Oct 3, 2018 | Community
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On Maui, the Mana’olana (“Hope”) Pink Paddlers, a group of cancer survivors and their supporters, bring cancer awareness through the art, the sport, and most importantly, the mana of Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe paddling. A 501(c)3 nonprofit since 2010, the Pink Paddlers are committed to educational outreach in the community as well as developing rewarding partnerships with the Pacific Cancer Foundation. The Pink’s original vision, to reach out to breast cancer survivors, now includes all cancer survivors and their supporters, regardless of age or gender.
“Our mission is to cultivate hope, health, fitness, and fun for cancer survivors and supporters, utilizing traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoes to encourage physical exercise, build confidence and lasting friendships,” said Mana’olana Pink Paddlers President, Mary Dungans. “We reassure, by example, that exercise can aid recovery and demonstrate that people living with this disease can lead full and active lives. Today, we have over 100 members ranging in age up into the 90’s and are still paddling strong!”
The Pinks hope to bring, not just paddling, training, and technique, but awareness of the sea, the wind, the life, the culture, and what’s on the horizon. Their sport is an invitation to strengthen body, mind and lasting friendships from paddling with a crew.
“When I moved to Maui, I wanted to contribute to my community and honor my parents, who both passed away from cancer,” Dungans explained. “I came to paddle with Mana’olana in 2010. I had no idea what a joyous and positive experience it would be! The Pinks welcomed me and made me feel included in something very special. To be able to paddle out into the ocean in the mornings, greet the day, say prayers for loved ones and kindred spirits and affirm our gratitude was the best medicine anyone could ever hope for. I was strengthened mentally, physically and spiritually. I realized my mission was to empower others to be happy and strong—no matter what obstacles come along.” For more information about the Pink Paddlers visit: www.manaolanapinkpaddlersmaui.org.
Survivor or supporter, all are invited to the Maui Canoe Club on Sugar Beach, just off North Kihei Road on Tuesday and Thursday at 8:15am.
Mary Dungans, President, Mana’olana Pink Paddlers
Sep 12, 2018 | Community
On September 29, Maui’s 25th annual “Saddle Up” St. Jude Trail Ride will take place. The spirited 10-mile ride begins at 9 a.m. It goes from Thompson Road to the Fleming Arboretum in the Pu’u Mahoe cinder cone, through private lands of Ulupalakua and OW Ranch. Horse and riders arrive at 8 a.m. at the Haleakala Ranch corrals on Thompson Road in Ulupalakua.
Thompson Ranch has organized Maui’s annual St. Jude’s Trail ride since 1992. “Having brought more than $360,000 in donations since our first ride in 1992, we feel compelled to continue our support of this charity that helps save the precious lives of children around the world,” said Toni Thompson, of Thompson Ranch. “St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital leads the way in understanding, treating and defeating childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The money raised by events like this help ensure families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.”
Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80% since it opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude freely shares the discoveries it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors world-wide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. “We have all been affected by cancer in some way or another,” said Thompson. “This event allows our community to come together to help push the childhood cancer survival rate to 100%. We encourage the whole community to donate to this extraordinary cause.”
A rider in this year’s Saddle Up, Taryn Bernabe from Makawao, said, “St. Jude is unique. Consistent with the vision of founder and entertainer, Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion, or money. Thomas opened the doors to St. Jude in 1962 with the dream that ‘no child should die in the dawn of life.’”
Bernabe concluded, “It’s the most beautiful ride ever! The participants are riding above the clouds and looking down on the whole island.” For more information, call Thompson Ranch at (808) 878-1910.
The lunch is always incredible too! Riders are treated with the traditional cowboy stew made by Uncle Joe and his wife, Aunty Gwen De Rego. There will be door prizes and awards.
Taryn Bernabe, St. Jude “Saddle Up” Rider
Aug 29, 2018 | Community
Principal Chris Bachaus of Kula Elementary School had a vision. He began working on a project to help students that were struggling with STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) classes in the Kula community. “Many of our students weren’t getting the basic concepts behind their classroom-based lessons, so I decided to take it into the real world and teach them in a functional, project-based environment, a farm,” Bachaus said.
Principal Bachaus convinced the Department of Education (DOE) to allow him to use the six acres Kula School owns in Keokea to start an Agriculture (Ag) Science Program for his students. This property was the site of the old and historically significant Keokea School, abandoned when the current Kula School opened, in 1964.
“In past years, Kula has been involved in commercial agriculture and still has an economic dependence on farming,” Bachaus explained. “Many of these students have a strong connection to the land in their family life. By connecting them to their roots, we hope to reinforce the mastery of STEM technology through an Ag educational experience. This program is also a means to connect the students to their sense of place–they will learn responsibility and respect for the land and gain an understanding that will better prepare them as future decision makers and leaders in the community. Projects include growing plants, produce, a community lei garden, animal husbandry, and more.”
“This is not a DOE funded program, so it must be completely funded from outside sources,” said Bachaus. Financial support has been given through numerous community businesses and private donors. Recently, the Upcountry Children’s Giving Circle (UCGC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, provided the Ag program with a 10-passenger van that was donated to them by Goodfellow Brothers.
Lesley Alexander Castellano, President of the UCGC Board said, “UCGC pays the insurance and maintains the van for Ag project activities. We are committed to the success of the Kula Ag Science Program and to bringing resources to support this exciting new program and maintaining the traditions of Kula agriculture.”
Donations and volunteers are continually needed for the Kula School Ag-Science Program. For more information call (808) 876-7610.
Chris Bachaus, Principal, Kula Elementary School
Aug 22, 2018 | Community
Teens Cook with Heart, a six-week school program initiated by the American Heart Association (AHA), teaches students how to prepare nutritional meals to embrace a healthier lifestyle. Mentored by volunteer chefs, the program culminates with a teen Iron Chef cooking competition.
“Studies show that youth who are involved in preparing their own meals are more likely to eat nutritious foods,” said Eve Bondar, AHA Development Manager. “Moreover, the lessons get youth excited about trying new foods and encourage them to share this passion with their own families at home, thus expanding the program’s reach to the larger community. The wide range of healthy cuisine taught in the classes includes fresh fruits and vegetables for use in smoothies, salsas, dressings, chili, guacamole, and fresh fish.”
AHA volunteer chefs explain food safety to students, such as how to use a knife properly, and how to swap out harmful ingredients for healthier ingredients. “The goal I hope to accomplish through teaching and mentoring is for our youth to realize that as we go through life, we must be aware of the things we put into our bodies,” said Executive Chef Ryan Luckey from Leilanis on the Beach. “This is a concern because obesity in childhood has more than tripled and youth are currently at high risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.”
Private Chef Rob Mason agreed, “All the participating chefs help to inspire the students to hone their skills and harness their creative talents in the culinary arts. I believe in consistently building strong relationships with regional farmers, artisans and purveyors, and making lasting contributions to the Maui community.”
The AHA program currently supports over 400 students on the West Side, and a crowdfunding site has been established to increase the reach of the program to more children on Maui. Each $2,500 raised allows another class to be included in the program for the 2018-19 school year. Tax deductible donations can be made at heart.org/MauiKids. For more information call Eva Bondar at (808)212-4861 or email Eva.Bondar@heart.org.
I am committed to sustainable local agriculture and the Farm to Table Movement.
Executive Chef Ryan Luckey, Leilanis on the Beach
Jul 25, 2018 | Community, Events
Maui residents Dr. Tom Vendetti, Robert Stone, and Keola and Moana Beamer recently received an award for “Environmental Activism in Film” at the 2018 Taos Film Festival in New Mexico. The award, inspired by the power of films to make positive changes for humanity, coincided with Earth Day. The theme of the 2018 festival was “Finding True Happiness in an Unsettled World”. Dr. Vendetti, Director of Mental Health Kokua, is also an Emmy award-winning director for his documentary films that lead to social change. “We are honored to receive the filmmakers’ activist award recognizing the mission to preserve the environment,” said Vendetti. “In my early twenties, I was convinced that finding the meaning of life was the path to happiness. So, I envisioned my own life as a quest.”
As a doctor and seeker, Vendetti made a multitude of documentaries in the psychological and environmental arena, which brought him insights that later extended into a fascination with other cultures and belief systems. Vendetti still works in mental health. However, his first visit to the Himalayas sparked his other career as an Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker.
Robert Stone, an Emmy award-winning director, producer, writer, and cinematographer, and Vendetti have traveled around the globe, co-producing seven films that have gone on to air on the Public Broadcasting System. Additionally, they founded the Angkor Wat International Film Festival in Siem Reap, Cambodia. “Through telling simple stories that open the heart and emotions, we have raised awareness of the sacred in everyday life,” said Stone. “We simply want to make a positive difference that will help all of us.”
Keola Beamer is a multi-award-winning musician, legendary slack key guitarist, and world-renowned Native Hawaiian musician. His wife Moana has expanded her role in his performances through dance, chants, singing background vocals, and playing several ancient Hawaiian percussive instruments. Together, they have been traveling with Vendetti and making films that bring Hawaiian music and dance to the world.
My cause for years has been promoting happiness, as both a psychologist and a filmmaker. Our latest film Tibetan Illusion Destroyer creates awareness of the illusions that cause human suffering.
Dr. Tom Vendetti, Mental Health Kokua, Emmy Award-winning filmmaker
Jun 27, 2018 | Community
Ramsay Taum, a speaker at the 2nd Annual Hawaii Small Business Conference, wowed the audience with his talk on the integration of Native Hawaiian cultural values and principles as a key to effective service in business. Taum, an internationally recognized cultural resource speaker, lecturer, trainer and facilitator, promotes sustainable practices based on Hawaiian stewardship principles. He is the founder and president of Life Enhancement Institute of the Pacific; and Director of External Relations & Community Partnerships at the University of Hawaii School of Travel Industry Management.
“Aloha is a way of being, a way of behaving,” Taum said. “Aloha is more than a greeting. It is the art and spirit of giving and receiving. It is to give and not expect anything in return, and to receive and not forget to give back. It speaks of sustainability and reciprocity, rights and privileges, responsibilities and obligations. We must act ourselves into these new ways of thinking.”
Mentored and trained by respected kupuna (elders), Taum is a practitioner and instructor of several Native Hawaiian practices and sits on numerous advisory boards. He advocates team building, strategic partnerships, community brilliance and creative thinking. He graduated from the Kamehameha Schools, attended the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, and earned a B.S. degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California. Taum is especially effective working with Hawaii’s travel, leisure, and retail industry where he integrates Native Hawaiian values and principles into contemporary business practices.
“Before manifesting any idea, declare the context of aloha for the idea!” Taum exclaimed. “You have to live aloha, share aloha and be aloha! Service, mana, and aloha are more than words. It’s the way we use those terms that matters most. For example, saying mahalo means more than just thank you. It means we are connected by commitment.”
Taum concluded, “Ha in the words aloha and mahalo is the breath that connects us all. Knowing that Ha is the spirit of the air that we all share, we realize we are connected to the spirit of the community, and the spirit of everything.”
A high-integrity, values-driven business model based on true Hawaiian values is the key to success.
Ramsay Taum, Life Enhancement Institute of the Pacific
Jun 13, 2018 | Community
Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), in collaboration with Maui County’s Office of Economic Development, presented the 2nd Annual Hawaii Small Business Conference (HSBC) at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in May. The conference attracted over 200 people who heard from approximately 20 national and local business leaders and successful business owners during the two-day conference and workshops.
“We were thrilled with the diversity of attendees who truly reflected our small business community,” said Leslie Wilkins, MEDB President and CEO. “The HSBC aims to provide timely strategies to re-energize small businesses on their path to success. Everyone came to learn, share, network, and do business together.”
This year’s theme, Plan, Build, Grow: Mapping A Pathway to Success, emphasized taking any business, one-person or large-size company, to the next level. Diversity also described the topics that were covered: employer and customer engagement, staffing for success, scaling one’s business, shaping a plan for growth, keeping your business relevant, establishing a social media strategy, when to pivot a business, tax strategies, living aloha in business, and how to select and protect a company trademark.
Keynote speaker Karen McCullough, a well-known customer and employee engagement expert, discussed how organizations and leaders can cut through generational stereotypes by leveraging their team’s strengths, and enriching the work environment for better results. Additionally, McCullough’s topic, Going Beyond Your Brand—Delivering WOW Service, focused on how “your brand is the core of your company, the heart of your business, the soul of your culture and the foundation for a great customer experience.”
In a Talk Story session, Ashley Takitani Leahey, co-owner and Marketing Director of Maui Thing, shared the company’s story and what drives their success. “Our brand portrays the essence of living on the Valley Isle and is built on our slogan, Stuck on Good,” Leahey said. “We follow these guidelines: Build your brand; Create experiences; Track and analyze; Collaborate and listen; Work towards community partnerships and Mix your products with events. Whatever your business, if you’re passionate and believe in what you’re marketing, you’ll be successful!”
Maui Thing started in 2007, selling shirts online and in the office. In 2008 we opened the Wailuku store creating memories built by friends, family, and our community.
Ashley Takitani Leahey, Co-Owner & Marketing Director, Maui Thing, Wailuku
May 30, 2018 | Community, Education
Founded on the values and priorities for Maui County’s future as articulated by Maui County’s residents through the Decisions Maui and Focus Maui Nui visioning processes, Ka Ipu Kukui Fellows is a year-long program dedicated to preparing community-nominated young leaders for the unique challenges and opportunities in Maui County. To date, over 100 accomplished professionals have graduated from the program. The current Fellows are a diverse cross-section of residents drawn from business, government, academia, and nonprofit organizations. Each month, the program offers halawai (meetings) focused on in-depth introductions to Maui County’s infrastructure and array of community leaders coupled with workshops to expand leadership skills.
Last December, Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) hosted Project Weekend, an intense, team-based experience in which the Fellows go hands-on to create a community project. “MEDB was thrilled to guide the Fellows as they navigated the many layers of project development. It was fun to see the concepts unfold as the Fellows gained a first-hand understanding of what it takes to turn their idea into a viable community-based project,” shared Amber Hardwick, Ka Ipu Kukui alumna and MEDB’s lead on Project Weekend.
“What I went through was so valuable because it allowed me to realize that even though I have these fears going into it, none of that came about because we had such a great team that we just persevered together and created something that was even more special than I originally thought we could do,” said Snehal Patel who came up with the idea for the winning project called ‘We The People’. “Moving forward we are going to see if we can proceed with our project as a pilot program.”
“I enjoyed the collaboration,” said Sayble Bissen. “We got to learn a lot about how our co-worker Fellows think and how they see Maui as a whole and what can be done to help.” Discussing the future of her team’s project called Literacy for Financial Education (L.I.F.E), Sayble added “Our plan is to hopefully to follow through with our project – I am pretty positive that it can happen.”
As this year’s cohort celebrates their May graduation, Ka Ipu Kukui is accepting applications for the 2018-19 program. Learn more at http://www.kikfellows.org/
I think that we all have such great ideas, and Project Weekend helped us to execute that into a real live MVP (Minimum Viable Project), which I never knew about before going through this process.
Snehal Patel
May 9, 2018 | Community
The world of American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), celebrated 53 years of soccer in 2017. Today, AYSO is a successful national and international organization, and is thriving in Hawaii. “The league is committed to the safe development and nurturing of all children,” said Francis Quitazol, Upcountry Maui AYSO soccer coach. “Our main goal is to develop and provide a positive experience for all keiki, promote fitness, teamwork, and the spirit of competition. As coach for AYSO girls, U6 (five and six years old), Quitazol found it very rewarding to watch the girls improve week after week of practice. “My coaching approach for these young girls was to keep it very simple and teach them the basic rules of the game,” he said. “One thing I enjoyed teaching them was the mental aspect of the game. I did this by asking each one of them before the game to show me their game face. At first, they thought a game face is supposed to be an angry expression, but I told them that it should be more of a reflection of their attitude as they prepare to compete. I explained to them that their game faces should convey both confidence and focus. My hope is that in the future they will take their game faces into a final exam or a big job interview and compete harder than they ever did on the soccer field.”
“We love being a soccer family!” said the Felicianos from Makawao. “AYSO’s mission works! They develop and deliver quality youth soccer programs. The season promoted a fun family environment based on AYSO philosophies of good sportsmanship, teamwork, positive coaching, and player development. We have seen the positive effect that soccer has had on our daughter, Moorea. She is learning the importance of exercise, plus all the benefits listed above. We encourage all parents to learn more about joining their local AYSO league, get the children playing, and the whole family out to the games.”
I didn’t even know how to pass or kick the ball when I first started. Now I play with my teammates and when we work together we can make a goal!
Moorea Winter Feliciano, Makawao School, Kindergarten
