Environment Articles
Remembering Lahaina Through Artwork
Remembering Lahaina, a touching, nostalgic, and beautiful coffee table art book compiled by the Maui Arts League, is a collection of high resolution photographs of original artwork from the Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational events from 2006 to 2020 and 2023. It is...
EMER-GEN Attendees Learn About Kaho’olawe
Thirty-eight delegates, including fourteen Hawaiʻi-based, participated in the 7th EMER-GEN® Program, presented by Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) in September. A joint initiative of the AMOS Conference and the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC), the...
Let’s Go For A Walk!
Maui resident and 2002 St. Anthony High School graduate Keith DeVey is the founder of Maui Walking Tours. The company, launched in early 2024, offers free guided walks through Kīhei and historic Wailuku town. The tours highlight each area’s origins and new...
Haleakalā Biochar: Supporting the Life of the Land
Maui resident Joseph Imhoff, co-owner of Haleakalā Biochar, has a passion for land restoration. A 2022 alumnus the Ka Ipu Kukui program, co-founder of the Plant a Wish project, and a recipient of the Mālama I Ka ‘Āina Award, he also serves on the Maui County Arborist...
STEMworks™ Ag Internship Program
Since 2020, Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) STEMworks team and its partners have delivered a highly successful Agriculture (Ag) Business and Technology Internship program, placing 179 Maui County high school and college students with host companies in the ag...
Treecovery: Growing for the Future
Treecovery Hawaiʻi Inc., a new Hawaiʻi-based non-profit, has been working with the Army Corps to help keep surviving trees in the Lahaina and Kula burn zones healthy while also providing soil remediation in the area. In addition to caring for existing trees, the...
Reimagining Resilience
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...
Common Ground Collective
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Common Ground Collective (CGC) strives to transform Maui into a bountiful and productive island that benefits both the environment and the people who live here, in extraordinary ways. Their administrative staff is a passionate...
Maui Relief and Volunteer Center
The County of Maui Volunteer Center joins with over 100 nonprofits to mobilize volunteers for those affected by the Maui wildfires. Many people are searching for ways to assist the community right now. Below is a short list of some of the current opportunities within...
4-H @ Maui AgFest
Providing everything the community has come to expect from it, the popular Maui County Farm Bureau Maui AgFest & 4-H Livestock Fair was held in June 2023. The event, to raise awareness about Maui agriculture, brought together ag industry and supporters to share...
Hawaiian Electric & Hawaii Gas Talk Story
In a featured talk, “Sharing Our Visions, Opportunities and Challenges in the Energy Industry”, at the 2023 Hawaii Energy Conference (HEC), Shelee Kimura, President and CEO of Hawaiian Electric, and Alicia Moy, President and CEO of Hawaii Gas, discussed Hawaii’s...
HEC Points To Hawaii’s Future
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the 2023 Hawaii Energy Conference (HEC), recently held at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, was presented by the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) with the support of the County of Maui Office of Economic Development. Experts...
Hawaii Energy Conference returns to the MACC
The annual Hawaii Energy Conference returns to the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, May 24 - 25. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the conference is presented by the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) and will feature a mix of keynote speakers, panel discussions,...
Celebrating Sissy Lake-Farm
Women’s History Month, a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society, has been observed annually in March in the United States since 1987. The 2023 theme, ‘Celebrating Women Who Tell Stories’, recognizes women, past and present, who have used,...
Restoring Sandalwood Mountain
Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Maui and the Kwock Hing Society in Kula, the annual effort to re-establish the fragrant sandalwood trees in Kula has become an earnest community project for this team. Their tree-planting project was a huge success this year. During the...
AG Internship Showcase
Through the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) STEMworks™ Ag Business & Technology Internship program, students in grades 9-12 and college undergraduates have the opportunity to gain experience in multiple industries within the agriculture sector of the...
Celestial Navigation @ Emer-gen
A distinguished line-up of speakers and mentors joined the 5th annual EMER-GEN Program presented by Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) at the 2022 Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies (AMOS) Conference. A joint initiative of AMOS and the Space...
A Conversation With Shelee Kimura
At the 2022 Hawaii Energy Conference (HEC), Jacqui Hoover, Executive Director at Hawaii Island Economic Development Board and HEC Program co-chair, interviewed Shelee Kimura, the newly appointed President and Chief Executive Officer for Hawaiian Electric. Born and...
Celebrating AG On Maui
Warren K. Watanabe, Executive Director of Maui County Farm Bureau (MCFB), was especially delighted at the 2022 Maui AgFest and 4-H Livestock Fair. Maui’s signature agricultural festival representing the island’s farming and ranching industries was held at War Memorial...
Conversations With Nature
A Maui resident for nearly 30 years, Helen Kordyl is well-known for her underwater photography as well as her nature photos. With a BA in visual arts, she has an impressive list of competitive photography. Eight of her images received honorable mention in the...
Our Planet, Our Future
Zoe Mounts, Seabury Hall freshman, was recently honored at the 2022 Blue Planet Foundation Student Energy Summit on Oahu for her work on climate awareness. Mounts dedicated a six- month solo research project to Climate Change Awareness culminating in the production of...
Electrification and Energy Efficiency
Caroline Carl, newly appointed Executive Director of Hawaii Energy, gave a Spotlight Talk at the 2022 Hawaii Energy Conference (HEC). The event brought together experts on energy policy, strategies, leadership and innovation to help Hawaii reach its goal of...
2022 Hawaii Energy Conference: The Push to Electrification
The 9th Annual Hawaii Energy Conference (HEC), presented by Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) and supported by the County of Maui Office of Economic Development, explored the theme “Electrification: Where are we now? What does the future hold?” The two-day...
9th Hawaii Energy Conference – May 10 & 12
The 9th Annual Hawaii Energy Conference revisits the challenges of electrifying the grid and transportation – current successes, potential pitfalls, and future opportunities. There is no doubt that the push to Electrification will affect our way of...
International Underwater Explorations
Maui resident Joe Breman, Director and CEO of International Underwater Explorations (IUE), is an oceanographer and information technology integrator, as well as a longtime Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB)...
The 2021 Hybrid AMOS Conference
Presented by the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), the 22nd Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies (AMOS) Conference, was hybrid this year, having both in-person and virtual components. The premier technical conference in the nation devoted to...
Protecting Hawaii’s Wildlife
Since 1996, Hawaii Wildlife Fund (HWF) has actively protected native wildlife. The nonprofit is dedicated to the conservation of Hawaii’s marine wildlife including monk seals, turtles, and dolphins, as well as cleaning the marine debris off our beaches. “Our mission...
A Single Source of Energy
Clifford Nae’ole, Hawaiian cultural advisor for The Ritz-Carlton in Kapalua, provided the cultural opening at the 8th annual Hawaii Energy Conference (HEC). This year, the HEC explored the theme Energy Transition in Hawaii: Focus on Investments in People and Projects....
ENERGY ON MOLOKAI
The 8th annual Hawaii Energy Conference explored the energy transition in Hawaii with a focus on investments in people and projects.. The 2021 theme provided discussions on how to invest responsibly while designing energy projects that are resilient, financially...
2021 Hawaii Energy Conference – The Energy Transition in Hawaii
There are many ways to invest in the future of energy in Hawaii. It will take creativity and hard work from project developers; the community, including indigenous groups; regulators; and energy service providers to come up with projects that are acceptable for all...
Maui Rotarians Clean Ridge-to-Reef
Every year the Rotary Clubs in Hawaii have held ‘Rotarians-at-Work Day’ to coincide with the week of Earth Day. This year, Maui Rotarians, alongside community partners and volunteers, joined to pick up plastics and trash throughout the island. “Our goal was to pick up...
New Maui EV Partnerships
Three new electric-vehicle (EV) fast-charging stations are now open to the public at the Queen Kaahumanu Center in Central Maui, Pi'ilani Village Shopping Center in South Maui and Lahaina Aquatic Center in West Maui. Owned and operated by Hawaiian Electric, the...
AMOS Expands Globally
The 21st, and first virtual, Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies (AMOS) Conference and EMER-GEN® program, presented by Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), helped foster important dialogue and international collaboration on the space...
2020 Hawaii Energy Conference: Imagining a Just Recovery
The 2020 Hawaii Energy Conference (HEC), postponed in March due to Covid-19, aired in July with a live-stream virtual event. Presented by the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) and supported by the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, the conference welcomed...
Join Us for the 7th Hawaii Energy Conference
The Hawai’i Energy Conference brings together regional and national experts on energy policy, strategies, leadership and innovation. The 2020 Conference will explore the timely issues of beneficial electrification and the design of an equitable energy transition....
Electric Vehicle Charging Update
Maui Electric Company has informed the Public Utilities Commission of its intent to move forward with the ownership and operation of four electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging sites in the existing EVohana network on Maui. The EVohana sites, temporarily owned and...
Renewable Energy Forum
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...
Preserving the Kalaupapa’s Peninsula
Molokai High School senior, Cameryn Rae Kahalewai won numerous awards, including first place overall in the senior division at the 60th Maui County Regional Science & Engineering Fair held at the Maui Beach Hotel. Kahalewai’s project, “The Effect of Soil Type,...
Hawaii Small Business Conference Returns to Maui
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,...
Used Car, High Mileage
First-place Maui County Regional Science & Engineering Fair Junior Division winners Holden Suzuki and Wilson Chau, Maui Waena Intermediate School STEMworks™ 6th graders, used the scientific method of photometric observations in their award-winning project, “Used...
Protecting the Space Environment
Maui resident Dr. T.S. Kelso has been tracking satellites for over 35 years. Kelso serves as a Senior Research Astrodynamicist and Space Data Center Operations Manager for the Center for Space Standards & Innovation at Analytical Graphics, Inc. (AGI). Throughout...
Join Us for the Hawaii Energy Conference & Exhibition
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...
A Healthy Harvest!
In this season of thanksgiving, we can gain inspiration from Matteo Musso, a frequent visitor to Maui, is a 14-year-old author, speaker, yet mostly non-verbal autistic young man. After almost 12 years of silence, Musso found his voice by spelling his thoughts, one...
The Powerhouse: Conserve Energy, Reduce Costs
Mark Ware and Shauna Ault of Ohm Energy Technologies, Inc., exhibitors at the 2018 Maui Energy Conference, provide the technical acumen and business management for their family-run company. “Maui called us several years ago, prompting us to create a business that...
2nd Annual Hawaii Small Business Conference
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...
Shoreline Water Testing Powered by Volunteers
A volunteer-based water quality testing program known as Hui O Ka Wai Ola, Association of the Living Waters, recently began expanding its testing from West Maui to South Maui shoreline locations. The project informs residents about how clean the water is at their...
Maui High Students Research Mars Colonization
The University of Hawaii (UH) Educational Outreach Team and Maui Economic Development Board have long shared common goals for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education. Recently, UH-Manoa Physics Department hosted a group of three Maui High...
Saving Seabirds
Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) Women in Technology (WIT) Project is an initiative whose mission is to promote STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) education throughout the state with hands-on and project-based service learning. WIT’s...
Maui Green & Beautiful
Maui Green & Beautiful (MG&B) is an environmental non-profit that cares for the ‘Ᾱina through preservation, protection, and education. Originally known as the Maui Outdoor Circle, in 2014 it reorganized as MG&B. “Our education curriculum includes proper...
Surfing Science
Maui Economic Development Board’s Women in Technology STEMworks™ Laboratory extends to the surf. Sixteen-year-old Maui surfer Annie Reickert explains this. “Mastering surfing is all about mastering science,” said Reickert. “You need to know how the waves travel across...
Kona Ice Makes a Difference
Art Thomas’ Kona Ice business operates two unique shaved ice trucks on Maui that cater to parties, fundraisers and events of all types. Thomas, a technology teacher at Kalama Intermediate School, owns trucks that are not only fun to look at: they serve the coolest...
You’re invited to the Hawaii Small Business Conference
Maui Economic Development Board, in collaboration with County of Maui Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, invites you to the first-ever Hawaii Small Business Conference. Small business owners, startups and entrepreneurs interested in taking their business to the...
Register now for the Maui Energy Conference
Experts from across the nation will explore new and innovative pathways to a vibrant and clean energy future. Topics will include: How can we make our energy systems more resilient and sustainable? What types of rate structures and incentives will be necessary? What...
Happenings in the School Garden
Kahului Elementary School’s 1st grade Grow Some Good (GSG) garden classes recently held Garden Scavenger Hunts as a fun way to review the lessons they have learned so far in the 2016-2017 school year. “Our students learn STEM (science, technology, engineering,...
Fairmont Kea Lani Resort Helps “Clean the World”
The Fairmont Kea Lani Resort, venue for Maui Economic Development Board’s annual Ke Alahele Fundraiser, is committed to responsible tourism practices and sustainable hotel management. “Our Sustainability Team, created in 2001, is comprised of leaders and colleagues...
Most Advanced Solar Telescope on Earth
The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) is on schedule for full operations in June 2020. Situated at 10,000 feet of elevation atop Haleakala, the DKIST will be the most advanced ground-based solar observatory in the world. With more than 20 institutions...
Rural Energy for America Program: REAP-ing What You Sow
Are you a farmer, rancher, or small business owner interested in saving money on your energy bills? Do you lack the money necessary to implement energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements that will lower your business’s energy costs? If you answered “yes” to...
Maui’s renewable energy future
The 2016 Maui Energy Conference, presented by the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development and the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), focused on the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative’s 100% Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), its implications for Hawaii’s energy...
Hawaii and California students collaborate on energy issue
For the first time, Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) Women In Technology (WIT) Project is presenting a student collaboration opportunity between Hawaii and California. Kamali’i Elementary School, Lokelani Intermediate and Kihei Charter High School on Maui,...
2016 Maui Energy Conference: Gateway to 100% renewable energy in Hawaii
The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, Maui County and Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) are hosting the third annual Maui Energy Conference, March 16-18 2016 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Energy experts and stakeholders from across the U.S. and...
Educating for energy prosperity
Since 2009, the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) Women In Technology program (WIT) has trained 459 educators through the energy science curriculum of its Island Energy Inquiry (IEI) initiative. In that time it has expanded from Maui across the state, reaching at...
USDA certified organic farm community grows under the rainbow
Imagine a place where the community reflects what is important and precious in each member. Imagine a place where the meaningful work that each individual contributes to the community is healing and inspirational. La‘a Kea Farm on Baldwin Avenue in Pa‘ia is that...
Maui County students connect with Boeing during stellar space conference
The 16th annual Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference (AMOS) was held in September in the culturally rich setting of the Wailea Marriott Resort and Spa. Presented by Maui Economic Development Board and numerous sponsors, the four-day...
Mama’s Fish House funds sustainable food source
Mama’s Fish House, family-owned by Floyd and “Mama” Doris Christenson, has been buying fish directly from Maui fisherman for over 40 years. These local fishermen, representing a way of life, culture and tradition in Hawai’i, consistently deliver the freshest and...
National Geographic workshop: Making connections from Hawai’i to the world
The recent National Geographic Workshop in Honolulu provided approximately 50 teachers from across the state with a deeper understanding of geography concepts and skills. The National Geographic Society funded the workshop in partnership with Maui Economic Development...
Girls’ team extracts solution to seaweed invasion
A team of Molokai High School girls sought a solution to eradicating “the largest current threat” to Hawaii’s reefs and earned fourth-place in biochemistry at the 2015 INTEL International Science and Engineering Fair in Pittsburgh, PA. The win on an international...
Maui leading in renewable energy solutions
More than 30 percent of Maui’s energy needs, on average, are being met by renewable energy sources such as wind and rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems, and the trend continues to rise, making Maui a national and global leader in the adoption of renewable energy. This...
Green Building Helps Maui LEED the Way
A passion for the outdoors inspired John Bendon to create a company that helps others achieve milestones in energy efficiency and environmental design. Bendon, a 1996 Seabury Hall graduate, serves as the founding principal of Green Building Hawaii. “Ultimately, the...
Join us for the 2nd Maui Energy Conference & Exhibition
Experts from across the nation will present the latest trends in the electric utility industry, as well as the public policy influencing customer choices. Sessions will address issues about advancing toward grid modernization, consumer protection, and engaging...
Your input is needed on Maui’s energy future
Only 11 days remaining! Share your priorities and values about energy on Maui – today and in the future – as part of a project called “MPowerMaui: An Energy Conversation”. Sign up and participate in small group sessions during the month of February. These 90-minute...
MEDB seeking community input on Maui’s energy future
Join the conversation! Share your priorities and values about energy on Maui – today and in the future – as part of a project called “MPowerMaui: An Energy Conversation”. Sign up and participate in small group sessions during the month of February. These 90-minute...
4-H Club finds fun, skills in coral reef monitoring
A coral reef monitoring project sounded like it could be fun for the Wailuku Roselani Na Hokulani 4-H Club. Member Kaitlyn Yamada says it was fun, but more importantly she and her fellow 4-Hers were able to master their skills in Google Earth applications as well the...
Conference looks at how consumers view energy
With island consumers paying more than double the national average per kilowatt hour for electricity, the second Maui Energy Conference + Exhibition comes at a time when Hawaii is seeing a revolutionary shift to renewable energy resources. The conference, presented by...
Pilot project volunteers learn to be energy efficient
Maui Smart Grid volunteers wrapped up their participation in a pilot project that led many to become more energy efficient. “I really wanted to get a good handle on my family’s energy use and bring down, if possible, our electricity bills. I got that by participating...
Artwork needed to jump-start charging station designs
Maui County students in kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to submit art designs to beautify the island’s JUMPSmartMaui Fast-Charger stations. “This is a chance for Maui’s talented students to shine and jump-start their creative juices by coming up with some...
Maui Brewing Co. manufactures, builds locally
A new brewery is nearing completion in Kihei. Owned and operated by husband and wife, Garrett and Melanie Marrero, Maui Brewing Co.’s newest venture represents a response to their business’ growing demand. The Marreros founded their company almost 10 years ago and...
Youth Alliance learns about ocean safety, overfishing
Baldwin High School student Chelsea Kau got up close and personal with marine life on a recent Maui Youth Alliance excursion to visit the Waihee Beach Park with Department of Land and Natural Resources staff and learn about ocean safety. The best part of the visit...
Environmental engineer enjoys encouraging young girls
An environmental engineer is giving back by encouraging young girls to think about the possibilities in their future. Audrey Chihara, a 2004 Lahainaluna High School graduate, has been participating as a mentor in Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day since graduating...
Youth Alliance makes a difference in West Maui Watershed
Maui High School junior Daniel Fonseca saw up close how invasive plants and animals have been having an adverse impact on the West Maui Watershed. “We mostly learned about the invasive strawberry guava trees because they have become one of the biggest threats to the...
Energy Conference opens dialogue about future
What will future consumers want and expect from their utility? That is just one question Hawaii leaders and others across the country are expected to tackle at the upcoming conference: “Electric Utilities: The Future Is Not What It Used To Be.” The event scheduled for...
Molokai group restores fishponds, nurtures youth
Ka Honua Momona means “abundant Earth,” and a Molokai nonprofit of that name is reawakening the fertile Friendly Isle through the restoration of ancient Hawaiian fishponds on the island’s south shore. “Molokai was once known as the breadbasket of the islands due to...
Youth Alliance learns about energy efficiency
With the goal of exploring Maui’s infrastructure needs, the Youth Alliance launched this school year by focusing their time and talk on energy and electricity. “I would like to spark creativity in the students to come up with innovative solutions to current and future...
Volunteer makes animals a high priority
An animal lover, Jenny Mida volunteers at the Maui Humane Society. She walks dogs, bakes dog treats for fundraisers and helps educate the public about pet adoption and the importance of spaying and neutering dogs and cats. “My motivation for doing these things is that...
Future scientists bring synergy to AMOS Conference
Physical scientist Stacie Williams thrives on learning the latest developments in her field at the annual Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance (AMOS) Technologies Conference presented by Maui Economic Development Board. She especially enjoys a conference...
Filmmaking gets students keen on environment
The Maui Huliau Foundation uses fun in filmmaking to get young people interested and educated in environmental issues. “This is just a cool way to tell stories and learn about what’s going on around us,” said Malia Cahill, the foundation’s president and founder. First...
Garden Grows on Kihei Elementary’s Keiki
Kihei Elementary School gives students opportunities to grow – not just academically, emotionally and physically, but also in the campus garden. The lessons for the 850 students participating stems from the nonprofit, Grow Some Good, founded by Kathy Becklin. Garden...
Youth Alliance Learns About Seed Corn Research
Members of the Focus Maui Nui Youth Alliance visited Monsanto Co.’s Maui operations recently, getting a close-up look at the company’s high-tech operations to grow seed corn to make a dent in world hunger. Both Racieli Andrada, 16, a junior at Maui High School, and...
Maui Center-Stage for Scientists and Space Leaders
Hundreds of scientists, astronomers, engineers and a new generation of space leaders are gathering on Maui this week for the 13th Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference. Mike Maberry is among six representatives from the University of...
Victorious Hālau Exudes Dedication
Husband and wife ‘Iliahi and Haunani Paredes said they demand hard work, dedication and sacrifice as kumu hula of the award-winning Hālau Kekuaokalā‘au‘ala‘iliahi. The couple formed the hālau in October 2004 with the mission to preserve and perpetuate the “beautiful...
Moloka‘i Family Sweet on Potato Farming
It takes hard work, determination and perseverance to make L&R Farms the successful business it is today on Moloka‘i, according to founder Lynn Decoite. She and her husband, Russell, established the farm in 2001 along with their children, producing three varieties...
Portuguese Club Spruces Up Kepaniwai Park
As a young girl growing up on Maui, Laura Souza Paresa remembers her grandma reciting the rosary in Portuguese. “I asked her to teach me but she said, ‘You’re American, you speak English.’” Now as an adult, Paresa and 14 other active members of the Maui Portuguese...
Youth Alliance Refurbishes Playground
Eighteen-year-old Chelsea Aviles has a better appreciation for playgrounds having just poured out her heart in a Community Work Day project in Haiku. Aviles, a Lahainaluna High School senior, and 14 other members of the Focus Maui Nui Youth Alliance recently...
Tree Planting Brings Growth for Couple
Maui filmmakers Joe Imhoff and Sara Tekula set out to plant native trees in every state, and now they want to document the project. The husband-and-wife team founded the nonprofit “Plant a Wish” and embarked on a tour of all 50 states on Memorial Day 2010, planting...
Youth Alliance Bonds with Animals
The Maui Humane Society’s mission to forge lifelong bonds between people and animals through education, community outreach and the prevention of cruelty, resonated recently with members of the Focus Maui Nui Youth Alliance. Lahainaluna High School freshman Kaile...
Community Volunteers Serving the Environment
A community service project on Kaho‘olawe turned into a renewed appreciation for the Hawaiian culture and the value of giving back. That’s what Kevin Gavagan of the Four Seasons Wailea said happened to some 35 hotel employees and their families when they volunteered...
Maui’s AMOS Conference: Serving the Tech Sector
This year’s Advanced Maui Optical and Space Technologies (AMOS) Conference provided an unmatched opportunity for Maui Oceanit Program Manager Curt Leonard. “To remain relevant in any business environment it is important to maintain close ties with “old friends” from...
Practicing Environmental Sustainability at Kaimanu Botanical Garden
Tucked away in the hot, arid hills above Kihei is a model organic oasis which Nick Oosterveen and his wife Diane have been cultivating since 1987 called Kaimanu Botanical Garden. With generations of agriculture knowledge passed down through his family and a passionate...
Lighting the Way to Conserve Maui’s Energy
Qualifying nonprofits and small businesses can help save the environment, and save money too, by acting fast to accept a free offer by enrolling in a new energy initiative. The first shipment of energy-saving LED lamps gets distributed this week to participants in the...
“Big Wind” Project on Molokai Takes Change in Direction
A recent article (April 26) in the Pacific Business News (PBN) described progress in efforts to develop a 200 MW wind farm on Molokai. Take this poll and tell us what you think. [poll id="2"]
Gunars Valkirs: Working With Our Whales
Gunars Valkirs, a renowned biophysicist, volunteers his time and considerable expertise to the Whale Trust, a Maui-based nonprofit organization that conducts permitted research on the complex behavior, communication, and social groupings of humpback whales. Currently,...
Meet Department Director Kyle Ginoza, Environmental Management
Continuing our series on newly appointed County Department Directors, reflecting the role of government in responding to community values and needs. The priorities for Kyle Ginoza, Director of the County Department of Environmental Management, are directly aligned...
The Environment—and You
Ten things you can do to protect the Environment: Buy local Car pool to work Grow native plants in your yard Use biodegradable products whenever possible Install rooftop photovoltaic panels for hot water Maintain your car, especially if it’s an older model Support...
Maui’s Pacific Disaster Center (PDC) App Featured in USA Today
Disaster Alert, the free app developed by the Kihei-based Pacific Disaster Center (PDC) for iOS devices (iPhone, iPod touch and iPad) and Google’s Android platform, was featured in an article published today in the online version of USA Today. A shorter version is...
An Exemplary Steward of the Environment
All volunteers who make a difference in the community by improving the environment deserve recognition, but volunteering every day for ten years and transforming an unkempt coastline into a thriving native ecosystem represents an extraordinary achievement. Mike Perry,...
Haleakala a shrinking volcano
Pu‘u ‘Ula‘ula is the highest point on Haleakala’s summit, with an elevation of 10,023 feet. But the mountain was once much higher than this. At one time Maui consisted of 2 separate islands. The sea between them was filled with erosion from the two Volcanoes, and the...
Maui Nui's First Export
In 1790, Capt. John Kendrick of Boston set out to trade Pacific Northwest seal and otter fur in China. He stopped in Hawai'i to replenish his ship with wood, water and salt. Sailing offshore he smelled a familiar odor emanating from a cooking fire. It was sandalwood,...
Precious Water
Water conservation is something we all can practice. Except for the air we breath, water is the single most important element in our lives. It is too precious to waste. Here are some simple suggestions to help you save hundreds, even thousands, of gallons per...