quote of the week
My painting is a tribute to the ancestors and the revival of a whole culture, of which Kaʻai is a representative.
– Suzy Papanikolas, Artist
Recent Articles
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 Finds Beauty in Hana
Maui High School graduate Marie Alexie Sijalbo visited Hana for the first time this summer. Sijalbo said she liked what she saw as she traveled for the first time to the remote part of East Maui as a member of the Youth Alliance. “I have never gone camping before and...
Principal Retires to Care for His Parents
Principal Randy Yamanuha retired in June after 30 years of service with the State Department of Education. At age 56, he leaves his post to serve as caregiver for his aging parents, Yoshio and Sadae Yamanuha. “I’ve always told my staff, family comes first and so I...
Uncle Joe Rides As Rodeo Grand Marshal
Following his late grandpa’s footsteps, Otto “Uncle Joe” Thompson will serve as the 2012 Makawao Rodeo Grand Marshal. “I’m not nervous. Nothing can faze me at this stage,” the 75-year-old said. “I’m just going to have fun.” As an Upcountry youngster, Thompson...
Youth Alliance Visits Honokowai Valley
Members of the Focus Maui Nui Youth Alliance planted native species and uprooted invasive ones in an effort to contribute to the reforestation of Honokowai Valley. The project, completed in May and prior to the summer break, was an opportunity to learn about and...
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Trends Maui Nui 2020
Work on the 2020 report began in late 2018, as an update to the 2008 Next Steps Report—to record changes over the decade, to prepare for the 2020 U.S. Census, and to contextualize quantitative research. Like the 2008 report, it is comprised primarily of secondary data, but Trends Maui Nui 2020 includes far more data than its predecessor. It also includes six narratives that bring life to quantitative data. These narratives were developed with the help of a collection of qualitative one-on-one interviews with a cross section of topic experts and residents of Maui County.
About Focus Maui Nui
Focus Maui Nui, a program of Maui Economic Development Board, is a community process seeking the input of local citizens in a discussion about what residents want for the future of our islands (Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe) which together make up Maui Nui and Maui County.
The project is designed to bring individuals, organizations, and communities throughout the county together to identify and prioritize shared values and to send clear messages to local leaders about what we want for our islands, our communities, and our future.
Our Vision
INNOVATION
Maui Nui will be an innovative model of sustainable island living and a place where every child can grow to reach his or her potential.
COMMUNITY
The needs of each individual, the needs of our natural and cultural assets, and the needs of the whole community will be brought into balance to reflect the extremely high value we place on both the land and its people.
EDUCATION
The education and well-being of young people will be fostered to ensure that those born on these islands can, if they choose, spend their whole lives here – raising children, owning homes, enjoying rewarding jobs, and taking advantage of opportunities to contribute to this community and to be good stewards of our local treasures.
LEADER
Maui Nui will be a leader in the creation of responsible, self-sufficient communities and environmentally sound economic development.
PRESERVATION
That which makes Maui Nui unique in the world will be preserved, celebrated, and protected for generations to come.