Aug 26, 2020 | Community
On August 1, 2020 Hawaiian Electric Company moved forward with the ownership and operation of the existing EVohana network on Maui, which has been temporarily owned and operated by Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB). The EVohana charging sites were initially established as part of the JUMPSmartMaui demonstration project, a cooperative venture between, Japan, Hawaii, Maui, MEDB, Hitachi, and Hawaiian Electric. The pilot project operated from 2011 to 2017 to exhibit smart grid technologies that could enable the efficient use of renewable energy on an island grid.
“MEDB has been grateful for the longstanding partnerships and dedication of our EVohana members,” said Leslie Wilkins, MEDB President and CEO. “You were the pioneers in adopting electric vehicles (EVs) in our community. Thank you for helping move us forward towards our clean-energy goals. We appreciate Hawaiian Electric for ensuring our island continues to have access to reliable public fast-charging options for EV drivers, and for planning to replace four sites with new systems. Without Hawaiian Electric taking on some of these sites, the entire EVohana charging network would have been retired earlier this year.”
Sharon Suzuki, President of Hawaiian Electric’s Maui County and Hawai’i Island Utilities, said, “Mahalo to the EVohana members and partners MEDB, Ulupono Initiative, and the County of Maui for helping to advance clean transportation on Maui through this EV charging program. With the retirement of the EVohana Program, we remain committed to bringing as many as four new public fast-charging sites online later this year.”
EVohana member Damon Glastetter added, “The project coordinated by MEDB was an important test of how electric vehicles and renewable energy will impact Maui and the planet in the near future and beyond. When the project started EVs were a novelty. Fast-charging was predicted to overwhelm the grid, and solar photovoltaic (PV) power was not as ubiquitous as we see now. I was happy to be involved with Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the project, with my EV sending power back to the grid during peak demand hours. I look forward to a clean-energy future with more EVs and more PV.”
Maui has taken a leading role in the world adopting clean energy and this project is a major reason for that leadership. Thank you MEDB for your leadership in the EVohana.
Damon Glastetter, Solar-HI Maui, Jackson Electric, LLC
Aug 19, 2020 | Community, Sustainability
On Thursday August 27 at 9:00 pm, PBS Hawai’i will present the world premiere of Hawaiiana, a new documentary about the late Winona Kapuailohiamanonokalani Desha Beamer, or Aunty Nona as she was fondly called. Credited with coining the term Hawaiiana as early as 1949, Aunty Nona used it to describe the absolute best of all things Hawaiian: the people, their knowledge, culture, wisdom, and aloha. Keola Beamer, Aunty Nona’s oldest son, assisted by his wife Moanalani and veteran Maui-based filmmaker Tom Vendetti, made the documentary about the well-known and much loved Hawaiian heroine who is renowned for her integrity, scholarship, and love.
“My mother is a lifelong teacher of helping to nurture the love of hula and mele in Hawai’i, and her legendary wisdom continues to spread much needed aloha around the world,” said Keola, a Hawaiian slack-key guitarist and Grammy Award nominee. “She was a revered Hawaiian cultural treasure and is warmly remembered by thousands of her students. When Moanalani and I think of her many contributions, we are filled with gratitude. Her existence on this earth was a blessing to all.”
Vendetti said Beamer, his dear friend, asked him to do the project. “Even though there have been other films made about her, with basically people talking about her, this film is focused on Aunty Nona telling her own story, along with family members,” Vendetti explained. “After hearing Aunty Nona’s definition of Hawaiiana, I thought it would make a wonderful title for the film, as she explores, in her own words, the journey of her life and her fight toward preserving, perpetuating and creating awareness of Hawaiian culture. I was truly touched and honored to take on the project, which will also be distributed this Fall around the nation and beyond by American Public Television.”
Vendetti reflected, “Aunty Nona is still well-known as a pioneer, ali’i, musician and a humanitarian. Her wisdom of spreading aloha around the world is something that everyone should hear. Considering the current cultural issues that we are confronting, I think her message will resonate and offer hope for the world. She was truly a Lady of Aloha.”
Aunty Nona was the granddaughter of Helen Desha Beamer and cousin to Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame inductee Mahi Beamer.
Tom Vendetti, Maui-based Filmmaker
Aug 5, 2020 | Community, Small Business
Exciting projects, industry-best benefits and flexible working arrangements are a few of the reasons that Kihei-based Centauri was recently named a 2020 Hawai’i Best Place to Work by Hawaii Business Magazine. Centauri is a technology company providing high-end, creative software and engineering solutions to critical national security missions across space, cyber, missile defense and intelligence domains.
Although headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia, Centauri has a long-standing office in Kihei. The nearly 50 employees in Kihei support federal government customers in high-tech areas such as space domain awareness. Centauri’s corporate strategy brings together top experts in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), as well as intelligence operations and analysis.
“There is a sense of energy, drive, pride in accomplishment and commitment in the work at Centauri,” said Daron Nishimoto, Centauri Director of Advanced Technologies. “Our pervasive culture of excellence in all that we do defines who and what we are, as we focus on the important missions of our customers. Because our employees are our most valuable asset, we have built a company that recognizes the achievements of our team members.”
Centauri offers career opportunities and paid military leave for both veterans and their spouses, which is why more than 35% of employees are veterans. “For many veterans, the Centauri culture embodies a comparable sense of camaraderie and values instilled in the armed forces,” said Nishimoto. “We do work that matters on cutting-edge technologies critical to our nation.”
Centauri’s flexible work environment allows employees to be in charge of their hours, allowing them to accomplish their work on their own schedule so they do not have to sacrifice important appointments, school events or family needs. As for benefits, the company offers a high-match 401k and a selection of generous healthcare packages including medical, prescription drug, dental and vision, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and survival support. Employee charitable contributions are matched, and stipends for continuing education are provided.
“Everyone in Kihei, and even those reporting into Hawaii from the continental US, genuinely enjoy working with us,” said Nishimoto. “Ultimately, our workplace culture of excellence defines our success and makes Centauri a Best Place to Work in Hawaii.”
At Centauri, we have been recognized by major nationwide and local awards programs. Presently, we are welcoming 2020 Summer Interns to our first-ever virtual program.
Daron Nishimoto, Centauri Director of Advanced Technologies
Jul 29, 2020 | Community
Hawaiian Paddle Sports
Kama’aina First, an exciting program supported by the County of Maui Office of Economic Development (OED), brings our local community together, to kokua one another, during these unprecedented times of COVID-19. This is an opportunity for Maui County businesses to share their kama’aina deals at no cost; for locals to take advantage of great discounts on staycations, meals, services, products; and, best of all, to show aloha for our islands’ businesses and ‘ohana.
“The Kama’aina First program is kick-starting our island economy by supporting employment and circulating dollars right here at home.,” said Maui Mayor Michael Victorino. “By providing a platform for local businesses to offer discounts and great deals to our local residents we help our friends, neighbors and community.”
OED Director JoAnn Inamasu said, “The support of the Kama’aina First program has been incredible. Since its launch on June 1st, we have nearly 500 local businesses participating in the program, with special offers and vendor applications still being submitted. We are looking for a great deal and our community has risen to the challenge of supporting our local businesses in this time when they need our help to remain in business. It is all about ‘Locals supporting locals’!”
Residents are being encouraged to stay on island and continue to support local businesses. The program is open to all County of Maui companies and residents. There is no cost to participate in the program, and the County of Maui shares offers with the residents via the website and Kama’aina First Facebook and Instagram pages.
Mayor Victorino summed it up by saying, “This allows our residents to enjoy our islands first, as we fully adjust to the new normal. Life has changed drastically for our kama’aina and we look forward to businesses offering them the chance to enjoy unique deals and experiences. Because updates are made daily, we encourage folks to visit these online resources often. We extend a big mahalo to all our locals who continue to help each other during these challenging times. I urge everyone to regularly check the www.KamaainaFirst.com website for new deals.”
With the moratorium lifted on interisland travel, both the KamaainaFirst.com website and Facebook group offer the perfect opportunity to try a variety of experiences, products, and services on the islands of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai.
Michael Victorino, Maui County Mayor
Jul 1, 2020 | Community
A Cup of Cold Water (ACCW), a shared outreach ministry of the Episcopal Churches of Maui and Friends, is looking to restart operations and begin with weekly mission runs on Wednesdays in the Central Maui area. ACCW’s roving care van will serve the areas of Central Maui where the larger homeless populations are gathered, including portions of old Wailuku Town, Beach Road, Kanaha, Kahului Industrial, and areas around and near the Kahului Salvation Army.
“Our mission continues to offer water, nutrition, hygiene, masks, and comfort to Maui’s neediest citizens, along with offering spiritual food, hope and referrals for those who desire it,” said Deb Lynch, ACCW President. “The South and West Maui mission runs are currently still on hold until further notice. ACCW has also supplied other on-going outreach programs, such as Maui Mental Health Kokua, Hale Kaukau, and the Salvation Army, with perishable food items, hygiene and first aid.”
ACCW began their direct services mission in 2013 as a no-salary, all-volunteer mission that does not accept any government grants or funding. It has its own independent supply chain of water, non-perishable food, hygiene, clothing, first aid and other needs. In 2019, they made almost 10,000 homeless service contacts through their weekly mission runs to Central, South, and West Maui.
“Thanks to our core of volunteers from within the community, and our wide range of supporters, the program has grown into a very loved outreach ministry for the island,” Lynch said. “Van drivers and riders, storage and distribution room organizers, administrators, donors, and other volunteers, are a shining example of how dedicated people bring compassion into the public arena to serve those in need. During this time of great need, we encourage everyone to vigorously support local frontline charities with monetary or food donations. For example, support is always needed at the Maui Food Bank, the Salvation Army, Feed My Sheep, Family Life Center, Hale Kaukau of St Theresa’s Catholic Church, Ka Ohana Kitchen of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Maui Rescue Mission, Ka Hale A Ke Ola, and food pantries. Every outreach ministry of our greater community could use help.”
COVID-19 has greatly increased the need for supplies for the homeless. We especially thank the community for their continued support and donations. Stay safe and healthy.
Deb Lynch, President, ACCW
Jun 17, 2020 | Community
Like other communities across the country, Maui County and its residents have been affected by the anger, grief and hurt caused by recent events in Minneapolis, Georgia, Louisville and elsewhere, and the resulting civil unrest. ‘The knee on the neck” is an apt metaphor for the anguish and fear that learned hatred and bigotry – sometimes casual, sometimes coded – cause for so many of our fellow citizens.
MEDB joins in condemning the systemic racism evidenced by these events. We stand with those raising their voices, protesting injustices, and demanding constructive change. We cannot achieve social justice when members of our communities are oppressed on the basis of race, gender, or ethnicity.
MEDB is committed to inclusivity, diversity, and the power of education and community engagement, especially for the underrepresented and those who feel disenfranchised. We work towards tackling the inequities that exist in so many aspects of our society.
We see hope for the future in our young people especially, who have articulated their dissatisfaction, here as elsewhere, with the status quo on issues ranging from oppression and social injustice to climate change.
We are truly blessed to live in a place of rich culture, natural beauty and abundance, but we must all acknowledge the importance of inclusion and equity of access for shared prosperity while recognizing our own particular history of past injustice and cultural oppression.
John Harrisson, Program Director, MEDB, and father of two African-American young men
Jun 3, 2020 | Community, Small Business, Sustainability
More than 33,000 pounds of food are being distributed by the Maui Food Bank to Moloka‘i residents in need through a $20,000 contribution from the Hawaiian Electric Industries Charitable Foundation (HEICF). HEI is the parent company of Hawaiian Electric, which supplies power to Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Island. In March, the HEICF contributed $50,000 to the Hawai‘i Food Bank and pledged another $75,000 to United Way agencies in support of their efforts to assist families in need across the state during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current donation provides additional shipments to supplement Maui Food Bank’s regular monthly delivery of food to Moloka‘i. Once delivered, 19 partner agencies across the island distribute nutritious fresh food to individuals, families, children, and seniors on fixed incomes, those without shelter—anyone who is at risk of going hungry.
“During this coronavirus pandemic with many more in our communities facing hardships, the Maui Food Bank is experiencing a significant increase in requests for food assistance,” said Richard Yust, Executive Director of the Maui Food Bank. “This generous contribution from Hawaiian Electric enables much needed additional pallets of food to be shipped to Moloka‘i where food distributions are being depleted.”
Sharon Suzuki, President of Maui County and Hawai’i Island Utilities for Hawaiian Electric said, “We are grateful for organizations like the Maui Food Bank and the on-island partner agencies for maintaining this critical service throughout these uncertain times. We are all in this together and we want to help alleviate this escalating need for basic necessities in one of the most remote communities we serve.”
“ʻAʻohe hana nui ke alu ʻia! No task is too large when we come together,” said Kilia Purdy-Avelino of Alu Like, Inc., a partner agency on Moloka‘i. “Mahalo to all for working together in unity to aloha Moloka‘i with such generous donations from the Maui Food Bank, Hawaiian Electric and other companies, non-profit organizations, and even individuals. The overwhelming gratitude from the receiving families speaks volumes of what the extra Food Bank deliveries mean to our community.”
We are grateful to all the volunteers and donors helping to distribute food throughout the island to those in need.
Sharon Suzuki, President, Maui County and Hawai’i Island Utilities
May 27, 2020 | Community
Volunteers with the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center (NVMC) and Maui United Way handed out 8,000 face masks during their GivingTuesday “Be a Hero, Wear a Mask” campaign. GivingTuesday, a global generosity movement, launched GivingTuesdayNow in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “I appreciate the effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community,” said Mayor Michael Victorino. “Our success in leveling the curve comes from members of our community working together to keep each other healthy, especially our vulnerable kupuna. Mahalo to the NVMC and Maui United Way for helping to keep Maui strong.”
The masks are part of Every1neHawaii’s Masks4All campaign. The Honolulu nonprofit successfully brought in 2 million masks, disbursing them to all islands across the State. The goal was to make the face masks available at no charge to those most in need. Free face mask distribution sites included TJs Grocery Outlet, Island Grocery Depot (Kahului and Lahaina) and Pukalani Superette. Mask giveaways were also donated to Hale Makua and Valley Isle Federal Credit Union. Giveaway volunteers included Mayor Victorino, professional surfers Kai Lenny and Ian Walsh, and members of the Maui delegation from the Hawaii State Legislature.
“This was indeed a community effort, and we are thankful to Every1neHawaii for the masks and for the support we received from all of our partners to ensure the masks got to the community,” said Deidre Tegarden, Executive Director of the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center. “We initially received 160,000 masks, which we were able to distribute through Maui United Way and other local nonprofit partners. We could not have distributed the masks so quickly if it were not for the amazing team at Maui United Way, who continually work to address Maui’s most vital needs through the impact areas of education, economic sustainability, and health.”
Tegarden added, “The NVMC, whose mission is to ignite human potential by inspiring people to find the hero in themselves, and Maui United Way joined as partners to address the pandemic and inspire people to give, advocate, and volunteer. Stay well. Follow the standard tips for safety. We will get through this together!”
The goal of NVMC and Maui United Way is to bring our community together around a common cause, such as aiding those in need during this pandemic.
Deidre Tegarden, NVMC Executive Director
May 20, 2020 | Community
Monique Yamashita, Executive Director of Ka Hale A Ke Ola (KHAKO) Homeless Resource Centers, Inc., has over 15 years of social service experience in Maui County. Currently, as executive director of two homeless shelters, one in Wailuku and one in Lahaina, she has developed emergency COVID-19 protocols to ensure the safety of the clients and staff. “We are committed to doing what is best to protect our guests, tenants, staff, and vendors, and to do our part to prevent the transmission of the virus,” Yamashita said. “The County of Maui recently delivered tests for us to administer to provide reassurance of wellness in both of our facilities. In addition, we are so thankful for amazing friends in our community who have blessed us with handmade and disposable face masks and shields.”
Dedicated to serving the needs of the homeless and hungry on Maui, KHAKO has been providing emergency food and housing for over 30 years. They empower those in need to take responsibility for their own lives and they call on the community to assist in these actions. Yamashita reflected, “We are truly blessed with great community partners. Our approach goes beyond providing basic shelter and sustenance for homeless persons. Through a series of structured programs and services, we focus on instilling the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to support self-sufficiency and promote positive, healthy life choices.”
With all of the COVID-19 concerns, KHAKO is still in operation, bringing in new families and individuals who are experiencing homelessness as well as working with current clients to assist them with obtaining permanent housing. “While the world may be at a standstill, life carries on at our shelters and we are still working to end the cycle of homelessness,” said Yamashita. “On any given day, the KHAKO staff works to create stability in lives and to ensure success in permanent housing. There is already a lot of pressure for the clients, and COVID-19 is not making things easier, but we will continue to assist those in need.”
I do this work because everyone deserves a dignified and healthy quality of life. Poverty is cruel and no one should be without a home because of it.
Monique Yamashita, Executive Director, KHAKO Homeless Resource Centers, Inc.
