The Hawaiʻi State Public Library System is now modernized. New resources such as e-books and audiobooks are accessible via user-friendly apps on smartphones. This modern approach allows patrons to borrow materials without waiting in line or even stepping foot inside if they prefer digital access. The library inspires curiosity and creates opportunities for all to read, learn, and connect with almost any subject imaginable. Rooted in the ʻohana spirit, the library embodies aloha, cultural richness, and the environmental beauty of Hawaiʻi through its books, digital collections, community programming, and welcoming spaces. It boasts an extensive collection that spans many genres, from standard references to contemporary fiction and much more.
“We also have a new, fully operational library on wheels, Holo Holo Bookmobile, that visits schools, senior centers, and community sites,” said Tracy Latimer, Kihei Library Branch Manager. “Plus, all Maui library branches now offer personalized free in-person or virtual tech assistance to help residents with devices, online job applications, and safety tools via the Digital Navigator Program.”
The Maui Public Library stands as a beacon for knowledge seekers and community members alike. It’s not just a building filled with books. It’s a vibrant hub where stories come alive, ideas flourish, and connections are made. Included in the library’s updates is a new library card with a new logo inspired by traditional Hawaiian art and kappa patterns. Al branches also host numerous events throughout the year.
Latimer shared, “In Kihei, we offer author readings, workshops on everything from gardening to technology skills, art exhibits showcasing local talent, and book clubs that ignite passionate discussions among participants. These gatherings create an inviting atmosphere where everyone can share their love for literature or learn something new together. There are spaces dedicated specifically for community meetings or study groups equipped with wi-fi access so people can collaborate effectively on projects or simply connect over shared interests. Moreover, staff members are always ready with recommendations tailored to individual tastes.”
In essence, visiting the Maui Public Library isn’t merely about borrowing books. It’s about immersing oneself in a rich tapestry woven from diverse narratives written and spoken by fellow islanders who call this place home.
In addition to books, there are specialized activities each day of the week including movie matinees and story-time for keiki. Also, on May 29th, all are invited to the 30-year anniversary of the Kihei Library. The all-day celebration includes visits from dignitaries, entertainers, and more. Come to the library!
Tracy Latimer, Kihei Public Library Branch Manager
Founded in the wake of the August 2023 Kula wildfire that claimed 20 homes and scorched over 200 acres of Upcountry property, the nonprofit Mālama Kula is still committed to serving their Upcountry community. Mālama (care for) Kula is well-known for being action-oriented and results-driven while also being quick to adapt to new challenges, such as the recent Kona low storms.
“The need in our Upcountry community became glaringly apparent when we watched our town nearly go up in flames,” said Kyle Ellison, Executive Director of Mālama Kula. “Since the day of the fire, we have been leading the cleanup and recovery effort, providing green waste services, metal removal, clearing of downed trees, and creation of wood chips for erosion mitigation. We regularly help property owners clean up from the fire and get time and hope back in their lives. Even once the fire cleanup is complete, which could take years, we will provide disaster relief and cleanup while working on removal of fire fuels to mitigate future hazards. We also planted dozens of native tree species like koa, ‘ōhi‘a, ‘ilima, and ‘ilie‘e as well as non-native vetiver grass, which is used along hillsides to stabilize soil and help minimize erosion and runoff.”
Since the very first days after the 2023 Kula Fire, volunteers have been the beating heart of the ongoing Upcountry recovery. Residents are beyond grateful for their selfless nature and the numerous Mālama Kula programs helping them. Ellison said, “That’s what we are here for, to serve our community. That’s the way it should be!”
Mālama Kula continuously needs volunteers and funding. “We had the Crater Road Fire in July of 2025, and there have been multiple smaller fires since then that we’re very lucky didn’t grow any bigger,” Ellison added. “While programs that are months or years in the future are certainly important parts of this response, we also need to prioritize work that addresses these hazards today. We need to provide the community with tools and increased access to green waste facilities that can aid in responsible land management. It’s incumbent upon our entire community to protect not just our own properties and ‘ohana, but our neighbors and community around us.”
Wildfires are not the only natural disaster that the organization is addressing. After the Kona low storms in March 2026, which brought flooding and high winds to Kula and left many residents without power for days, Mālama Kula immediately took action. They coordinated clean-up crews across 50 properties, working to clear downed trees that were blocking roads and damaging homes. They also gave away free wood chips to homeowners to help prevent soil erosion and stabilize gulches.
Interested volunteers can visit https://malamakula.org to join one of Mālama Kula’s service projects, community work days, and social gatherings. Updates can also be found on their Instagram page, @malamakula.
We provide programs to meet the challenges facing the area’s rural and agricultural economy, plus social networking and educational events that foster and strengthen community.
Kyle Ellison, Executive Director, Mālama Kula
With his team of volunteers, Maui resident Scott Hansen, Executive Director and CEO of Maui Rescue Mission (MRM), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, provides assistance and essential help to the houseless on Maui. Hansen serves alongside his ‘ohana with a deep respect for the people, culture, and land.
“MRM is led with an emphasis on presence, cultural sensitivity, and accountability to the communities served,” Hansen noted. “Across the moku (districts) of Maui, we work to uplift individuals experiencing houselessness with compassion, humility, and an enduring commitment to doing the work the right way.”
A groundbreaking mobile concept, MRM provides access to private hot showers, along with laundry services and similar resources for the guests they serve. They offer a hygiene trailer that is equipped with two stacked washer-dryer units and a full private bathroom. Also provided are first aid items, clothing, meals and nutrition, a cell phone charging station, friendship, and support. Hansen understands the unique needs of the communities he serves.
“As a rescue mission, we are connected to a larger network of community ministries,” he said. “Our weekly outreaches also serve as resource hubs, as we invite various community agencies to offer their support to our guests. For example, these relationships allow us to refer clients looking to detoxify. Together with our partners and other agencies, we are able to help clients get into different rehabilitation programs, since many of them are struggling with a combination of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs.
Currently, MRM serves three outreach locations weekly: Kalama Beach Park in Kihei, 10-2pm on Mondays; Cut Mountain Lahaina Bypass, 10am-2pm on Tuesdays; and Kanaha Beach Park in Kahului, 10am-2pm on Thursdays. In alternate weeks, the times are 11am-1pm at the same locations with modified services.
Hansen added, “We at MRM understand that each person’s situation is different. Our approach is to provide basic needs with dignity, compassion, and consistency. By building a trusting relationship with each of our guests we provide a support system that gives them hope and encouragement when they need it most. Please join us as a volunteer, donor, or partner to bring hope and tangible help across the island of Maui.”
Those interested in getting involved can visit http://mauirescuemission.org for more information.
Our vision is to build trust, facilitate healing, and guide individuals towards a new life, offering a path of hope and transformation.
Scott Hansen, Executive Director, Maui Rescue Mission
Gabe Amey, founder and director of Our Kūpuna, is always concerned about Hawaiʻi’s elderly. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he asked himself, “How can I help?” The answer is this service. Our Kūpuna was developed to serve a need in the community during a very uncertain time. It was launched statewide on March 23, 2020 as a community project and became an official 501(c)3 nonprofit organization under the Hawaiʻi VA Foundation. Currently, their mission is to continue to connect Hawaiʻi’s kūpuna with volunteer sponsors to help them with their daily needs.
“Unfortunately, not all seniors in Hawaiʻi have ‘ohana on-island to look out for them,” said Amey. “Many kūpuna are isolated, and everyday tasks, such as getting groceries, prescriptions, and other chores have become impossible for them to do alone. We are currently serving kūpuna, 65 years and older, and we want to get the word out more about our organization. Plus, at the moment, we desperately need more volunteers!”
The staff members at Our Kūpuna screen and manage all of their volunteers. If everything works out, they connect them with kūpuna in their area. Their motto, “one-to-one,” creates a special relationship with their network of volunteers in the field and the kūpuna they are helping.
Kūpuna Janice said, “I was struggling alone before my volunteer came. She is sweet and kind, and I’m so happy for her assistance.” Kūpuna Ted shared, “I not only get help with my shopping, my volunteer also brings it up the stairs for me, which helps a lot!” Kūpuna Christina added, “I’m very thankful and grateful for the Our Kūpuna program and my volunteer. What a joy!”
Director Amey emphasized, “The service is free. Sponsors call their kūpuna weekly to see if they need any necessary supplies and to ensure kūpuna do not have to battle crowds at the grocery stores or struggle to get to other public places. It is about making sure the kūpuna have what they need and the assurance that they are cared for.”
Interested kūpuna and volunteers can find more information online at OurKupuna.com, or call 808-400-4506.
All volunteers and sponsors are doing this to help in the community because so many kūpuna need support and friendship.
Gabe Amey, Our Kūpuna, Founder and Director
Mauna Kahālāwai, commonly referred to as the West Maui Mountains, is an ancient, heavily eroded shield volcano rising to 5,788 feet at the summit of Puʻu Kukui. Receiving over 380 inches of rain a year, Puʻu Kukui is one of the wettest spots on Earth, and that rainfall is filtered down through bogs, shrublands, and critical watershed forests. The Mauna Kahālāwai Watershed Partnership’s (MKWP) mission is to protect these resources to ensure that West Maui has a continuous supply of water for generations to come.
The MKWP is a voluntary alliance protecting 50,000 acres of West Maui mountains, which provide 75% of West Maui’s freshwater. Established in 1998 through a voluntary alliance of state, county, and private landowners, its purpose is to reverse the negative trend of forest degradation caused by numerous threats. MKWP protects and restores native ecosystems, the forested watershed, and the freshwater supply through cooperative management of fencing, watershed health, removal of invasive species, storm management, and public education. The watershed acts like a sponge and is vital for Maui’s water supply; without protection, the forest covering the watershed will continue to degrade due to the impacts of invasive species.
“Healthy watersheds are blanketed by healthy native forests,” said Chris Brosius, MKWP Program Manager. “In a pristine native forest, trees, shrubs, ferns, and mosses are intimately intertwined. The many layers of vegetation capture moisture from fog and passing clouds and soak up falling rain. While some of this water gently flows over the surface of the land to be filtered into streams, the underground network of roots helps water percolate down through the soil and recharge our aquifers.”
The work that MKWP does also protects and preserves approximately 150 rare and endangered flora and fauna, some of which are found nowhere else in the world. Brosius added, “We invite the public to help with stewardship activities to protect the area’s natural ecosystem and cultural heritage. We offer opportunities for groups, clubs, classes, or teams who want to volunteer with us and monthly volunteer service trips at both our Waiheʻe Ridge and Olowalu Valley restoration sites.”
We highly encourage public involvement through our outreach and educational programs so that the people on Maui have opportunities to experience and understand why watersheds, our native ecosystems, and cultural stewardship are all important.
Chris Brosius, Program Manager, Mauna Kahālāwai Watershed Partnership
For young people who choose not to pursue a college degree, Job Corps offers alternative options as the largest free, residential education and job training program in the US. Providing comprehensive pathways to stable careers, they offer not only educational services but also housing, food, medical care, and career counseling to participants. Maui’s own Job Corps center is in Makawao.
Maui Job Corps specialist Hiʻilani Bush works to ensure that Maui community members understand and take advantage of Job Corps programs. “The Maui Job Corps campus offers programs that provide vocational, academic, and employability skills to students, ages 16 to 24, at no cost to them,” Bush said. “The program also provides free housing, meals, transportation services, and stipends. We provide support and guidance in a variety of pathways, including college, military service, direct employment, and pre-apprenticeships with advanced training at other centers in the community. Our amazing facility and programs are filled with resources to help start careers. Studies show Job Corps increases participants’ earnings with programs that focus on in-demand industries, which all lead to recognized certification. Most participants find a second home, structure, and confidence to build a better future.”
With a focus on vocational training and job placement, Maui Job Corps supports young adults with certification programs in office administration, hospitality, culinary arts, and construction. Bush recalled, “After completing the Office Administration program, one student earned her high school diploma and became employed full-time at the company she interned at. A 2025 Maui High School graduate who gained hands-on experience as a power plant operator now works full time at Hawaiian Electric.”
A Maui Job Corps graduate shared, “My experience put me on the path to become a better person and gave me the skills I needed to succeed in life. I joined the pre-apprenticeship for carpenters. I was not only making money, but was, in fact, thriving as a young adult. It taught me patience, perseverance and instilled in my core what it meant to have pride in my work. I will forever be grateful to the men and women who were responsible for helping me better myself.”
Those interested can find more information about the Job Corps programs available on Maui online at https://maui.jobcorps.gov/.
We’re here to help Maui students thrive. Our 2-year program offers education and certification, providing full support for each student.
Hiʻilani Bush, Marketing Specialist, Maui Job Corps
In its most recent Maui Tech ʻOhana, a business support and networking opportunity, Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) offered an interactive gathering with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI). During the session, guest speaker Doug Nelson, founder and CEO of Kinection and an AI consultant with The Prompt, explored some of the human skills that matter most for effective collaboration, even as AI becomes an increasingly important part of the workforce.
Based on Maui, Nelson has successfully produced over 20 interactive courses, simulations, and games in the eight years since he founded Kinection. At The Prompt, he trains corporate and nonprofit teams to use AI to enhance creativity and impact. Nelson has also worked to prioritize cultural diversity and community-building throughout his career.
“My job is to help people understand AI innovations and how to succeed in an AI world,” he said. “It’s time for a different way to think, a new mindset. While AI is rapidly changing how tasks get done, strong human connection remains essential for communication and collaboration. We need to learn how to use AI, not as a replacement for people, but as a way to free up valuable time and resources.”
Nelson used structured games and playful activities during the session to help attendees connect and share in ways that felt natural, energizing, and meaningful. He explored three human skills—presence, risk-taking, and adaptability—to show how to build safety, trust, and connection.
Participants offered their takeaways from the event. Jerry Isdale from Maui Techies noted, “I’ve noticed that people are hungry for more AI discussion at all different levels. MEDB presented a vital topic at the right time.”
Tech consultant Sarah Tomascik said, “This Tech ʻOhana offered an interesting dynamic in an experimental way to think about how human connection and AI can be used in cooperation with each other, instead of in opposition. I saw what we can gain from interpersonal relationships and the interconnectivity that forms from networking. This was a great experience!”
Nelson concluded, “This interaction provided a fresh appreciation for why human skills are critically important in an AI-driven world. We also discussed how to bring these activities to the workplace and build these new skills.”
More information about MEDB’s Maui Tech ʻOhana program and to sign up for MEDB’s newsletter, visit https://www.medb.org/techohana/.
My hope is that people understand that, while AI will lead to change, we need to remember essential human qualities are still needed for success.
Doug Nelson, Founder and CEO, Kinection, Partner, The Prompt
From muddy pastures to midnight emergencies, Dr. Christy Haines from Makawao Veterinary Clinic (MVC) brings her heart and hustle to large-animal veterinary care. A kamaʻāina born and raised in Upcountry Maui, Haines holds a degree in biology from the University of Virginia and received her doctorate from Colorado State University Veterinary School. She then completed an equine internship at Blue Ridge Equine Clinic, a referral and surgical center for horses in Virginia.
In 2021, Dr. Haines moved back to Maui. “I was lucky enough to grow up here, and I want to do my part to give back to the community,” she said. “I’m a mixed-animal veterinarian, so I see both large and small animals: horses, dogs, cats, sheep, goats, llamas, alpacas, pigs, cows, and the occasional chicken. I work with an amazing team and have great mentors at MVC, where I’m also trained in acupuncture for small and large animals. My off-hour calls might include helping foal a mare or treat a sick animal in a muddy pasture, which often requires improvising, such as using a tree limb to hang IV fluids or powering X-ray equipment with a skid steer tractor.”
As a large-animal veterinarian, Haines loves the variety and adventures she encounters. “Whether it’s treating five different species in one day or getting to travel to new corners of the island, I love the animals and working with my team to make a difference. Through communication and education, I want owners to feel that they are supported in keeping their animals happy and healthy. This especially means fostering the interest of young people by encouraging them to grow their skills and knowledge.”
Dr. Haines also has advice to offer students: “There are many paths to becoming a veterinarian. STEM education (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) is obviously important for the veterinary knowledge base, although the humanities and the arts can also be valuable. In college, I found a love of anthropology, a subject that has helped me tremendously as a veterinarian serving the cultural mixing pot of Hawaiʻi, where there are experts in fiber craft, food production, sustainable land and animal husbandry, showing animals, 4-H programs, and much more.”
I like working with a variety of animals, the unexpectedness and challenges of it. The best part has been to return home to serve my community.
Dr. Christy Haines, Veterinarian, Makawao Veterinary Clinic
Born and raised on Maui, Scott Fisher, Ph.D., is the statewide Director of ʻĀina Stewardship at Hawaiʻi Land Trust (HILT) and has been serving HILT’s 19,500 acres of protected land for 22 years. In this role, he leads all aspects of the ecological restoration and land protection work conducted by the trust. Previously, he worked for HILT as a project manager at the 277-acre Waiheʻe Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Refuge. Now as a director, he leads the organization’s conservation programs.
“Our statewide nonprofit land trust seeks to protect, steward, and connect people to the lands that sustain Hawaiʻi,” Fisher noted. “I’ve focused many doctoral and post-doctoral studies on Hawaiʻi Land Trust’s preserves to help understand the land’s ancient history and to help solve problems for future land stewardship in the face of a warming climate and more frequent storms.”
Fisher, a United States Marine Corps veteran, also teaches a course for University of Hawaiʻi Maui College’s Sustainable Science Management program. The class explores traditional Hawaiian cultural practices and strategies to help build and maintain sustainability. He also serves on the Mālama Haleakalā Foundation Board, the Pacific Birds Hawaiʻi Wetlands Conservation Priority Committee, and as chair of the Maui and Lānaʻi Islands Burial Council. In 2023, he was the recipient of the National Wetlands Awards for Local Stewardship.
Fisher explained, “Probably the easiest way to summarize the work I do at the Hawaiʻi Land Trust is found in our mission statement: to protect and steward the lands that sustain Hawaiʻi for present and future generations, fostering deep community connections to the ‘āina (land). We work statewide with eight community preserves — protected lands that we own — and encourage the community to visit, learn, volunteer, hike, camp, etc. We also protect over 22,560 acres through 55 perpetual conservation easements. Our public outreach work includes education programs for students of all ages…over 6,100 students visited our preserves in 2025. We offer free hikes on Maui at both Waiheʻe and Nuʻu sites, plus regular volunteer opportunities and camping.”
More information about HILT’s volunteering, hikes, camping, and education programs can be found online at www.hilt.org. Upcoming volunteering opportunities include ‘āina workdays on the third Saturday of the month (March 21, 2026) and on Fridays from 8am to 12 pm at HILT’s Waiheʻe Coastal Dunes and Wetland Refuge. Volunteers can sign up online at www.hilt.org/volunteer.
Our work on the land is guided by two ‘ōlelo noʻeau: i ola ka ʻāina, i ola kākou nei — when the land thrives, we all thrive; and he aliʻi ka ʻāina, he kauā ke kanaka — the land is the chief, and people are the servants.
Scott Fisher, Ph.D., Director of ʻĀina Stewardship, Hawaiʻi Land Trust
