Dec 21, 2011 | Community, Sustainability
Hunger and the holidays were on the minds of Focus Maui Nui Youth Alliance members as they sorted hundreds of donated canned goods at the Maui Food Bank. With Christmas only a few days away, about 15 high school students volunteered their time to learn about hunger in the community and how to help those who have very little to eat during the holiday. “When I think of hunger, I think of a big city like New York. It’s hard to picture hunger on Maui – but the reality is, it’s here too,” said Kristen Gilchrist, a 15-year-old sophomore at Lahainaluna High School. Kristen shared her thoughts about hunger as she scanned through cans of nonperishable items such as fruit cocktail, soups and pork and beans. “It’s hard for me to imagine what it’s like to be wondering where your next meal will come from because I’ve never had that. I’m fortunate, I’ve always had food,” Kristen said.
At Maui Food Bank, approximately 10,000 pounds of food is distributed weekly to families in Maui County. Volunteer Coordinator Tasha Mohline accommodated the Youth Alliance at a time the warehouse would normally be closed. “I’d take any opportunity to teach and educate the youth about hunger and what we do for the community,” Mohline said.
The teenagers spent about three hours sorting out approximately 20 packed shopping carts of canned goods. The items will eventually be picked up by the 100-plus agencies that rely on the Food Bank to provide them with supplies to serve needy families. Sharmaine Pasalo, a 17-year-old Maui High School student, said she was surprised at the sight of heaping cans of food. “It shouldn’t be this way, people starving in our community, that’s really not good,” she said. Tyler DiGiulio, also 17 and a student at Maui High, said his first visit to the Maui Food Bank left him feeling grateful that he doesn’t have to worry about hunger in his own life. “I think it’s great that we’re helping people in need.”
Dec 7, 2011 | Community
Major Brian West and his wife, Iva, are celebrating their first Christmas on island as the Salvation Army Maui County Coordinators. This holiday season, the Wests are spearheading a group of volunteers who are seeking pennies and presents to help those most in need on Maui during the holiday season. So far, no good. “Our kettle drive is going a little slower than usual,” West said, referring to the annual Red Kettle Drive. Bell ringing volunteers began the campaign the day before Thanksgiving and after the first week, came up short as much as $1,200 per day compared to the year before.
The traditional Angel Tree gift giving campaign is also underway with the wishes of children from low-income families outlined on paper angel cutouts set up at Queen Kaahumanu Center, Kmart and WalMart. “We’re a little bit concerned about that too,” West said, adding that the normal Angel Tree drive for children in need is not up to par as previous years. “I can’t put my finger on it,” West said. “I don’t know why it’s down…I think we’ve got good greeters and volunteers. The weather’s been good, but we’re still off.” West said he hopes that gift givers are just getting to a slow start.
This year’s Kettle Drive theme: “Sharing is Caring” has always lived up to its name on Maui, West said. The 2011 holiday goal is to raise $165,000 by collecting spare change from people dropping by the red kettles. Collections, if successful, can repeat what 2010’s donations were able to do on Maui:
- Provide 10,800 bed nights to homeless men.
- Serve 78,892 meals to homeless men, women and children.
- Distribute 15,680 hygiene kits to residents in need.
- Give 34,287 food bags to Salvation Army clients.
Angel Trees will accept gifts for children up until Dec. 19; and the red kettle drive will remain in place up until Christmas Eve. For more information, call 871-6270.
Nov 10, 2011 | Community
Members of the Focus Maui Nui Youth Alliance kicked off the 2011 program year by carrying out a key strategy in protecting the island’s natural environment. With the help of adult environmental experts and volunteers, the high school students combed Kamaole III Beach Park in Kihei while engaging in lessons about the importance of sea birds to Maui’s natural habitat and assisting in catching and banding shearwater chicks in burrows by the beach. The event held on October 22 also covered activities on the scientific significance of beach dunes and what kind of community action is being taken to protect and preserve the island’s sandy shores.
“The kids were great,” coastal geologist Tara Miller Owens said. “I think they learned a lot. Hopefully they’re going home and teaching their families.” Jay Penniman, manager of the Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project, said he felt hopeful after receiving help from the students with catching and banding the young sea birds. “We need to be teaching our young people about the ʻāina (land) and how to take care of all the species that live here.” Also on hand were community activists Bob and Lis Richardson who spoke about creating the volunteer organization The Dune Restoration Project.
For Owens, it was key that the youth participating in the event understand the beach processes and the importance of healthy dunes. She said discussions about dunes brought awareness to those who can do something about it in the future. “When you’ve grown up on this island, sometimes you think things are obvious but that’s not necessarily so. I’m glad we were able to raise awareness so they can take action,” she said. Penniman shared the same sentiments, saying he hopes the students will contemplate studying the importance of preserving natural resources, perhaps even undertaking a college degree program to learn more. “The more we understand how our environment works, the better we can be about protecting and preserving,” he said.
Nov 3, 2011 | Community
Continuing our series on newly appointed County Department Directors, reflecting the role of government in responding to community values and needs.
Maui County Finance Director Danny Agsalog left his native home of the Philippines in 1979 to establish a new life on the Valley Isle. His work experience started with two jobs, one as a full-time supermarket stock boy and a part-time restaurant dishwasher in Wailuku. That led to enlistment in the United States Air Force and then the Air National Guard, followed by enrollment and completion of studies at the University of Hawaii at West Oahu in 1995. These experiences eventually led to two years of service as County Budget Director during Mayor Alan Arakawa’s first term in the early 2000s. Now, Agsalog has been tapped to work as the Finance Director, overseeing approximately 156 employees including those in the Division of Motor Vehicle and Real Property Taxes.
Agsalog calls his career and education journey “nontraditional” but one that involved a lot of determination and desire to serve the Maui community. “I’ve always loved Maui. Maui is no ka oi,” he says. In regard to direct service with the public, Agsalog explains he has invested money and time into customer service training and management workshops for DMV employees. He says public perceptions and feedback have improved since the work force training was offered. “It’s really about how you deal with people and just talking to the staff about the importance of customer service has helped.”
In the Real Property Taxes Division, Agsalog gives credit to staffers for their due diligence that has reduced appeals from as many as 2,000 last year to less than 800 this year. “I will not take the credit for this. We have a lot of professional people making great effort to getting things right the first time.” The purchasing section of the Finance Department has also made strides. Agsalog says employees there deal with Maui County contractors, monitoring work orders and ensuring that any changes are justifiable and necessary. “I want to be accountable to the people of Maui,” Agsalog said. “It’s important we evaluate what we’re spending and hold ourselves accountable because it’s the people’s money.”
Oct 20, 2011 | Community, Events
At age 25, Ashley Takitani says First Friday in Wailuku has given her the encouragement and affirmation to establish a career in her homegrown community. Takitani works as the marketing director for Maui Thing, the retail store, while also serving as a volunteer on the Wailuku First Friday Committee. Saedene Ota, the owner of Maui Thing and Sae Design, and her staff are active supporters of First Friday in Wailuku. Takitani, a 2004 Baldwin High School graduate, spent about six years away from home, going to school and working in Los Angeles. She jumped at the chance to work with Ota, an award-winning designer involved in many civic activities including the role of University of Hawaii Regent.
First Friday in Wailuku features an evening of entertainment and live acts, local food, art, jewelry and fashion on a block on Market Street. Attendance at First Friday has grown from a few hundred to as many as 4,000 in one night, Takitani said. Maui Thing designed one of the first flyers to attract both residents and visitors to the event and then sponsored the first live band performance at the attraction. “We offer something for family and friends to do on a Friday night,” Takitani said. The 10 or so merchants who put on the event have found that their businesses get a jump start every month by holding the event. “It just does wonders and gives us a really great start to our month,” Takitani said. The merchants have also been happy to welcome other local vendors to showcase their wares and also make money. “First Friday is really all about community. It’s what Maui is all about, we support each other.”
Takitani said the event has proven to her that she can thrive in a career here at home and believes the same can happen for her contemporaries. “Something like First Friday is enticing for young people. The island has grown so much and it’s made it a lot easier to come home,” Takitani said. “When it comes down to it, it’s so much fun and everybody can really have a good time.”
Oct 6, 2011 | Community
Continuing our series on newly appointed County Department Directors, reflecting the role of government in responding to community values and needs.
Former County Council Member Jo Anne Johnson says she uses her knowledge of the governmental budgetary process and desire to lead by example to advance the mission of the County of Maui Department of Transportation. Johnson’s department manages one of the fastest growing transit systems in the United States — more than 2.5 million passengers use the public transit system each year, according to Johnson. “Transportation impacts the lives of everyone here in Maui County and especially those who are mobility challenged, so what our department does impacts the overall quality of life for all. We will always try to improve on that quality of life to the best of our ability and within our financial means.”
Johnson says one of the biggest challenges her department faces is the government’s dwindling financial resources. “We have to work more creatively in the area of finance to meet the growing needs of the people in the area of transportation. The old adage of ‘doing more with less’ has never been more relevant in carrying out the goals of the department.” Johnson says she takes a team approach to her job, seeking input from the people closest to the issue. “My basic philosophy is one of leading by example…My personal values are governed by my sincere desire to treat people honestly and respectfully and to do the best job I possibly can for the people of Maui,” Johnson says.
Johnson was married for more than 30 years to the late Jim Johnson who died of complications due to Parkinson‟s disease. She recently married Rabbi Larry Winer, whom she dated more than 35 years ago and reconnected with after Jim Johnson’s death. In her spare time, Johnson enjoys going to the movies and listening to music while she’s on the treadmill. She and her new husband also like to travel around the island and take in Maui’s sights and events. “I love my job and it is simply a continuation of my role as a public servant for the people.”
Sep 29, 2011 | Community, Events
Roy Silva has accepted the role of Maui Fair Director for the first time this year. “I’ve always loved the fair. I think it’s the greatest tradition Maui has,” he says. A former county employee, Silva served for nine years as its Parade Committee chairman. As Fair Director, he takes charge of all the committees and dozens of volunteers who operate the event starting Thursday and running through Sunday at the War Memorial Complex in Wailuku. As many as 5,400 participants including five grand marshals, Hawaii Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz and Mayor Alan Arakawa are scheduled to appear in Thursday’s parade, scheduled to begin at 4.30 p.m.
Silva said he wanted to serve his community in a unique way and took the opportunity to lead the Fair when he was offered the chance. This year’s Fair theme “A Timeless Tradition” represents what the event has meant to the thousands who have come to enjoy rides, learn from exhibits, indulge in local food and support nonprofits that use the Fair to raise money. “The Maui Fair is the oldest family tradition on island. You just can’t beat it,” Silva said. “There’s always a chance you’ll run into someone you know or haven’t seen for a long time.”
FOCUS MAUI NUI will be at the Fair again this year, gathering the opinions of the community with its Annual “Pulse of the People” 2011 Poll. FOCUS MAUI NUI is a voice, a plan, a vision for Maui County’s future created for and by the people who live here – people like you. Participate in the process by letting your views be known. Youth Alliance members and other volunteers will be on hand to help gather your points of view. Visit FOCUS MAUI NUI at the Entrance Lanai of the War Memorial Gym during Fair hours.
Sep 15, 2011 | Community, Sustainability
Every day of the year, volunteers dish out food at Hale Kau Kau, the island’s only daily soup kitchen. The volunteer force is an integral part of the nonprofit’s mission to feed the hungry and the homeless, according to its Executive Director, Monsignor Terry Watanabe. He also serves as the pastor of St. Theresa Church where the kitchen operates 365 days of the year. “I think there’s a real sense of caring in South Maui, people really want to reach out and do something tangible.” Watanabe said. The soup kitchen off Lipoa Street marks its 20th anniversary this year. Watanabe noted that dozens of people — residents and visitors to the island — have contributed their time and talent to be sure that the kitchen never closes, not even for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
One of these volunteers is Gail Mitchell, who began donating time to the program 18 years ago while making family trips to Maui. When she retired here 8 years ago, she became even more involved in working in the kitchen and making deliveries to the homebound — the elderly, the sick and disabled — people who might not otherwise get a hot dinner. “My faith in the mission of the church is all the motivation I need,” says Mitchell. “Feeding the hungry fulfills such a basic human need. The bonus, for me, is working alongside other volunteers who really have a heart, and working with great kids doing community service, whether for school requirements, legal obligation, or to earn food stamps or housing assistance.”
Coordinators estimate they’ve served more than a million meals since Hale Kau Kau’s opening. In its outreach work, Hale Kau Kau collaborates with churches in South Maui to regularly collect and distribute nonperishable canned food and other items. The Hale Kau Kau program has only one paid full-time staff member, a lead cook and two part-time paid employees. “The rest is done by volunteers. People are generous,” Watanabe said. “Our hearts go out to the people we serve and to those who make Hale Kau Kau successful.” Food donations, monetary contributions and volunteer manpower are accepted at Hale Kau Kau year round. For more information, call 875-8754.
Sep 8, 2011 | Community
Parents at Kamali’i Elementary School in Kihei know that teachers don’t educate alone, and that’s why a group of them are launching a new tutoring program this month. It’s called “Study Buddies,” and instead of getting assistance with homework after school, students will be able to get help before the school day begins. “Children who are having difficulty finishing homework, grasping certain basic core concepts or those who need to practice with their reading or math skills can take advantage of this program,” said Rachel Christopher, one of the parents behind Study Buddies.
The program involves two volunteers per day devoting 25 minutes a morning from 8 to 8:25 a.m. Monday through Friday. As the program progresses, more volunteers may be needed.
Study Buddies does not replace after-school tutoring assistance nor the work of community volunteers and parents during the school day. Christopher, the mother of two children including a 4th-grader at Kamali’i Elementary, said she understands that it’s difficult for teachers to allot individual quality time with each of their students. “Children who are struggling often consume more of a teacher’s time, which leaves less attention for the rest of the class,” Christopher said.
The goal of Study Buddies is to help struggling students finish their homework and build their skills in the areas of reading, writing and math. Christopher said she believes every child deserves the opportunity to tap into their potential, but not all are able to because of varying situations including the lack of one-on-one time to build confidence in their academic skills. Study Buddies will be open to all grades. Tutoring will be conducted in the school library. Once the program gets under way, Christopher and the same group of parents hope to start a math club to support basic concepts and core math skills. To volunteer for Study Buddies, contact Rachel Christopher at 385-8885 or email at racheken[at]hawaii[dot]rr[dot]com.
Hunger and the holidays were on the minds of Focus Maui Nui Youth Alliance members as they sorted hundreds of donated canned goods at the Maui Food Bank. With Christmas only a few days away, about 15 high school students volunteered their time to learn about hunger in the community and how to help those who have very little to eat during the holiday. “When I think of hunger, I think of a big city like New York. It’s hard to picture hunger on Maui – but the reality is, it’s here too,” said Kristen Gilchrist, a 15-year-old sophomore at Lahainaluna High School. Kristen shared her thoughts about hunger as she scanned through cans of nonperishable items such as fruit cocktail, soups and pork and beans. “It’s hard for me to imagine what it’s like to be wondering where your next meal will come from because I’ve never had that. I’m fortunate, I’ve always had food,” Kristen said.
