Nov 6, 2019 | Education, Events
This past summer, three Maui High School students, Jazmyne Viloria, Cailyn Omuro, and Faith Soliven were chosen from over 100 applicants to attend a week-long immersive, real-world journalism experience with the PBS NewsHour in Washington DC. They were among youth journalists from 14 states who attended the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs’ (SRL) fifth annual Academy.
“It was an amazing experience in broadcasting,” said SRL mentor, chaperone and previous teacher of the girls, Jennifer Suzuki, Maui Waena STEMworks™ advisor. “The students worked alongside journalism educators and public media mentors to produce original youth-driven digital content while honing their journalism and production skills through a series of specialized workshops.”
In partnership with the National Association for Media Literacy Education, the stories produced by the SRL group were showcased at a special screening at the Newseum. “These students learn how to create, collaborate and find their voice by producing, writing, and editing a story in a matter of days,” said Elis Estrada, director of SRL. “Their worlds open up when they arrive in DC and by the end of the academy, they realize that they’ve found other teenagers who are passionate about video storytelling, as well as the motivation to teach what they learned to their peers in the new school year.”
Viloria from Maui High reflected, “Storytelling gives me more than just a creative outlet. Capturing the moments and creating the story gives me a new passion, perspective, and peregrination. Youth media is the answer to showing the world what us kids are capable of.”
Soliven added, “I get a rewarding feeling when I can give someone a voice by sharing their story. To create change in our communities and in the world, I am inspired to dive deep into both sides of sources to find truth with integrity. It is important that a voice is given to our youth.”
Omuro agreed, “I’ve met so many amazing people and learned so much through storytelling. By helping the next generation get into media we are creating the future in a way that can help everyone. Youth media can change the world!”
The girls worked in groups with students from across the nation to create stories on youth in DC. They are learning how to fill a critical gap, providing coverage and insights on issues affecting their generation.
Jennifer Suzuki, PBS SRL chaperone, teacher and mentor, Maui Waena Intermediate School STEMworks™ advisor
Oct 16, 2019 | Events
As a global leader in Alzheimer’s research, the Alzheimer’s Association® leads through innovation, bringing together government, industry, and academia to advance global collaboration of researchers. Together, they work on causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
In Hawaii, the Alzheimer’s Association® Aloha Chapter mission is to provide care and support for everyone affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Alzheimer’s, the sixth most prevalent disease in the United States, takes more lives than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.
“On Maui, we have unique challenges and limited resources,” said Christine Spencer, Regional Coordinator, Maui County. “The average cost to take care of someone living with Alzheimer’s disease is over 150,000 dollars a year. This, compounded with Maui’s high cost of living and lack of affordable housing, puts families on the island in really tough situations.”
The Alzheimer’s Association® strives to offer support services to families around the clock, with a 24/7 hotline for crisis or questions. This can be done by telephone or in-person by scheduling an appointment. They offer free care consultations that assist in planning for and coping with the disease, as well as professional trainings. Year-round educational classes are offered in topics ranging from legal and financial planning to understanding dementia-related behaviors.
“It is important that caregivers know that they are not alone,” Spencer said. “There are 65,000 people in Hawaii who are caregivers, an unpaid job that could be considered one of the most difficult jobs out there. We encourage people to join one of our support groups or classes. We all have so much to learn from each other when it comes to fighting this disease— leading the way to Alzheimer’s first survivors.”
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s starts at 8 a.m. on Saturday October 26th, 2019, at the Boys and Girls Club in Kahului. “It is a special event that recognizes people who have the disease, loved ones lost to the disease, and the thousands of caregivers in the community,” said Spencer. “We believe that, together, we can fight Alzheimer’s and find a cure!”
We have an incredibly generous community on Maui. With their support, and with the funds we raise at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, we are expanding our efforts to unreached communities in Molokai and Hana. For more information contact: Christine Spencer at 808-591-2771 ext. 8235 or go to www.alz.org/hawaii.
Christine Spencer, Alzheimer’s Association® Regional Coordinator, Maui County
Aug 7, 2019 | Environment, Events, Sustainability
The first community forum on 100% Renewable Energy: What Will Maui Look Like? took place recently at the Cameron Center in Kahului. Coming on the heels of the 2019 Hawaii Energy Conference and Exhibition, the standing-room only event, presented by Maui Electric Company (MECO) in partnership with Maui Tomorrow and the Sierra Club, outlined the challenges and some solutions for Maui’s renewable future.
“We’ll have different ideas on how to achieve our clean energy future,” said Sharon Suzuki, president of Maui County and Hawai’i Island Utilities. “Achieving the goal of 100 percent renewables by 2045 requires all of us working together. As Maui Electric starts to put more bids out to procure more renewable energy projects for the island, it will require informed energy developers, available land resources, and ongoing dialogue with our communities, regulators and government leaders.”
Moderator Mahina Martin, Manager, Government and Community Relations at Maui Electric, led the forum featuring the following panelists: Kumu Kapono’ai Molitau, Kumu Hula; Albert Perez, Executive Director, Maui Tomorrow Foundation; Chris Reynolds, System Operations Director, Maui Electric Company; Alex De Roode, Energy Commissioner, County of Maui; Dana Sato, Asset Management Director, Kamehameha Schools; and Rob Weltman, Chairperson, Sierra Club Maui Group.
Weltman said, “Maui can and must be powered by carbon-neutral, local, environmentally friendly technologies, including solar and wind. Contributing to sea level rise and extreme weather events through continued dependence on fossil fuels is not an option for our vulnerable island community.”
Perez described a community solar program. “The project provides solar energy to residential and commercial customers without access to privately-owned rooftop solar, including many renters and apartment dwellers.”
De Roode, on electrification of transportation, said, “Ground transportation today accounts for one quarter of Hawaii’s fossil fuels consumption and over one quarter of greenhouse gas emissions. MECO is focused on initiatives to advance the switch from gasoline to electric vehicles, helping to reduce Hawaii’s dependence on imported oil.”
Molitau and Sato agreed, “It is our malama ‘aina to care for the land− physically and spiritually. Together, we must understand the need to preserve and protect our natural resources for our future generations.”
As of 2019, private rooftop and utility-scale solar, biofuel and wind resources boosted the amount of renewable energy used to generate electricity in Maui County to 38 percent. We’ve exceeded the state’s goal of 30 percent renewables by 2020, lowered greenhouse gas emissions from our generators, and reduced the amount of oil we used.
Sharon Suzuki, President of Maui County and Hawai’i Island Utilities
Jul 17, 2019 | Events
Enjoy a festive evening of food, fun and camaraderie this Labor Day weekend while investing in STEM education. MEDB invites you to the annual fundraising dinner, “Pathways To Our Future.”
- BID on over 150 fabulous items during the Apples for Education Auction
- COMPETE in teams during MEDB’s signature interactive game
- ENJOY memorable presentations by Maui County’s STEM stars
- CONGRATULATE this year’s student and teacher award winners
Proceeds go to advance MEDB’s STEM programs from kindergarten to careers; as well as enabling MEDB to continue to pursue meaningful pathways that benefit the lives of our residents in Maui County and statewide.
Where: Wailea Beach Resort–Marriott, Maui
When: Saturday, August 31, 2019
4:30 pm: Reception and Silent Auction
6:00 pm: Dinner and Live Auction
Individual seats are $200.
Sponsorship opportunities are available.
For information and reservations, please visit: www.medb.org/KAH
Apr 3, 2019 | Environment, Events, Small Business
The 3rd Annual Hawaii Small Business Conference will be held at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on May 8 & 9, 2019, presented by the Maui Economic Development Board with the support of County of Maui Office of Economic Development. Business owners, managers, start-ups and entrepreneurs interested in increasing their business knowledge, sharpening their professional skills, expanding their business network, and taking their business to the next level are encouraged to attend.
Listen to experts and business owners on employee engagement, technology in business, video marketing, data protection, success planning, tax strategies and more.
Learn more at www.hawaiismall.biz
Mar 6, 2019 | Environment, Events, Small Business
Hawaii has experienced enormous growth in distributed energy resources, primarily photovoltaic systems. This year’s conference will take an in-depth look at the innovative policies and technologies that continue to allow rapid growth in PV, and will compare Hawaii solutions with those in Colorado, California and other states. We will also ask what the right blend of fossil fuel and renewable energy sources is for the portion of our economy not covered by the Renewable Portfolio Standard. Come join the discussion at one of the nation’s leading energy conferences.
Jan 2, 2019 | Events
Akaku Maui Community Media presented its 5th Maui Walk of Heroes with a ‘Hands and Feet in Cement Ceremony’ honoring this year’s special guests, Former Maui County Councilwoman Chair Gladys Baisa; former Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) CEO and president Jeanne Skog; and Uncle Les Kuloloio, defender of Makena and treasured kupuna.
In the most outstanding outdoor party of the year, three of Maui Nui’s favorite heroes were proudly enshrined alongside previous inductees. “We are honored to enshrine the handprints and footprints of these Maui Nui true heroes in cement,” said Jay April, CEO and president of Akaku. “The positive influences that Gladys, Jeanne and Uncle Les have had on keeping Maui No Ka Oi is immeasurable. It is hard to imagine life on Maui without their amazing contributions to our common good.”
Baisa said, “I’m honored to be a hero at Akaku. I’ve always liked to bring people together to focus on a goal. I’m Ms. Fix It! If there’s a community problem, I’ll find a way to get involved because that’s what aloha is all about. If you want to do it well, you must commit your life to the job. My advice to the youth of today is to focus on appreciation. Be kind and do what’s right.”
Skog added, “I too am humbled to be honored by Akaku. For 33 years I was inspired by MEDB’s mission to solve problems in the community by building a stronger economy for a better quality of life in Maui County. I had a lot of support at MEDB where everyone works together. I’m now volunteering in the community and consulting—my way to ‘Pay it Forward.’ My advice for today’s youth is, ‘Be Fearless!’”
Also honored to be at Akaku, Uncle Les concluded, “For me it’s all about family and community, protecting sacred places, and how we all fit together. Live the true meaning of ‘aloha’ and be a true keeper of the culture, with a deep sense of kuleana. Our youth need to overcome obstacles, stand firm, and love one another.”
It was wonderful to be part of MEDB’s vision to lead and inspire innovation in business, education, and technology, helping to lead the community toward building a vibrant economy. What a joy to be honored at Akaku with Gladys and Uncle Les!
Jeanne Skog, MEDB Former CEO & President
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
Mar 14, 2018 | Environment, Events, Small Business
Keynote speaker Karen McCullough
Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), in collaboration with Maui County’s Office of Economic Development, will present their 2nd Annual Hawaii Small Business Conference at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului on May 2-3, 2018. The event, coinciding with National Small Business Week, recognizes the contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. This year’s theme, Plan, Build, Grow: Mapping A Pathway to Success, provides an opportunity to take any business to the next level, whether a one-person enterprise or a large-size company. Attendees will learn key strategies from national and local business leaders, in sessions, workshops and exhibits, on topics such as Business Growth, Customer Service, Entrepreneurial Psychology; Innovation, Tax Strategies, Social Media Management, and more.
According to Teena Rasmussen, Director of County of Maui Office of Economic Development, “Business owners are so busy working they rarely take time to reflect about their daily business or fly to a mainland conference. The Hawaii Small Business Conference offers owners a very affordable way to receive cutting edge information by nationally known speakers right here on Maui.”
Among this year’s presenters will be keynote speaker Karen McCullough, a well-known customer and employee engagement expert who inspires change in the workplace. McCullough helps organizations and leaders cut through generational stereotypes by leveraging their team’s strengths, enriching the work environment, and driving better results. For the last 15 years she has been developing creative solutions and implementing innovative methods inspiring people to connect, collaborate, and welcome change. Each of her presentations brings a realistic perspective on the future of a business.
During the Hawaii Small Business Conference, McCullough will speak on the topic “Going Beyond Your Brand—Delivering WOW Service”. She will focus on how businesses are redefining their mission and vision as their brands expand into customer and employee engagement. McCullough believes, “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. The way you get beyond the brand is through employee and customer interaction.”
For a schedule of speakers, workshops, and online registration visit www.HawaiiSmall.Biz. For sponsorship and exhibition opportunities, email smallbiz@medb.org or call (808) 875-2300
MEDB High Tech Maui
