Maui resident Mark Beltzman, a world traveler thanks to his stage, movie, and television career, has been acting, writing, and directing since 1981. He brings a unique blend of talent and passion to every performance and has captivated audiences with compelling character portrayals and dynamic storytelling on both stage and screen. In 2014, he co-founded Maui Improv (short for “improvisation”), a non-profit dedicated to creating opportunities for improv education and performances on Maui.
Improv, a powerful tool that requires mastering skills like listening, communication, and storytelling, helps people build confidence and collaboration. At its core, improv allows for spontaneity and moments of genuine interaction. Beltzman shared, “My philosophy is to figure out what’s working and do more of it, instead of what’s wrong; and to know the difference.”
In his improv workshops, Beltzman incorporates lessons of transformation related to his years of involvement with the Kihei men’s group, ManKind Project Hawaiʻi (MKP). “The MKP group offers spaces where men are free to speak openly and honestly about their lives, accepting responsibility, purpose, and intention,” Beltzman explained. “We recognize connections to nature and humanity as we take accountability for our actions.”
Beltzman says MKP lessons and improv work together. “Life happens outside our comfort zone. I call improv the ‘art of allowing’ because it is for anyone who desires to cultivate the ability to flawlessly and spontaneously create magic on stage, and in life. Ultimately, we can strip away the layers we put up to protect ourselves and can simply be our most authentic self!”
Beltzman is also a musician and is currently the solo tubist for the Maui Pops Orchestra (MPO) and also plays with the Maui Community Band (MCB). MCB has offered four free concerts on Maui so far in 2025, and MPO recently wrapped up its summer season with a classical chamber music concert.
For more information about Maui Improv, visit www.mauiimprov.org. Readers can also follow @mauicommunityband and @mauipopsorchestra on social media for updates regarding the local fall 2025 concert season.
Improv encourages individuals to think on their feet and come up with creative solutions to unexpected problems.
Mark Beltzman, Actor, Director, and Musician Maui Improv
Recently, Aurum, the culinary brand known for its seasonal, chef-driven cuisine, debuted its first Hawaiʻi location at The Shops at Wailea. Helmed by its local partners, Chef Taylor Ponte and General Manager Natasha Ponte, the restaurant showcases fresh, locally-sourced ingredients from Maui’s leading farms and fisheries.
Born and raised on Maui, the Pontes’ community impact is felt well beyond the kitchen. With deep connections in the local culinary scene, they can be found teaching high-school cooking demos, mentoring students, and volunteering with local nonprofits like Chef Hui and Fresh Help Maui.
At Aurum Maui, Taylor draws on his Maui Culinary Academy training to create dishes that are both refined and island-style. Natasha’s background in both culinary arts and event design informs every detail of the dining experience, blending sustainable sourcing with genuine hospitality. “It’s incredibly meaningful to Natasha and me to bring a local lens to the Aurum experience,” said Taylor. “Every dish reflects our roots, our growth, and the richness of Maui.”
Taylor shared, “Natasha and I met while working at the Mill House at the Maui Tropical Plantation. I was the executive chef and she was the sales and events manager. In 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, we were both laid off.” Natasha added, “That was the year that Taylor was named Chef of the Year in the ‘Aipono Restaurant Awards.”
About a month after their layoffs, the couple launched Kamado, a private chef and catering business that quickly took off. However, they always envisioned getting back into the restaurant industry. Together, they hope to create something rare: a restaurant that’s not only destination-worthy, but deeply local.
Taylor noted, “Our menus, celebrating local farms, fisheries, and sustainable products, reflect the community that makes hospitality in Hawaiʻi unique. We pursue excellence in every aspect, from food and service to creating a warm, welcoming experience that embodies the essence of aloha.” Natasha concluded, “Our largest goal is to make a delicious meal for every customer, in a beautiful space, with great service.”
We are both very community-based. For us, it’s exciting to bring jobs to people who were born and raised here and to share our blessings with our customers.
Taylor and Natasha Ponte, Chef and General Manager, Aurum Maui
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
With over two decades of leadership experience in sales and marketing, John White, the newly appointed Hawaiʻi Farm Project CEO, brings a wealth of expertise to guide the organization into its next chapter of growth. White will oversee Hawaiʻi Farm Project’s renowned brands, which include Maui Gold Pineapple, Maui Pineapple Tour, Maui Pineapple Store, Maui Chocolate Tour, Lahaina Honey Company, and Maui Farm Events. His appointment comes at a pivotal time as the company focuses on long term growth post-wildfires and continues its commitment to Maui’s rich agricultural heritage.
Todd Domeck, owner of Hawaiʻi Farm Project, shared, “John’s leadership, passion for our mission, and deep connections to Maui will ensure that Hawaiʻi Farm Project continues to thrive and share its unique offerings with the world.”
As a leader in agritourism, Hawaiʻi Farm Project offers immersive farm experiences that highlight the flavors and stories behind local crops like pineapple, honey, and cacao while supporting education and sustainability. Beyond tours and tastings, they foster programs for local students through school field trips, hands-on internships, and community workshops, cultivating a deeper appreciation for agriculture. They are also exploring ways to make their farming practices more environmentally friendly. One of their sustainability initiatives, a landscape test program with Maui Nui Marine Resource Council, implements a new biodegradable soil covering that is a tapioca-based fabric instead of plastic.
White takes on the role of CEO with years of experience centered around branding and commercial strategy for Hawaiʻi businesses. “My approach is shaped by Hawaiian values, a philosophy I adopted during my training through the Poʻokela program at Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel,” White recalled. “Rooted in inclusivity, respect, and accountability, this training emphasizes a responsibility to uplift both individuals and communities, while honoring Hawaiʻi’s agricultural traditions.”
White added, “ I am honored and take great pride in contributing to our island’s future. Together, we will continue to innovate while remaining true to our kuleana—our responsibility—to preserve Maui’s agriculture heritage, support our employees, and share the aloha spirit with all who visit.”
Hawaiʻi Farm Project connects people to the land, the food it produces, and the hands that grow it.
John White, CEO, Hawaiʻi Farm Project
Under the guidance and mentorship of teacher John Hughes, students at Wailuku Elementary School are developing a sharp sense of inquiry and staying excited and engaged thanks to what they are learning during astronomy and engineering activities. Mr. Hughes and Wailuku Elementary Principal Dr. Nikan Arapoff are providing opportunities for students to explore STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) topics, challenges, and career pathways through hands-on learning.
Dr. Arapoff said, “We’re so proud of the keiki and everything that they are doing in our STEM program, which includes 3D-printing, Hawaiian history, and astronomy. Their participation is advancing their knowledge in a way that helps community.”
Dr. J.D. Armstrong, Educational Outreach Specialist for the University of Hawaiʻi’s Institute for Astronomy, shared, “Hughes is one of these people that seem to really have a knack for getting things to work. He is also an avid amateur astronomer. When he started teaching at Wailuku Elementary, I set up an account for him with the Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO) educational program, Global Sky Partners. Hughes and his students are using this online resource to image objects like the Moon and anything they wish to study in their designated time. For example, one student wanted to image Halley’s Comet because it was visible when King Kamehameha was born.”
Mr. Hughes said, “This class is making a vast difference in the lives of the students. Many of the keiki have gone from special education classes to advanced classes in a single year. I feel that it’s really changing lives, and that means everything to me!” One student shared, “This class has made me think of going into engineering and science.” Another explained, “I love making 3D objects and exploring the sky on the computer through LCO’s robotic telescope network!”
The 3D projects begin with three main steps: designing and modeling, slicing (preparing the design for printing), and 3D printing. The students can explore this technique as a medium for creating sculptures while learning about spatial relationships. Additionally, teachers can use 3D printing to create lessons for various subjects like math and science.
“Our keiki are smart, and they have incredible imaginations,” Mr. Hughes concluded. “Once I give them the tools and create a sense of wonder, I have done my job!”
The students are eager to learn. With guidance and mentoring they are soaring!
John Hughes, STEM and Hawaiian History Teacher, Wailuku Elementary School
Maui without a cobbler has been a sad story for so many people who love their broken-in shoes and boots but have no one to repair them. Repairing favorite footwear can be less expensive than buying a new pair, and extending a shoe’s lifespan also contributes to an eco-friendly lifestyle. Fortunately, the Tester family is back in business for anyone needing shoe repairs on Maui. Restoring shoes to their original beauty and functionality has been their passion for over 40 years.
“We are delighted to return to our roots,” said Lu Tester, owner of Tester’s Shoe Repair in Kihei. “Our family-owned, woman-led business specializes in high-quality repair and restoration. Expert shoe care combines skill, experience, and dedication…we focus on delivering exceptional results using our specialized approach. With meticulous attention to aesthetics, we handle everything from heel and sole replacement to comprehensive boot and heel repair. These skills have been passed down through generations.”
It all began with the late Ken Tester, who got his start in the trade in 1961. He learned the basics of shoe repair while serving in the Marine Corps, and after the Marines, Ken taught the trade to his sons and their wives. He recalled that the most experience he got in shoe repair was while working for one of the most respected cobblers in Hawaiʻi, Joe Pacific. This story recently came full circle when, after 90 years, Joe Pacific Shoe Repair closed its business and shipped all their equipment to the Tester family.
For those aspiring to get a start in this much-needed profession, the skills required to master the trade can be challenging to learn. Cobblers need to be proficient in using various tools and techniques, including sewing, cutting, stitching, patching, sanding, polishing, sealing, and more. They need to think of innovative ways to repair or customize footwear and understand the needs and preferences of their customers.
“Proper maintenance and repairs can significantly extend the life of shoes, making them more cost effective and feeling new again,” Lu added. “We also offer precision care for accessories, such as belt and bag repair. We’re so happy to be back in business!”
Every repair we do is executed with care. Damaged soles, frayed stitching, and scuffs are taken care of using methods honed through decades of craftsmanship.
Lu Tester, Business Owner and Cobbler, Tester’s Shoe Repair
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 isa 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.”
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
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.
With headquarters at Honokohau Bay on Fleming Beach, the Kahākūkahi Foundation has built a community that empowers keiki (youth) through ocean sports, environmental stewardship, and a deep connection to the ʻāina (land) and kai (sea). Founded in 2000 by Zane Kekoa Schweitzer, the nonprofit has equipped their facility with surfboards, stand-up boards, windsurfers, and outrigger canoes for the keiki to enjoy while learning about ocean safety and marine science. Their programs run Monday to Saturday, 11am-5pm.
Schweitzer grew up in the Maui ocean. He has earned approximately 15 world championships in water sports and is a two-time Ultimate Waterman. His unique experiences, from traveling around the world for international competitions, to team-building, to ocean conservation, inspired him to publish his first book, Beneath the Surface. Beyond the waves, he collaborates with local artists, healers, and other community members who amplify the message of ocean preservation. Now, he is determined to give back to the community he loves and its future generations.
“Since the devastating 2023 Maui wildfires in Lahaina, Kahākūkahi Foundation has refocused its mission on uplifting the physical and mental well-being of the Maui keiki,” Schweitzer explained. “Since February 8, 2025, we’ve hosted over 12 different schools, over 700 students during outdoor school field trips, and over 1,500 people total including adults. We believe every child in our community should have access to these ocean activities and cultural practices, which is why we provide mentorship and all necessary equipment at no cost to them!”
With a full-time staff and structured curriculum, Kahākūkahi makes science and conservation fun, engaging, and impactful. This allows keiki to develop skills and healthy mindsets that extend into their daily lives. Along with ocean activities and environmental stewardship, the Foundation has also developed a Hawaiian language program, featuring storytelling with kupuna. Schweitzer added, “Through all our endeavors, we hope to display the conviction behind our beliefs and share it all with the wider community.”
For those interested, Kahākūkahi Foundation offers internships, scholarships, and ongoing mentorship. For more information, visit online at https://www.kahakukahifoundation.com.
At Kahākūkahi, we aim to inspire our keiki to experience the ocean and feel the connections among our islands, friends, and ‘ohana across the world. I have seen our programs uplift spirits and help heal where needed.
Zane Kekoa Schweitzer, Founder and Executive Director, Kahākūkahi Foundation
