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Environment Articles

Common Ground Collective

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...

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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...

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4-H @ Maui AgFest

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...

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Hawaiian Electric & Hawaii Gas Talk Story

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...

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HEC Points To Hawaii’s Future

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...

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Hawaii Energy Conference returns to the MACC

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,...

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Celebrating Sissy Lake-Farm

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,...

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Restoring Sandalwood Mountain

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...

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AG Internship Showcase

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...

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Celestial Navigation @ Emer-gen

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...

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A Conversation With Shelee Kimura

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...

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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...

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Conversations With Nature

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...

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Our Planet, Our Future

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...

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Electrification and Energy Efficiency

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...

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2022 Hawaii Energy Conference: The Push to Electrification

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...

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9th Hawaii Energy Conference – May 10 & 12

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...

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International Underwater Explorations

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)...

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The 2021 Hybrid AMOS Conference

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...

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Protecting Hawaii’s Wildlife

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...

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A Single Source of Energy

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....

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ENERGY ON MOLOKAI

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...

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Maui Rotarians Clean Ridge-to-Reef

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...

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New Maui EV Partnerships

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...

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AMOS Expands Globally

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...

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2020 Hawaii Energy Conference: Imagining a Just Recovery

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...

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Join Us for the 7th Hawaii Energy Conference

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....

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Electric Vehicle Charging Update

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...

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Renewable Energy Forum

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...

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Preserving the Kalaupapa’s Peninsula

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,...

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Hawaii Small Business Conference Returns to Maui

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,...

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Used Car, High Mileage

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...

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Protecting the Space Environment

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...

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Join Us for the Hawaii Energy Conference & Exhibition

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...

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A Healthy Harvest!

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...

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The Powerhouse: Conserve Energy, Reduce Costs

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...

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2nd Annual Hawaii Small Business Conference

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...

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Shoreline Water Testing Powered by Volunteers

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...

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Maui High Students Research Mars Colonization

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...

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Saving Seabirds

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...

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Maui Green & Beautiful

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...

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Surfing Science

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...

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Kona Ice Makes a Difference

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...

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You’re invited to the Hawaii Small Business Conference

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...

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Register now for the Maui Energy Conference

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...

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Happenings in the School Garden

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,...

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Fairmont Kea Lani Resort Helps “Clean the World”

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...

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Most Advanced Solar Telescope on Earth

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...

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Rural Energy for America Program: REAP-ing What You Sow

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...

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Maui’s renewable energy future

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...

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Hawaii and California students collaborate on energy issue

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,...

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Educating for energy prosperity

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...

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USDA certified organic farm community grows under the rainbow

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...

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Mama’s Fish House funds sustainable food source

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...

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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...

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Maui leading in renewable energy solutions

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...

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Green Building Helps Maui LEED the Way

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...

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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...

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Your input is needed on Maui’s energy future

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...

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MEDB seeking community input on Maui’s energy future

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...

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4-H Club finds fun, skills in coral reef monitoring

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...

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Conference looks at how consumers view energy

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...

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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...

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Artwork needed to jump-start charging station designs

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...

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Maui Brewing Co. manufactures, builds locally

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...

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Youth Alliance learns about ocean safety, overfishing

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...

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Environmental engineer enjoys encouraging young girls

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...

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Youth Alliance makes a difference in West Maui Watershed

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...

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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...

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Molokai group restores fishponds, nurtures youth

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...

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Youth Alliance learns about energy efficiency

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...

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Volunteer makes animals a high priority

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...

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Future scientists bring synergy to AMOS Conference

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...

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Filmmaking gets students keen on environment

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...

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Garden Grows on Kihei Elementary’s Keiki

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...

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Youth Alliance Learns About Seed Corn Research

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...

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Maui Center-Stage for Scientists and Space Leaders

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...

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Victorious Hālau Exudes Dedication

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...

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Moloka‘i Family Sweet on Potato Farming

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...

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Portuguese Club Spruces Up Kepaniwai Park

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...

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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...

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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...

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Youth Alliance Bonds with Animals

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...

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Community Volunteers Serving the Environment

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...

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Maui’s AMOS Conference: Serving the Tech Sector

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...

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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...

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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,...

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The Environment—and You

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...

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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,...

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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...

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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,...

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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...

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