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 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.
Lynn Fulton, Maui Health CEO, was awarded the prestigious Pacific Business News Women Who Mean Business award for 2025. Presented annually, the award recognizes women making a significant impact in their industries and communities by excelling in both business and community leadership. A Maui Health representative shared, “Fulton has been at the helm since January 1, 2024, and is a transformative leader. Under her direction, Maui Health has made substantial strides in improving operational efficiency by fostering a culture of support, growth and development.”
Fulton has been leading hospitals, ambulatory sites, and related ventures in operations, strategic planning, finance, business expansion, and team development for over two decades. “I am incredibly honored to receive this recognition,” Fulton said. “I believe that successful leadership is rooted in collaboration and empowerment. I am deeply committed to the people of Maui Health—our staff, community physicians, residents and visitors to Maui County—and am excited to continue driving positive change in our hospital and community.”
Perhaps most significant has been Fulton’s commitment to investing in Maui Health’s workforce to improve internal culture and empower staff to reach their fullest potential. Within a few months joining Maui Health, she launched a comprehensive leadership development program, providing regular education, training, and resources for department leaders, supporting their future career growth.
Fulton is also dedicated to investing in local students’ success and working to stabilize Maui’s workforce with healthcare career awareness and training programs. Maui Health recently partnered with Maui Economic Development Board’s STEMworks™ program to organize 3 healthcare career exploration events at Maui Memorial Medical Center for 187 local middle and high schoolers. The students learned life-saving skills directly from healthcare professionals, including CPR, techniques to stop serious bleeding, and how to recognize a stroke. Maui Health staff also reenacted an emergency room scenario to show students the critical roles of every member of the ER team.
Maui Health is also offering a paid summer internship program this year. The program will offer hands-on experiences while providing an inside look at the vital non-clinical roles that support patient care. It is designed for college and graduate students who want to explore the healthcare field and those looking to have a career on Maui.
Maui Health provides a great opportunity for students to be able to build a career. There is nothing like seeing what happens in a hospital through interactions with the people who work here.
Lynn Fulton, CEO, Maui Health
Maui’s youth are taking center stage at this year’s Maui Matsuri Children’s Festival. The free multicultural events will take place on Saturday, May 10, at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center, and this year’s event will feature Maui Economic Development Board’s STEMworks AFTERschool program with students and teachers from across Maui County. The students will showcase a variety of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) projects through hands-on activities that honor both Hawaiian culture and STEM innovation.
Each STEMworks AFTERschool site will host a table featuring interactive displays and student-led presentations. Participating schools and activities will include:
Iao Intermediate: honoring Mother’s Day through a hula performance and tribute to Queen Liliʻuokalani and presenting projects in coding, entrepreneurship, and healthcare
Kalama Intermediate: hosting a special hula performance as well as robotics, art, 3D printing showcase, and optical illusion photo and video activities
Lokelani Intermediate: providing beaded bracelet activities and a showcase of digital art, interactive student video games, and 3D printed designs
Maui Waena: highlighting media and entrepreneurship student projects
Molokai Middle: showcasing native Hawaiian plants and agriculture, robotics
Pukalani Elementary: providing introductory STEM activities and robotics demonstrations
This community event is a chance to support local students and see the impact of the STEMworks AFTERschool program. Families, educators, and community members are all invited to enjoy the day, celebrate keiki, and be inspired by local STEM students’ talent and dedication to learning.
The festival will start at 10am, with other performances and activities including a Chinese lion dance, a cultural parade, a Bayanihan folk dance, and a wide variety of craft tables run by local organizations. For more information about the Maui Matsuri Children’s Festival, including the event schedule, visit https://mauimatsuri.com/. To learn more about the STEMworks AFTERschool program, visit https://www.stemworkshawaii.org/afterschool.
Community members are also invited to mark their calendars for the Maui Matsuri Japanese Festival, which will take place on Saturday, May 24 from 3pm to 9pm at UH Maui College.
This year’s Hawaiʻi STEM Conference, organized by Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) STEMworks™ program, welcomed almost 600 attendees, including over 70 teachers and 300 students in grades 6-12 from all across the state. The conference featured two keynote speakers, an exhibit hall with 30 organizations tabling, 47 student breakout sessions, 13 teacher breakout sessions, a speed networking session with over 50 STEM industry professionals, a college mentorship roundtable session, and 14 different pre-conference and on-site STEM competitions for student attendees. In addition to over 225 attending industry professionals, the conference was supported by its sponsors, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, AECOM, the Henry Kapono Foundation, Pacific Point, and the Stupski Foundation.
STEMworks closed the conference with the much-anticipated STEMMY Awards ceremony, announcing the following student competition winners: • Conference T-Shirt Graphic Design Winner: Lucy Blanchard (Kauaʻi HS) • Conference Sticker Graphic Design Winner: Collin Francks (Kauaʻi HS) • Social Media Content Winner: Kahakuha’akoi Hamakua-Laemoa (Molokai HS) • Renewable Energy Innovation in Everyday Objects Winner: Chelsey Miguel (King Kekaulike HS) • AI in Urban Waste Management Winners: Jeremiah Jacinto, Dylan Molina, and Ayden Truong (Baldwin HS) • Backyard Agricultural Innovation Winners: Krishen Doronio, Sarah Fahnestock, and Jonathan McDonnell (Maui HS) • The Importance of Laughter Health PSA Winners: Janica Andres and Charelle Jan Ramo (Keaʻau HS) • Video Game Design, Level 1 Winners: Aeioumyl Calleda, Erica Barut, and Tucker Weeks (Maui Waena Intermediate) • Video Game Design, Level 2 Winners: Emilio JP Madriago, Chrulsantino Ruiz, and Leson Chen (Maui HS) • Video Game Design, Level 3 Winners: Mazzy McCloud, Marlena Morgan, and Sofia Stading (Island Pacific Academy) • STEMworks Lab Spotlight winners: Aileen Kim and Jeremiah Jacinto (Baldwin HS) • Growing Beyond Earth Project Winners: Kilohana Meyer, Mahealani Braxton, and Timika McLaurin (Molokai HS) • Conference Highlight Video Competition (run in partnership with HIKI NŌ of PBS Hawai’i) winners: Emma Jane Roy, Miya Suzuki, and Penelope Dolin (Baldwin HS) • Entrepreneurship Competition (run in partnership with VentureLab) Winners: Aileen Kim, Sofia Kloft-Hibbard, Jamie Flower, Aris Rumbaoa, Malie Grundy, and Emma Agocolicol (Baldwin HS)
Takes a good team to impact people’s lives, this is what the STEMworks team does for high school kids. I got a team that does the same for people striving to be the best. The best is yet to come. Go STEM…teamwork!
Henry Kapono, Musician and Co-Founder, Henry Kapono Foundation
