As part of preparations and festivities for the upcoming Ke Alahele Education Fund Benefit Dinner and Auction, Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) is now accepting applications 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 2024 high school graduates) are eligible to apply. Interested students should submit their projects online prior to 11:59 pm on October 13 to be considered for the award. The submission form and more details are available here: https://shorturl.at/tdVOy.
MEDB also continues to accept seat 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 educators throughout Maui County. These programs, serving students from kindergarten to career, 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 (starting at $349 for a garden view room) at the Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, available for stays from Friday, October 25, to Sunday, October 27. This offer ends on October 7. For room reservations, contact Mary Osorno at Mary.Osorno@waileabeachresort.com or call 808-874-7879.
For more information and to book seats at the Ke Alahele fundraising dinner on October 26, visit www.medbpathways.org.
Part of MEDB’s mission is to empower the next generation of innovators. The Ke Alahele Education Fund Dinner and Auction celebrates that mission, bringing our community together to support vital STEM programs that change lives.
Leslie Wilkins
President and CEO
Maui Economic Development Board
St. John’s 39th Annual Kula Festival is the place to be on Saturday, September 21st. An upcountry tradition, the festival is returning after last year’s cancellation due to the August 2023 wildfires. The festival began in October 1982 as a fundraising event to support both St. John’s Church and various partner charity organizations. At its peak prior to the pandemic, the event saw 2,500 attendees each year.
“All the much-loved local artists and crafters, wide variety of food for sale, produce, plants, baked goods, keiki zone, silent auction, quilt show, and the gift shop will return,” said Maui artist and festival co-chair Deb Lynch. “For the first time, several fine art paintings will be exhibited, and there will be pony rides for the kids as well. The all-day live music and entertainment, hosted by Manaʻo Radio, includes Isle of Maui Pipe Band, Cheryl Rae, Jamie Lawrence, Kawika Ortiz, Steve Grimes, Benny Uyetake, Halau Hula, and Wehena o ke Ao.”
Festival co-chair Joseph Cascio added, “This year our St. John’s leadership team decided a portion of our net proceeds will be shared with the Kula Community Watershed Alliance (KCWA). This critical watershed has been seriously destabilized and is now at risk in the aftermath of the wildfire. Neighbors immediately joined together to commit to the recovery and long-term stewardship of this special place.” To further support recovery and land stewardship efforts, the festival will be a zero-waste event.
The KCWA’s executive director, Sara Tekula, explained, “In August 2023, approximately 230 acres of the Waiakoa watershed in Upper Kula, including over 23 homes and dozens of structures and trees, were burned in the fire. With the guidance of ecological and cultural advisors, the KCWA strives to restore the ecological identity of this area through careful sourcing of seeds within our ahupuaʻa, nearby habitat preserves, and saplings that have origins nearby. Remembering the Hawaiian proverb, ʻaʻohe hana nui ke alu ʻia (no task is too big when done together by all), we are grateful that St. John’s recognized us and the work that we are doing. This is a great honor for us.”
The festival will take place on Saturday, September 21st, from 9am to 4pm at St. John’s Church (8992 Kula Highway across from Keokea Park). Admission is $2. For more information, visit stjohnsmaui.org/kulafestival and kulacommunitywatershed.org.
All are welcome to enjoy a fun day at the festival and help us support the Kula Community Watershed Alliance!
Deb Lynch and Joseph Cascio
Kula Festival Co-Chairs
Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) is excited to host its annual Ke Alahele STEM Education Fund Benefit Dinner & Auction on October 26 at the Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui. This year’s event, themed “Pathways to Our Future,” will bring the community together to celebrate and support Maui County’s youth as they explore educational and career pathways in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
The evening will begin at 4:30 pm with a reception, during which attendees can participate in the much-anticipated Apples for Education Silent Auction. Adding an element of fun and excitement, the evening will also feature MEDB’s signature STEM trivia game.
Throughout the evening, guests will be inspired by stories from local students who have been guided by MEDB’s comprehensive and free STEMworks educational programming, which includes afterschool activities, field trips, summer camps, and paid internships. These young innovators represent the future of Maui, showcasing the profound impact that community-supported education can have on their lives. Their achievements are a testament to the power of investments in STEM to create pathways that lead to success.
Proceeds from the event will directly support STEM programs, which provide Maui Nui students with opportunities from kindergarten to college and beyond. For more information on sponsorship opportunities and to make reservations, visit www.medbpathways.org.
Investing in STEM education is investing in our future. By equipping our youth with the skills and knowledge they need to face a wide range of challenges, we’re strengthening our community and ensuring a vibrant and sustainable future for our islands.
The Japanese proverb, Ichi-go Ichi-e (literally, “one time, one meeting”), invites us totreasure the unrepeatable nature of a moment. That was the recent experience of Deidre Tegarden, Executive Director of Nisei Veterans Memorial Center (NVMC), who shared tea with the 101-year-old, fifteenth-generation Grand Master of Tea, Dr. Genshitsu Sen. He performed a special tea ceremony at the Wailuku Hongwanji to honor all who were lost during the August 2023 wildfires. It was both solemn and reflective as Dr. Sen presented tea to the altar. After the ceremony, attendees were invited to take tea and sweets in the community hall, hosted by Chado Urasenke Tenkokai Maui Association.
“Prior to the ceremony, Dr. Sen greeted members of the audience, shaking hands and sharing conversation,” said Tegarden. “We had planned to gift Dr. Sen a box of 3-D architectural hand-drawn blueprints of Urasenke Tea rooms from across Japan. These drawings had been gifted to the NVMC by the estate of the late artist Emi Fukuzawa, and we thought perhaps they belonged back in Japan with the Grand Master, Dr. Sen.”
When Dr. Sen saw the drawings, he became quite enthusiastic, pointing out names of his ancestors including one who helped to bring the tea ceremony to the greater community and make it accessible to those besides the nobility. The drawings date back 400 years and are considered National Treasures.
“Dr. Sen insisted that the NVMC keep these historical documents in our archive for posterity,” Tegarden noted. “It is our privilege to be the caretakers of these precious items.”
Chado, or “the way of tea,” is more than an artistic ceremony; it is a way of life with ethical and religious significance. The ideals underlying the way of tea are wa (harmony), kei (respect), sei (purity), and jaku (tranquility).
“The spirit of the way of tea has been imparted to people worldwide,” Tegarden added. “The expression, ‘peacefulness through a bowl of tea’ is the phrase that is used to express this goal. It is hoped that this knowledge will reach far and wide around the globe.”
How wonderful if the ideals of the way of tea might further contribute to the attainment of genuine world peace and happiness, the mutual goal of all humanity.
Deidre Tegarden,
Executive Director, Nisei Veterans Memorial Center
Maui is preparing for a cherished tradition. The Makawao Stampede begins on Friday July 5th and continues through the holiday weekend at the Oskie Rice Event Center in Makawao. Since its inception in 1956, the Stampede has attracted multitudes of spectators and competitors. This year, contenders are coming from other islands, the mainland, and as far away as Australia to compete in a variety of events.
Attendees will experience the thrill of barrel racing, where horse and rider attempt to run a cloverleaf pattern in the fastest time around preset barrels. Jayci Jay Rice, the 2023 Makawao Stampede Match Barrel Champion, explained, “Running barrels produces an amazing connection with my horse. My adrenaline rush goes straight to my horse and together we give it our all. There’s nothing like it!”
Team roping, another favorite, involves teamwork between two skilled ropers, a header and a heeler, and their horses, as they work together to rope a steer in the fastest time possible. The Bull Bash, one of the most exhilarating events, involves a rider getting on a bucking bull and attempting to stay mounted for eight seconds while touching the bull with only their riding hand.
“This takes enormous strength, determination, and true grit,” said Noah Foti, a Makawao Stampede bull riding champion, owner of Rowdy Outdoors, and founder of the new nonprofit, Rowdy Rodeo. “I love the competition and the comradery at the Stampede. You can feel all the love and support that our community brings to make it all happen. These events, and others, showcase the skill and courage required in the world of rodeo.”
At Rowdy Outdoors, Foti provides the best gear for Hawaiʻi’s athletes. His new nonprofit, Rowdy Rodeo, aims to give underprivileged keiki riding opportunities that are not available anywhere else in Hawaiʻi. “I would like to give our youth a chance to ride horses and compete in rodeo events by offering something I wish was available when I was young.”
For rodeo information and tickets, go to www.etix.com or www.oskiericeeventcenter.com.
This year’s Makawao Stampede has something for everyone, including sheep riding for the keiki!
Noah Foti, Champion Bull Rider Rowdy Outdoors and Rowdy Rodeo
The 56th Annual Makawao Parade, to be held on June 29that 9am in Makawao town, is a much-anticipated event each year. The parade kicks off a week of festivities filled with tradition, community spirit, and the vibrant culture of the Upcountry paniolo (cowboy) lifestyle. More than just a show, the parade demonstrates the town’s deep connection to its paniolo roots, blending its rich history with authentic experience for residents and visitors alike. “The parade, a much-treasured tradition, began decades ago as mounted units only,” said Maile J. Masada, the Director of Facility Operations for Oskie Rice Event Center. “Now, it includes floats, walking units, classic cars, marching bands, special tributes, and more.”
Cattle were first introduced to the islands in the 1790s, and ranching began to flourish in the mid-to-late 1800s. Mexican vaqueros (cowboys) helped Hawaiian ranchers as they learned to herd, breed, and slaughter cattle. During this time, a new Hawaiian cowboy or “paniolo” culture (originating from the Hawaiian pronunciation of “Español”) emerged as an integral part of Upcountry life.
The Makawao Parade and Stampede is a continuation of this history. Masada noted, “There is an event every day either in Makawao town or at the Oskie Arena after the parade, closing with the Makawao Stampede on the 4th of July weekend.” With spectators lining the streets, the parade route starts on Baldwin Avenue near the Veterans Cemetery, turns right onto Makawao Avenue, and ends on Makani Road near Kalama School.
This year’s Grand Marshal is paniolo Eugene DeRego. “Born and raised on Maui, DeRego grew up riding horses, competing in roping, motorcross, and drag racing, where he won many titles,” Masada explained. “There will also be a loving commemoration for special honoree Gladys Baisa, a cherished member of the Makawao community whose legacy continues to inspire.”
Following the parade, the Parade in the Country Concert will take place from 12-5pm at the Oskie Rice Event Center. There will be food, craft vendors, and an assortment of live entertainment including Jordan Soon Wai-Knot, Hālau Keʻala Kahinano O Puna, and Te Ohi Nui. Masada added, “Thanks to our many sponsors, we have set the stage for an unforgettable parade and holiday celebration!”
Come join us as we celebrate our local culture and traditions during the week of festivities! For more information, visit makawaoparade.com
Maile J. Masada Director of Facility Operations, Oskie Rice Event Center
This spring, Maui Economic Development Board’s STEMworks™ program organized three Healthcare Exploration Day events with Maui Health. The events, hosted by the Maui Health team at Maui Memorial Medical Center (MMMC) and made possible by generous funding from the County of Maui, aimed to inspire and educate students from middle and high school campuses across Maui, Molokai, and Lāna’i. In total, 11 schools, 260 students, and 20 healthcare professionals participated in hands-on activities, seeing first-hand how students can make a difference in their communities by learning life-saving skills.
The events began with moving pules by Kumu Iolani Kuoha and Kumu Luana Kawa’a, which acknowledged the land served by Maui Nui’s healthcare professionals. The students then learned about the dangers of distracted driving from MMMC nursing staff. Additional breakout sessions were held on stop the bleed skills, hands-on compressions, automated external defibrillator (AED) use, recognizing signs of stroke, trauma resuscitation techniques, the role of respiratory therapy in healthcare, imaging technology, and volunteer opportunities at the hospital.
The third event in the series also featured Marian Horikawa-Barth, Chief Nurse Executive for MMMC. She spoke to the students about her role and the critical need in Maui County for more medical professionals. “As we face a growing shortage of healthcare professionals, this event is not just an educational opportunity, but a crucial step towards inspiring the next generation,” said Lalaine Pasion, STEMworks program specialist. “By bringing together Maui’s health professionals to demonstrate a variety of medical fields, we aimed to spark interest in healthcare careers at an early age.”
Lynn A. Fulton, Maui Health CEO, noted, “Maui Health provides a great opportunity for students to be able to build a career. There is nothing like seeing what happens in a hospital through interactions with the people who work here.”
Maui Health Human Resources Leader Tara K. Cole shared, “Healthcare Exploration Day is designed to provide students, who are interested in healthcare but are perhaps not sure which field will best suit their gifts and goals, a chance to learn about all that our programs have to offer. Positions are available right out of high school.”
For more information, visit mauiheath.org/careers online or call 808-242-2251 on Wednesdays to speak to a recruiter.
I’m very interested in the medical field. Today I learned the importance of vital life-saving skills and that emergencies can happen to anyone, at any time. I want to be prepared!
Jaiden Ibañez, 8th grader, Maui Waena Intermediate School
In a world where extreme weather events are increasing in severity and frequency, prioritizing energy resilience for homes, businesses, and communities is the only path forward to maintain a reliable and accessible supply of energy. Done properly, resilient energy systems can also improve health, comfort, and affordability.
The 11th Hawaii Energy Conference (HEC) on May 22 and 23 will explore cutting-edge solutions to improve resilience in the face of a rapidly changing climate. Hear from experts on topics such as whether biofuels can really support resilience while lowering carbon emissions and how resilience planning can prioritize historically marginalized and disadvantaged communities. The HEC will also provide an update from the Legislature and a discussion of the pros and cons of undergrounding and insulating electrical lines.
Distributed energy resources (DERs), including photovoltaic coupled with batteries, are critical tools for strengthening energy resilience in this volatile operating environment, and the HEC will highlight several flexible and wide-ranging applications for DERs already deployed to support housing on Maui since the August 2023 fires. The HEC brings together experts and thought leaders to connect and explore the latest advancements shaping the energy landscape world-wide. Join us at the MACC as we talk story about risk management, grid stability, and adaptive solutions that ensure a reliable and resilient energy supply.
A World Peace Event, presented by Mindfulness Presentations, Films and Concert, will be held on Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24 at the Iao Theater in Wailuku. The fundraiser for Keola Beamer’s Mohala Hou Foundation, whose mission is to spread aloha around the world, will include a full weekend program. On Saturday the 23rd, the presentation kicks off at 1pm with the film Himalayan Prayer for World Peace 3D by PBS award-winning Maui filmmaker and humanitarian, Dr. Tom Vendetti, and a stage presentation on World Peace and Compassion byTibetan Flautist Nawang Khechog. The event will continue with a panel discussion on Telescopes, Microscopes and Human Consciousness, followed by two additional films.
On Sunday the 24th, the World Peace Concert begins at 3pm with Maui born and raised slack key master, Jeff Peterson and Khechog, plus Dr. Vendetti’s film: Tibetan Illusion Destroyer 3D. “Peterson, the son of a paniolo at Haleakala Ranch, was exposed to the sounds of slack key at an early age,” Vendetti noted. “His style fuses traditional slack key with elements of classical and jazz guitar, styles at which he is also adept. His most recent solo album, Maui on My Mind,shows his love for the island. His concerto for slack key guitar, Malama ‘Aina, has three movements dedicated to the three volcanoes in Hawaii, Haleakala, Kilauea, and Mauna Loa.”Peterson commented, “I am proud of the rich heritage of Hawaiian music my father introduced me to. In addition to performing, I have taught guitar online during the pandemic and at the University of Hawaii. Playing slack key has brought me peace. I strive to share this peace with others in Hawaii and worldwide.”
Khechog, born in Tibet and a frequent Maui visitor, is a self-taught musician, Tibetan flute player and composer. It has been said that his sublime flute playing defies time, leaving one speechless.“One of the marvels of music is that it cultivates kindness, compassion, and love,” said Khechog.“These precious human values are the foundation of true happiness. They are at the core of peaceful coexistence with one another and with our environment.”
I am honored to be part of this World Peace Event. The initiative serves to make the world a better place through music, film and aloha.
Dr. Tom Vendetti, Maui Filmmaker & Humanitarian
