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AI-Powered Marketing for Maui Businesses 

AI-Powered Marketing for Maui Businesses 

Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) recent Maui TechOhana meeting featured marketing expert and Baldwin High School alumna Jennifer Apy, who shared powerful lessons on digital marketing strategies using artificial intelligence (AI). Apy gave an instructive presentation, “Stories from the Marketing Battlefield: Wins and How We Earned Our Stripes,” to over 50 Maui entrepreneurs and small business owners.  

As a seasoned marketer for Fortune 500 brands, an Area Managing Partner for Chief Outsiders, and a certified speaker for Vistage, the world’s largest CEO coaching organization, Apy travels the country to support companies who are ready to accelerate growth. Taking advantage of her academic training in computer science, she also has experience co-founding a software company and is currently invested in a broad portfolio of startups. 

Apy explained, “My passion is for helping companies succeed and grow with go-to-market approaches,” she explained.Strategy, creativity, and resourcefulness lead to big wins. To attain top-line business results, it is key to know your customer and to reflect on your company’s ability to achieve competitive progress through blended insight, approach, and execution.” 

Ululani Shave Ice CEO David Yamashiro noted, “It’s important that all small business owners understand what AI is about and how to use it efficiently. No matter how successful a business is, owners need to stay updated on real-world tools to accelerate growth. Apy explained this well.” 

Kelli Myers from Real Broker added, “My passion lies in helping sellers navigate the market with confidence and ease. Learning new tools to use to communicate with my clientele is priceless. MEDB offers great workshops to help Maui’s small business and entrepreneur community.”  

Ron Viloria from iamakam.ai also shared, “As a small business owner, I wanted to explore how AI is revolutionizing business functions like marketing, sales, customer service, and operations to drive growth. MEDB continues to bring this kind of valuable technical assistance into our community.” 

MEDB’s Maui TechOhana provides informal networking opportunities open to anyone interested in tech-driven business strategies. Learn more at www.mauitechohana.com.  

Choosing the right digital channels, such as innovative applications of generative AI, can help deliver long-term profits.
Jennifer Apy, Area Managing Partner, and CMO Chief Outsiders

  

Student STEM Innovation Award Open for Applications

Student STEM Innovation Award Open for Applications

As part of the upcoming Ke Alahele Education Fund Benefit Dinner and Auction, Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) is seeking applications from local students for the Daniel K. Inouye Innovation Award. This award honors student projects that demonstrate the most innovative uses of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in service of the community.   

To support award recipients as they continue to learn and grow as STEM innovators, the winning individual or team will receive $5,000. Maui County public school students in grades 6-12 (as well as 2025 high school graduates) are eligible to apply. Interested students should submit their projects online prior to 11:59 pm on Monday, August 11 to be considered for the award. The winner will be announced at the Ke Alahele event on August 23, and all award finalists will be invited to attend the dinner as special guests. The submission form and more details about the award are available online at medbpathways.org/2025dkii.   

MEDB also continues to accept table reservations, auction donations, and sponsors for the Ke Alahele event. This annual fundraiser provides an unforgettable evening and also raises critical funds for STEM education programs and teachers throughout Maui County. These programs, serving students from kindergarten to college and beyond, help build stronger career pathways for Maui Nui residents. By attending the dinner, community members are helping to shape a brighter future for Maui Nui’s youth.   

Guests attending the fundraiser can also enjoy an exclusive room rate and a complimentary shuttle service from central Maui to the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort in Kā‘anapali where the event will take place. For more information and to book seats at the Ke Alahele fundraising dinner on August 23, visit www.medbpathways.org.

Makawao Stampede Barrel Racing Champions 

Makawao Stampede Barrel Racing Champions 

The Makawao Stampede is taking place once again this year, with three days of rodeo and live music events at the Oskie Rice Event Center from July 4-6. With its history dating back to the 1950’s, the small-town rodeo has preserved the cultural significance of horsemanship and the paniolo (cowboy) lifestyle in Hawaiʻi.  

A main rodeo attraction, barrel racing is a competition that shows true teamwork between rider and horse. The rider must be able to guide the horse effectively, while the horse must be responsive, athletic, and mentally prepared to navigate the cloverleaf pattern at speed. 

Rachel Cockett, the 2024 Makawao Stampede Women’s Barrel Racing Champion, said, “Women often gravitate towards barrel racing due to the sport’s unique blend of speed, precision, and the strong partnership between horse and rider. Barrel racing is a fast-paced, high-intensity sport that demands quick thinking and precise execution, providing a thrilling, challenging, rewarding, and competitive outlet for riders.”  

Cockett grew up on Maui and started riding horses when she was three years old. In 2021, she opened Barra Ranch in Kula, where she trains horses and riders in the skills she has learned. Cockett noted, “My vision is to create a place that I wish I had in my childhood, to give every ounce of knowledge to the kids to help them succeed, and also to become a better athlete myself.”  

Moorea Feliciano, the 2024 Makawao Stampede Rodeo Junior Barrel Racing Champion, added, “The Stampede offers a chance to see the skills of the local paniolo. I also love that we get a chance to show people how amazing and fun rodeo can be!” 

Feliciano, now 13 years old, started riding at the age of seven and began barrel racing at the age of nine. She says her greatest rodeo memory is winning the 2024 Junior Barrel Racing Championship and doing the victory lap on her horse, Buddy. “Every barrel racer dreams of that experience. My motto is to always have fun and keep my horses’ safety first.”  

For more information about the event and to buy tickets online, visit https://oskiericeeventcenter.com/events/.  

It’s important to have patience with this sport, put in your time and effort, and take advice from everybody who wants to help you. See you at the rodeo!
Moorea Feliciano, Junior Barrel Racing Champion, 2024 Makawao Stampede

MEDB’s Annual Ke Alahele Education Fund Dinner on August 23 

MEDB’s Annual Ke Alahele Education Fund Dinner on August 23 

Maui Economic Development Board, Inc. (MEDB) is hosting its annual Ke Alahele Education Fund Benefit Dinner and Auction, themed “Pathways to Our Future,” on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa in Kāʻanapali. The evening will begin with a reception and silent auction at 4:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. 

During the event, guests will have the opportunity to bid on a variety of items in the popular Apples for Education Auction, compete in teams during MEDB’s signature interactive game, and hear inspiring stories highlighting the remarkable accomplishments of students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).  

“Our community’s future depends on equipping the next generation with the skills to thrive,” said Leslie Wilkins, president and CEO of MEDB. “Through STEM education, we’re empowering our youth to become problem solvers, innovators, and leaders who will shape a resilient and prosperous future for our islands.” 

Proceeds from the event will directly support MEDB’s comprehensive STEM programs, which provide Maui Nui students with educational opportunities from kindergarten to career. These programs play a crucial role in shaping the students’ futures and fostering a thriving, resilient Maui. 

The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa in Kāʻanapali is offering a special room rate of $349-379 from August 22-24 for guests attending this year’s fundraising dinner. A complimentary shuttle service will also be available for guests traveling between Central Maui and the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort. To reserve dinner seats, become an event sponsor, or donate an item or gift card for the Apples for Education Auction, visit www.medbpathways.org, contact MEDB at 808-875-2300, or email pathways@medb.org

Maui County public school students in grades 6-12 (including those who graduated this spring) are also invited to submit STEM community service projects completed during the 2024-25 school year for the Daniel K. Inouye Innovation Award. The award finalists will be invited to attend the Ke Alahele Fund Dinner. The winning individual or team will receive $5,000 to support their school’s STEM programming. For more information, visit www.medbpathways.org/2025dkii.  

Online Marketing Expert presents for Maui TechOhana 

Online Marketing Expert presents for Maui TechOhana 

In a recent Maui TechOhana meeting, organized by Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) and supported by the County of Maui, Maui native Nick Ponte, founder of Myna Marketing, presented “How to Get Your Business Found on Google.” Ponte, an expert in digital advertising and marketing for local businesses, discussed practical, easy-to-implement strategies with the 43 in-person and 27 online attendees. 

In his power-packed session, Ponte, recognized by Pacific Business News as running Hawai’i’s second fastest-growing business in 2024, broke down simple, effective approaches to help attendees rank higher on Google search results and attract more customers. He explained that if a business isn’t showing up on Google‘s first page, it’s losing potential customers to competitors. 

“At Myna Marketing, we provide exceptional digital marketing services,” Ponte said. “We have helped over 500 local businesses grow their online presence and grow their revenue. It’s important to know whether SEO (search engine optimization) or Google Ads is the right fit for a business and how to optimize a website for local search and customer engagement. Simply put, it’s important to discover what is the right fit for each business to be relevant.” 

Ponte explained the fast-paced demands of competitive markets. Using some of his local clients as examples, he showed the biggest SEO mistakes business owners make and how to fix them, even for business owners who are not tech experts. In addition, he shared steps needed to boost online presence, such as how to optimize a website for local search, how to backlink, the importance of reviews, and customer engagement with Google My Business. 

“The internet has become the go-to method for individuals to get their information,” he noted. “Every day more users are utilizing search engines like Google, which is why more online presence is needed to succeed. Clientele need to locate your business quickly and easily.” 

Attendee Tara Lee from Tara Lee Photography shared, “I’m presently doing a complete rebrand of my business, so it was great to learn about SEO, Google Ads, and much more. It was a great learning experience.” 

Sherri McCollum from Maui Mermade Jewelry added, “I’ve been stuck with my website and Google placement. Nick explained everything in simple terms and now I understand what to do. If I need more help I’m going to hire him. Thanks, MEDB, for such an informative talk.” 

For information about future Maui TechOhana events, which are free and open to the public, visit https://www.medb.org/techohana/ to sign up for the Maui TechOhana mailing list. 

I have a passion for helping businesses thrive in the digital world and succeed in competitive markets.
Nick Ponte, Owner, Myna Marketing

Community Crafting with FRIENDS & FAIRE 

Community Crafting with FRIENDS & FAIRE 

Founded in 2019 in Wailuku, Jamie Anderson’s Friends & Faire (F&F) is an in-studio space where people can gather to create, learn, and share their craft. In 2023, F&F also began focusing on mobile workshops, bringing creative experiences to private parties, team building events, and pop-up locations. Now, F&F is settling into their new home on Market Street in Wailuku, where they’ll continue to cultivate a community of creativity. 

“Creativity, entrepreneurship, and teaching run in my family on both sides,” Anderson explained. “Together, my mom and dad, Arsie and Bruce, have made F&F possible by fueling my own creativity. I started making gifts, clothing, and jewelry at a young age with my artsy mom and helped her sell at numerous craft fairs. That led to eventually selling my own creations. Occasionally, mom teaches a workshop or two and is the best helper for big workshops. My retired school-principal dad has his hand on every wood piece that is used for workshops, from sourcing the wood to cutting and sanding every piece.” 

As a part-time middle school art teacher, Anderson has gained much experience as an instructor with community connections. She loves crafting and making memories with everyone who signs up for a workshop. “I love creating something cool with my clients,” she noted. “F&F presents classes for adults and keiki, which include ceramics, wood burning, stenciled wood signs, block print, mixed media, lei-making, and numerous other craft-related items. We love hosting birthday parties, girls’ night out, bridal/baby showers, bachelorette parties, staff holiday parties, or team-building activities with community members. We can create a craft experience that caters to any group, no matter the size.” 

Anderson’s vision is to have a community of crafters and artists in her new space, both making and selling crafts. “We can plan something in our Wailuku space or a location of choice,” she added. “Let’s plan a creative gathering! F&F is the right place for those who like to make all kinds of things.” Upcoming workshops include a Keiki Craft Camp on May 26 and Upcycle Crafts workshops every Saturday from 10am-12pm.  

For more information, visit online at https://www/friendsandfaire.com or follow F&F on Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/friendsandfaire/.

Workshops are led by talented Maui artists, crafters, and teachers. Whether in our new space or a private home, workplace, or event venue, we welcome all fellow makers!
Jamie Anderson, Founder and Owner, Friends & Faire

STEM Activities at Maui Matsuri Children’s Festival

STEM Activities at Maui Matsuri Children’s Festival

Maui’s youth are taking center stage at this year’s Maui Matsuri Children’s Festival. The free multicultural events will take place on Saturday, May 10, at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center, and this year’s event will feature Maui Economic Development Board’s STEMworks AFTERschool program with students and teachers from across Maui County. The students will showcase a variety of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) projects through hands-on activities that honor both Hawaiian culture and STEM innovation. 

Each STEMworks AFTERschool site will host a table featuring interactive displays and student-led presentations. Participating schools and activities will include: 

  • Iao Intermediate: honoring Mother’s Day through a hula performance and tribute to Queen Liliʻuokalani and presenting projects in coding, entrepreneurship, and healthcare 
  • Kalama Intermediate: hosting a special hula performance as well as robotics, art, 3D printing showcase, and optical illusion photo and video activities 
  • Lokelani Intermediate: providing beaded bracelet activities and a showcase of digital art, interactive student video games, and 3D printed designs 
  • Maui Waena: highlighting media and entrepreneurship student projects 
  • Molokai Middle: showcasing native Hawaiian plants and agriculture, robotics 
  • Pukalani Elementary: providing introductory STEM activities and robotics demonstrations 

This community event is a chance to support local students and see the impact of the STEMworks AFTERschool program. Families, educators, and community members are all invited to enjoy the day, celebrate keiki, and be inspired by local STEM students’ talent and dedication to learning.  

The festival will start at 10am, with other performances and activities including a Chinese lion dance, a cultural parade, a Bayanihan folk dance, and a wide variety of craft tables run by local organizations. For more information about the Maui Matsuri Children’s Festival, including the event schedule, visit https://mauimatsuri.com/. To learn more about the STEMworks AFTERschool program, visit https://www.stemworkshawaii.org/afterschool.  

Community members are also invited to mark their calendars for the Maui Matsuri Japanese Festival, which will take place on Saturday, May 24 from 3pm to 9pm at UH Maui College. 

 

12th Hawaii Energy Co + Exhibition Offering Solutions

12th Hawaii Energy Co + Exhibition Offering Solutions

As local, national and international communities navigate a changing energy landscape, the 12th annual Hawaii Energy Conference brings industry leaders together to offer solutions addressing the most pressing energy challenges of today.

Featuring ten dynamic panels and one Deep Dive session over two days, the program will cover topics ranging from utility-scale renewable energy deployment to community-based initiatives, and the economics and advancements of grid independence. Discussions will also tackle energy efficiency, sustainable financing strategies, alternative energy sources, job creation, training, and more.

Complementing the main stage discussions, the new Deep Dive session provides an intimate setting for up to 40 participants to engage directly with experts and explore complex issues like time-of-use rates.

The Hawaii Energy Conference offers networking and exhibiting opportunities to connect with key stakeholders, industry experts, innovators, policymakers and more. Join us on Maui to gain insights, share ideas, and collaborate on actionable solutions to building a sustainable future for Hawaii and beyond.

For details and registration visit https://hawaiienergyconference.com  

We are honored to have Governor Green join us as the keynote speaker at this year’s Hawaii Energy Conference.
Jacqui Hoover, Conference Chair and Executive Director and COO Hawaii Island Economic Development Board (HIEDB); and President Hawaii Leeward Planning

Sam Ka’ai: A Maui Treasure

Sam Ka’ai: A Maui Treasure

For the 20th Annual Invitational Art Exhibit, “Celebration of Hawaiʻi 2025,” at Viewpoints Gallery in Makawao, painter Suzy Papanikolas highlights the life of master carver and Native Hawaiian historian Sam Kaʻai in her artwork. “Kaʻai is someone I greatly admire,” said Papanikolas. “He truly believed navigation was done and could still be done by the stars and that the Hōkūleʻa voyage would serve as a cultural revitalization of Hawaiians and other Polynesians.” 

Born in Hāna and brought up in Kaupō, Kaʻai’s family grew their own food and made many items by hand using traditional Hawaiian techniques and tools. Sam Low, author of Hawaiki Rising: Hōkūleʻa, Nainoa Thompson, and the Hawaiian Renaissance, explains, “Sam’s father and grandfather made canoes. Sam continued in this tradition, although as a carver of fine sculpture. He used adzes, files and drills that came down to him from his ancestors. They were fashioned a century or two ago.” 

As a carver, Kaʻai became involved in the now world-renowned Hōkūleʻa project led by Herb Kāne. “In 1973, Kaʻai went to Maui Community College to listen to Herb’s talk…later, a letter arrived from Herb: ‘If you come from a canoe family, please dream and make your own design for the kiʻi,’” writes Low. “Sam carved two kiʻi — a man and a woman. The female figure would be lashed to the port manu, the male kiʻi to the starboard. When Sam carved the male figure he fashioned his hands reaching up to the heavens in supplication.” 

In the years that followed, Kaʻai grew to be a highly respected Hawaiian artisan, cultural expert, and community leader. He sailed as a crew member aboard the Hōkūleʻa in 1978, 1980, and 1985 and planned the 1991 celebration of unification at Puʻukoholā Heiau, a national historic site on the Big Island. Recognized as a Living Treasure of the Hawaiian People by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs in 2017, Kaʻai continues his work as an historian to preserve rare Hawaiian artifacts. Tragically, many of these priceless cultural treasures and documents were lost when the Nā ‘Aikāne o Maui Cultural Center was destroyed during the 2023 Lahaina wildfire. 

Papanikolas’s painting celebrates Kaʻai’s ongoing legacy, featuring the kiʻi that Kaʻai carved for the Hōkūleʻa over 50 years ago. An online gallery of her work can be found on her website, https://www.papanik.com/. The Viewpoints Gallery’s “Celebration of Hawaiʻi 2025” exhibit in Makawao, featuring over 40 artists, is open until the end of April. 

My painting is a tribute to the ancestors and the revival of a whole culture, of which Kaʻai is a representative.
Suzy Papanikolas, Artist