Jan 24, 2018 | Community
Maui author Malia Bohlin recently released her first novel, Left at Hiva Oa. Bohlin tells the dramatic story of her father, Ken Bohlin, who followed his dream of sailing around the world on the 40-foot schooner, the Gracias. Bohlin, a US Marine Merchant Academy graduate, started his adventure with other alumni. Even with their careful planning, training, and enthusiasm, things eventually went awry. Everything changed: the plans, the crew, and ultimately the course of the Gracias, leaving one of them to cross the Pacific, from the Marquesas Islands to Hawaii, alone.
“Though he was well-trained, life on the high seas brought Dad unforeseen challenges,” said Bohlin. “In a frantic battle for his life, he relied on his knowledge and faith to save him. Arriving on Maui in 1974, he worked for 15 years as the harbor pilot for Kahului Harbor. Later he served as captain for Kahului Harbor’s tug boat, the Joe Sevier. He was well known on the Maui waterfront and throughout Hawaii. His colleagues still remember him, talk about his seafaring journey, and have enjoyed reading the book.”
Malia’s mother, Jennifer, was amazed at how vividly the book portrays her husband’s life at sea. “Malia’s dad told her the various elements of his voyage and by re-telling his adventure she has memorialized him,” she said. “Ken passed away in 1993. He would be so proud!”
Diane DeVey, a fan of the book, said, “I was immersed in this novel from the first page. What captivated me about Captain Ken was his determination to live out his dream. His story is an inspiration to all.”
Malia Bohlin was born in Honolulu and raised on Maui. She attended Baldwin High School where she placed second in a state-wide creative writing contest during her junior year. At the University of Hawaii-Manoa, she was a reporter for the school newspaper, Ka Leo. In her Maui profession as a grant specialist, Bohlin has produced many fundraising proposals, speech presentations, and grant requests– raising millions of dollars for local and national nonprofit organizations. She is currently writing her next book.
Left at Hiva Oa is an incredible story of determination: the determination to dream, to stand by your principles, and to stay alive, when all you have is yourself.
Malia Bohlin, Author: Left at Hiva Oa
Jan 10, 2018 | Community, Sustainability
M’Chelle Aguinaldo, a senior at Lahainaluna High School, was elected and is serving as Secretary of the Hawai’i Chapter of Future Farmers of America (FFA) for 2017-2018. A student-led national organization, FFA is committed to fostering projects that increase awareness of the global importance of agriculture. FFA’s initiative complements Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) vision of achieving a diversified Maui County economy, including agri-tech. Both MEDB and FFA encourage wise management of economic, environmental and human resources in the community, and promote teamwork, citizenship, and volunteerism. They teach that agriculture is more than planting and harvesting—it’s a science, it’s a business, and it’s an art.
“The Lahainaluna High School Agriculture Program’s mission is to help our community grow the next generation of young farmers,” Aguinaldo said. “As this year’s FFA State Secretary, I travel to state and national FFA meetings and assist in work-related activities at Lahainaluna. I also support Maui’s school garden programs with plant donations and other volunteer work.”
Aguinaldo continued, “At Lahainaluna we see a thriving and sustainable Hawaii. We maintain a pono lifestyle by having aloha for all, and by respecting the culture. We need the next generations of farmers. We also need to help drive Hawaii in the direction of becoming sustainable and help keep produce here. We’re working for a better future for Hawaii’s youth and economy.”
Lahainaluna Ag offers a variety of classes. Their facility consists of two classrooms, a shop, a greenhouse, multiple small and large fields, a plant nursery, and a Hawaiian garden. “The curriculum places a high emphasis on giving students as many visual and hands-on learning experiences as possible,” said Aguinaldo “We sell our produce to the community and at local farmers markets, to our school staff, to other Lahaina schools, and to local businesses. We also give back to our community by providing donations of produce and plants to school gardens, homeless shelters, senior housing complexes, and the Maui Food Bank.”
FFA students develop an appreciation for a farming career and other agriculture-related professions such as biologists, chemists, veterinarians, engineers and entrepreneurs.
M’Chelle Aguinaldo, Lahainaluna High School, 12th grade
Dec 27, 2017 | Community
MEDB would like to be among the first to wish you: Hau’oli Makahiki Hou, Happy New Year!
With the countdown to 2018, Hawaii will be one of the last places on earth to celebrate the New Year, a full 24 hours after the Republic of Kiribati, and one hour ahead of American Samoa. Around the world, fireworks are a common celebration with spectacular shows highlighted in Sydney, Australia; London, UK and in New York, USA with the renowned ball drop. Before we break into a verse of Auld Lang Syne we take a look at some curious New Year traditions from around the world.
The Filipinos have several traditions, with many of them centering on all things ‘Round’ which signifies prosperity. Clothes with polka dots, round coins filling pockets or left on top of tables and drawers; and round fruit. In Japan, a Buddhist tradition is to ring bells 108 times to cleanse away the 108 worldly desires, with the last strike to be at midnight, wiping away the problems of the former year.
To bring good luck or fortune, you might choose to eat twelve grapes starting at midnight, with one grape on each toll of the clock (Spain), toss spare coins into the river (Romania) or shatter unused dishes and plates against doors of friends and family or climb on top of chairs and jump into the new year (Denmark). Want to attract a travel-filled year? Do like the Colombians and grab a suitcase at 12 o’clock and run around the house/block.
How you start the year means everything in some cultures – the condition of your wallet (make sure there’s money in it – $1 will do it for the Colombians), the neatness of your home (clean it before January 1) and most importantly the color of your underwear. This last one is a South American tradition with yellow bringing prosperity and success, red brings love and romance, white for peace and harmony and green will ensure health and well-being.
Whatever way you plan to celebrate this coming New Year, be sure to smile as the clock strikes midnight. It’s the easiest tradition that can bring good luck.
MEDB would like to be among the first to wish you: Hau’oli Makahiki Hou, Happy New Year!
MEDB would like to be among the first to wish you: Hau’oli Makahiki Hou, Happy New Year!
Dec 20, 2017 | Community, Sustainability
Maui Economic Development Board applauds the community service of Feed My Sheep (FMS). Serving with integrity and sincerity, this nonprofit makes an immediate impact on the lives of the less fortunate. Bringing positive hope, the many FMS volunteers lift the morale of low-income workers and the unemployed while helping them through rough economic times. “In an effort to make Maui hunger-free, FMS provides about 69,000 half-pound meals a month throughout the island,” said FMS Founder and CEO, Joyce Kawakami. “In the last year we have given food to 3,200 people including working but poor families, seniors on fixed incomes, and homeless men and women. A few moments of emotional support are offered to each person who comes, besides food for their week. We feel blessed to serve so many.”
A unique mobile food distribution program, FMS takes deliveries to designated neighborhoods of need each week. Bags of food are distributed to the needy in five different locations. “Anyone who needs food is welcome to come to one of our many mobile food distributions,” said Operations Director Scott Hopkins. “Our volunteers make FMS such a welcoming place. Plus, many local farmers offer participants a focus on healthier food choices.” For example, Kumu Farms provides FMS with healthy options for both their free distributions and their discounted produce market. They have been a consistent source of nutritious items such as kale, papaya, chard, bananas, arugula, salad greens, beans and fennel.
FMS staff surveyed over 100 people to find out how fresh produce, fruit and vegetables have benefited the participants. “Ninety-six people said that the food they received from FMS improved their health in ways that doctors confirmed,” Hopkins noted. “We documented reduced blood pressure, better heart health, improved mental clarity and increased strength. Through FMS I have seen many people go from their lowest point to a new beginning. That’s what makes it all worthwhile!” FMS is always seeking volunteers for distribution locations in Hana, Lahaina, Wailuku, Kahului, and Kihei. To inquire call (808) 872- 9100.
Through Feed My Sheep I have seen many people go from their lowest point to a new beginning. That’s what makes it all worthwhile!
Scott Hopkins, Feed My Sheep Operations Director
Dec 13, 2017 | Community
The community came out in droves for a November Barnes & Noble-Maui book signing to meet Julie Checkoway, author of The Three-Year Swim Club: The Untold Story of Maui’s Sugar Ditch Kids and Their Quest for Olympic Glory. The book, detailing the story of how Maui Coach Soichi Sakamoto developed Olympic swimming champions in the 1930s and 40s, is an extraordinary tale that Checkoway felt called to tell. “I’m from New England, so writing a story about another culture was a very delicate mission to undertake,” she explained. “In 2008 I received a phone call from a friend asking me if I had heard the story of these Hawaiian-Japanese American kids in the 30s who, against all odds, became Olympians. They were from poor families, swam in irrigation ditches on the Pu’unene sugar plantation, and trained with a coach who didn’t even know how to swim well. The more I researched, the more I realized that there was no one source that told the whole story of these extraordinary people and events. I’m honored to share their story with Maui and the world.”
Checkoway said Coach Keith Arakaki, Hawaii Swim Club-Oahu, was the bearer of the story for her. She then interviewed Bill Smith, now deceased, who won two Gold Medals in the 1948 Olympics. “The Smith family provided me with scrapbooks and priceless information,” she said. “The book includes everything about the swim team and their travels around the world as National Champions. I’m still amazed at how shoeless kids who sucked on sugarcane for their strength, did something so formidable. Teaching perseverance, Coach Sakamoto got them to believe in themselves.”
Bob Pellettieri, president of Hawaii Swim Club-Maui, agreed, “All the swimmers are proud of Checkoway’s book. It speaks of the determination that keeps going in the swim world and it’s great to finally have the whole story told.”
Deidre Tegarden, executive director of Nisei Veterans Memorial Center-Maui County, concluded, “Many of the swim team served in the military. Their story continues to inspire people to find the hero in themselves.”
As a former swimmer with Hawaii Swim Club-Maui, I appreciate all the research Checkoway compiled. The Three-Year Swim Club story will be passed down through generations.
Cecelia Romero, Baldwin High School Biology Teacher
Dec 6, 2017 | Community
STEMworks™ Island Energy Inquiry™ (IEI), developed by Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) Women in Technology (WIT) Project, is the first clean-energy STEMworks™ (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) curriculum designed for Hawaii educators. It combines scientific inquiry and engineering design processes with cutting-edge materials and technologies for use in the classroom. IEI, offered at an exciting time in the state’s evolution in energy production and use, engages students in rigorous explorations of real island energy issues through its Lending Libraries.
“STEMworks™ IEI is updating its statewide Lending Libraries with STEM Innovation Kits designed to equip Hawaii students with the latest educational tools encouraging critical thinking and innovative play,” said Denissa Andrade, WIT Program Assistant. “The STEMworks™ program empowers elementary, middle and high school teachers on each island to be effective in their classrooms by providing teachers with technology tools, standards-aligned curriculum, professional development, access to industry professionals and ongoing support. STEMworks™ is a unique, holistic program designed to build our future generation of stewards, innovators and STEM professionals.”
STEMworks™ recently delivered over $100,000 in equipment to update IEI Lending Library campuses across the state. The updates support the statewide equipment libraries already valued at over $500,000 and include iPads, iPods, thermal imaging cameras, virtual reality headsets, energy-related K-12 reading books, energy conservation meters, wind turbine kits, solar cell kits, photovoltaic panels and multimeter kits, magnetism and motion kits, and much more. “These tools allow teachers participating in our training program to have access to a full set of lab aids designed to engage students in scientific inquiry and engineering design while learning about clean energy,” Andrade said.
Elizabeth Shigeta, IEI Lending Librarian said, “This is an exciting time for classroom teachers. IEI’s addition of literacy books and teaching tools has teachers connecting on a deeper level with their students. Additionally, students with limited background can also continually learn. Thank you MEDB!”
Since its launch in 2009, IEI has trained over 650 teachers and more than 73,000 students in Hawaii, with 90% implementation rate.
Denissa Andrade, WIT Program Assistant
Nov 15, 2017 | Community
As the season of Thanksgiving approaches, it seems fitting that we highlight an all-volunteer community project that benefits keiki and their families. About a year ago, Ali Dauler, founder and manager of the Keiki Klothing Exchange-Kihei (KKEK), instigated the free clothing exchange program here on Maui. KKEK started small. It was held at a Kihei community park along with Dauler’s bootcamp workout for moms. “We would exercise and then swap the clothes we brought,” Dauler said. “Subsequently, as I noticed KKEK’s growth, I knew it was time for the next step. I spoke to my church officials about using their site. Once everything was approved, we had a home at Kihei Lutheran Church, a perfect location for KKEK.” There is a full playground and ample parking, restrooms with changing tables, and a beautiful lanai for the exchange. “I needed more help, women to support and be a part of my project,” she noted. “Luna Amezcua gave a huge amount of time and assistance and became my KKEK partner. Additionally, we have a dream team of helpful women volunteers.”
Dauler’s mission has always been to reach out to as many families as possible. “As moms, Amezcua and I knew the importance of coming together as a community, as a support system,” Dauler said. “Now that KKEK has grown, we want everyone to know that although this is a fabulous recourse for families in need, it’s also for anyone and everyone.”
The free clothing exchange is held on the first Saturday of every month, 9am to 11am, at Kihei Lutheran Church. All the leftover merchandise is delivered to numerous charities, including Women Helping Women, Imua, shelters, and various churches. “We accept toys, books, shoes, and all baby items,” said Dauler. “Everything is sorted beforehand by our amazing volunteers to ensure there are no rips or stains, and that all the toys are in working condition. Our standards are high and our hearts are full. Let’s face it, kids grow, and clothes don’t. I always say, ‘Bring what you can, and take what you need!’”
We appreciate all the community support and all the donations for our free clothing exchange.
Ali Dauler, Keiki Klothing Founder and Manager
Nov 1, 2017 | Community
Maui County’s largest products show, the annual Made in Maui County Festival (MIMCF), returns on November 3 and 4th, 2017. Now in its fourth year, this popular event, presented by the County of Maui Mayor’s Office of Economic Development and the Maui Chamber of Commerce, features over 140 vendors offering a wide variety of products made in Maui County, including foods, art, crafts, jewelry, fashion, furniture, gifts, collectibles and more, all in one location, the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului. MIMCF is a showcase for our local companies to take their business to the next level while attracting thousands of visitors and residents.
The Festival will be the first major show for many businesses – as well a return event for others. MEDB regularly collaborates with local organizations focused on economic development. Gerry Smith, MEDB Director of Business Development notes, “It is incredibly rewarding for us at MEDB to see our program participants scale their businesses to successfully sell their product lines to 10,000+ expected buyers! We all have the same goal in mind: the success and growth of small businesses on Maui.”.
Justin Orr, owner of HI Spice-Created on Maui, said, “I attended an MEDB presentation titled Break Even Point, given by Gerry Smith at a recent Maui Food Innovation Accelerator class. Smith provided suggestions on how to capture the costs of doing business—helping us understand sales forecasts, production capacity and how much our product costs to manufacture. He gave hypothetical story lines involving businesses and different scenarios involving ‘what ifs’ and I was hooked. I was often wondering what exactly my break-even was with our business. I have recommended MEDB classes and workshops to other new business owners because MEDB provides an invaluable community resource.”
Orr continued, “My wife Katie and I created our home-grown hot-sauce business, which we launched at last year’s Festival after discovering we had a knack for growing peppers. We have been collaborating with local farmers to bring a truly Maui-crafted hot sauce that is inspired, grown, and made on Maui. We have eight flavors to sample. Visit us and spice up your day!”
We support ‘local’ with every facet of making batches of craft-style hot sauces. We are bringing you a farm-to-bottle sauce experience. Thank you MEDB for priceless business advice!
Justin Orr, HI Spice
Oct 18, 2017 | Community
Keiki Cupboard, a nonprofit organization presently assisting 21 Maui schools, is dedicated to providing necessary school supplies and shoes to children who need them. There are many disadvantaged children with financially strapped parents who cannot provide the required items. The Cupboard, winner of the Maui Rotary Club’s annual Award for Best Vocational Service, believes that no child should lack the needed basic necessities for his education.
Countless children start the first day of the new school year without a backpack or the items required for their classes. “This is the young person who inspires and drives Keiki Cupboard,” explained the Cupboard’s Vice President Toby Neal. “We provide a storage unit or Cupboard, on each participating school campus, filled with items called for by the school. The school staff distributes the materials discreetly, without shame or red tape, thus preparing the students to meet their daily requirements. Moreover, the program not only helps students with basic necessities for class, it also improves their physical and social well-being.”
Neal, who is also a popular Maui novelist, continued, “My sister, Keiki Cupboard President Bonny Ponting, and I came up with the idea for Keiki Cupboard based on our experiences in Maui’s public schools. I was a public school counselor and my sister an involved parent. We both saw how many families struggled to provide their children with supplies every year. So, as not to burden economically strained families any further, we started a grassroots organization that does all the needed fundraising outside of schools.”
The sisters continue to be thrilled by how the community and businesses support them. “It’s a simple mission, and it makes a surprising difference,” said Neal. “It has amazed me how our all-volunteer organization has grown,” Ponting added. “It is a testament to the generosity of the people of Maui. Our goal is to be in all 28 Maui County schools, one Cupboard at a time.” To volunteer or make a donation, visit keikicupboard.org or call (808) 280-1021.
Anyone with a good idea can make a huge difference in his community and, through the internet, potentially change the world.
Toby Neal, Keiki Cupboard Vice-President
