursuing higher education, while staying rooted in their values. Learn more about the program from Sood and one of this year's returning recipients, Christina Young.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 24, 2025
Reader Submissions: Aloha State Daily wants to share your sky photos
Whether you live here or are visiting, weâd love to share a recent photo that you have captured while enjoying views of the Hawaiian Islands.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 23, 2025
5 questions with Pastor Mark Mohr of Christafari
Amid the Gospel reggae bandâs Hawaiian Island Tour: Sounds of Salvation, Aloha State Daily talks story with Mohr about the groupâs early beginnings and current goals, which include sharing a new album and biblical message to the masses worldwide, while uplifting the next generation of musicians.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 19, 2025
Meet the board chair for the state Agribusiness Development Corp.
Jayson Watts shares about his kuleana and ADC's mission, priorities and long-term vision, while also highlighting the challenges and opportunities ahead for HawaiÊ»iâs agricultural community.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 17, 2025
