FOCUS MAUI NUI

Our Islands, Our Future
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Mana’o @ Home

Mana’o @ Home

Trish ‘da Dish’ Smith is living her dreams on Maui. An award-winning community journalist,  wordsmith and event producer, Smith currently hosts MANA’O@HOME, a talk-story and live music experience celebrating Maui’s finest musicians. The live show, presented on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at 4pm HST, is online via the Mana’o Radio Facebook page. Smith also provides a catalog of past shows on www.manaoradio.com, which includes over 50 Maui artists, a treat for all music enthusiasts. 

Mana’o Radio Managing Director Michael Elam noted, “A key part of our mission is to support live music and the local Maui entertainers who make it thrive. We can now reach people who cannot otherwise see an artist perform locally──fans from all over the world can tune in.”

Smith added, “The Mana’o Radio ‘ohana and I are proud to showcase Maui artists by providing this live platform to share their music and be interviewed. It is great that now you can get your live-music fix from the comfort of home and learn more about your favorite Maui performers. Support for the show comes from underwriters da Playground Maui, the island’s multi-faceted live event venue in Maalaea, and from family business, Venture Physical Therapy.”

The show attracted an array of talents from the start and Smith was able to form a solid team to produce a full-fledged broadcast for audiences. Smith recalled, “What began as a Zoom show from a bedroom is now a sophisticated livestream broadcast with tech wizard Cody Quintana from BackLit Buddha Studios, a state-of-the-art artist space. The show not only brings together extraordinary musicians; it also provides a unique platform for them to share their stories and their vulnerability in an online setting. It is just the kind of journalism I have always loved to share!”

During his MANA’O@HOME performance, Maui’s Reggae Ambassador of Hawaii Marty Dread remarked, “Speaking for myself and for all of my contemporaries, thank you Trish and Mana’o Radio for providing a place where we can come talk story and play music, especially after the long lockdown. It is wonderful to share music again in such an amazing format.”

MANA’O@HOME presents an hour-long talk-story, interview, and live music experience featuring Maui’s extraordinary talent.

Trish ‘da Dish’ Smith, MANA’O@HOME, Host
The Hawaii Wildlife Discovery Center

The Hawaii Wildlife Discovery Center

In November 2021, The Hawaii Wildlife Discovery Center (HWDC), a much anticipated 5,000-square-foot space, opened at Whalers Village in Kaanapali. With contributions from several partners, HWDC features more than 30 exhibits about Hawaii’s undersea life, whaling era, cultural values and conservation work. The space also allows the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary to offer education and outreach programs, Additionally, the Maui Visitors Bureau (MVB) provides volunteer opportunities and community gatherings.

“We have long needed a place that helps our visitors better understand how to respect native wildlife while simultaneously gaining a deeper appreciation for the islands,” said Hannah Bernard, HWDC Executive Director. “We depend on partnerships like the one we are sharing with Whalers Village, MVB, and the whale sanctuary to succeed in our conservation efforts, and I could not be more excited about this wonderful place we have co-created.”

There are 45 locally produced, Maui-focused videos with topics ranging from ‘Voice of the Sea’ to ‘Kumukahi: Stories of Living Hawaiian Culture’ and ‘What Does it Take to Disentangle a Whale?’ Allen Tom, the regional manager for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary said, “The Discovery Center’s goals and approaches are well-aligned with the sanctuary’s mission. We are thrilled to work together in this space.”

Among the many featured artists and photographers are cousins Kahi and Patrick Ching, who created spectacular murals on display outside and inside the center. Other local artists specialize in utilizing marine debris and beach-cast plastics in a variety of 3-D and video displays. Marine debris is a focal point of HWDC, and the Kids Zone is a place where keiki can learn about how plastic and other types of pollution directly affect local wildlife and habitats. Also, the HWDC Shop offers numerous sustainable products with an emphasis on merchandise locally sourced in Hawaii.

Melissa Aguilar-Craft, Whalers Village General Manager, noted, “We are honored to play host to this one-of-a-kind tenant, bringing more than just retail offerings to our shoppers. Our customers, many of whom are visitors, are looking for the complete Hawaiian experience, and HWDC provides that.”

A portion of the proceeds from gift-shop sales and entry fees into the Discovery Center supports conservation work of Hawaii Wildlife Fund, new exhibits and special displays.

Hannah Bernard, HWDC Executive Director, President, Hawaii Wildlife Fund
Hawaii Celebrates Juneteenth – Sunday June 19th

Hawaii Celebrates Juneteenth – Sunday June 19th

Last year, Juneteenth, short for June 19th, was designated a national, Federal holiday for the first time to commemorate the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African-Americans in Texas were freed. Hawaii was the 49th state to officially recognize Juneteenth when Governor Ige signed legislation marking the occasion (only South Dakota does not recognize the day). Because Juneteenth falls on a Sunday this year, Federal workers will have the day off on Friday, June 17. Juneteenth becomes the twelfth federal holiday, but it is only a State holiday in nine states, and State workers in Hawaii will still have to report to work.

Also called Freedom Day and Emancipation Day, Juneteenth is a landmark date for the African-American community nationwide. It marks the date when the Federal proclamation freeing all slaves finally reached Galveston, Texas, then a remote outpost of the Southern slave states. Although the rumors of freedom were widespread prior to this, actual emancipation did not come until General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston and issued General Order No. 3, on June 19, 1865, almost two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

Juneteenth marks the culmination of a shameful era in American history and evokes mixed emotions for some. While for many, this is a joyful and celebratory occasion, others advocate for questioning progress towards true racial justice, especially in the light of recent events involving Trayvon Martin in Florida, George Floyd in Minneapolis, Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia, as well as others closer to home. 

In Governor Ige’s words, “With the signing of this bill, I hope that June 19 will serve as a moment of reflection for everyone here in the islands and across the country to remember where we’ve come from, but most importantly, to be inspired to move our country and our community forward in search of that more perfect union where we treat everyone equally each and every day.”

There is no such thing as race. None. There is just a human race — scientifically, anthropologically.

Toni Morrison, critically-acclaimed African-American novelist, Pulitzer Prize winner and Nobel Laureate.
O KALANI Exhibit @ The MACC

O KALANI Exhibit @ The MACC

The Maui Arts and Cultural Center is presenting the O Kalani exhibit at the Schaefer International Gallery from April 5-June 18, 2022. The show, featuring the work of prominent, Kānaka contemporary artists, Sean Kekamakupa’aikapono Ka’onohiokalani Lee Loy Browne and Imaikalani Kalahele, represents a pivotal moment in the history of Hawaii. Browne and Kalahele have been active since the latter part of the 20th century during a resurgence of Hawaiian culture. Drawing inspiration from stories, history, legends, and current events, and using themes from the past to create contemporary art narratives, each artist has charted his own course and helped define contemporary Hawaiian art.

Kalahele, artist, poet, musician, and respected kupuna, has developed diverse forms of expression with his work, including various Hawaiian anthologies in addition to his own book, Kalahele (2002), a collection of poetry. “I like to imbue my paintings with vivid compositions and imagery that connect us to history and legends,” Kalahele noted. “Using ancestral knowledge to guide me, I interpret spirituality and nature to manifest ideas in a unique visual style, addressing issues faced by the Hawaiian community.”

Drawing inspiration from his Native Hawaiian ancestry, Browne portrays mythical and historic figures in sculptural forms using cast bronze, carved wood and stone. Contributing to a sense of place, his large public works of art are installed throughout Hawaii. “Many of my historic figures are depicted realistically,” Browne explained. “My works with gods and demi-gods are stylized, translating supernatural acts and legends into smaller simplified forms. Organized in collaboration with the Honolulu Museum of Art, I hope the Maui community enjoys the exhibit.”

“I was so impressed with this show when I saw it, I knew I had to bring it to Maui,” said Gallery Director Neida Bangerter. “The title, O Kalani, which can be translated as ‘from the heavens’, references a relationship with the divine, and also acknowledges the names of both artists: Kalani.” Agreeing, Assistant Director Jonathan Yukio Clark said, “The two artists bridge the connection between past inherited knowledge and contemporary issues through their own very distinct language and vocabulary. What is beautiful about this show is the way their art works together.”

Gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10-4pm, free. Also free, the gallery is offering an Observe and Play Family Day on May 7, 10-12noon for families to view the exhibit together, explore activities in storytelling and legends, and make a piece of art to take home.

Neida Bangerter, Gallery Director
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 life.  

A study by Princeton University predicts that by 2050 electrifying transport and buildings could double the amount of electricity consumption in the U.S. Amy Myers Jaffe, a research professor at Tuft’s University, boldly declares in the Wall Street Journal, “The electrification of (almost) everything is coming, and we’re just not ready for it.”  Our communities will need to develop disciplined, proportional responses to the challenges Electrification poses. Strategies for energy efficiency and the equitable distribution of Electrification’s benefits must balance building capacity for increased consumption. 

Join us at the Hawaii Energy Conference for a two-day discussion that will review the issues surrounding electrification with the following thoughts in mind:

* How do we define “electrification” and is it the same everywhere?

* How are the community’s needs and concerns being addressed as the infrastructure for electrification become more prevalent?

* How is resilience being brought into the equation of electrification?

* What has been and will be the impact of COVID-19 on customers of the utility?

* What should the climate goals of electrification be – net zero carbon, net negative carbon, or zero emissions?

* What is the role of energy efficiency in electrification? …and more

The 2022 Hawaii Energy Conference is on May 10 and 12. Learn more and register at https://hawaiienergyconference.com. Use code FMNHEC to save.

Viewpoints Gallery Celebrates Hawaii Artists

Viewpoints Gallery Celebrates Hawaii Artists

Through April 16th, Viewpoints Gallery in Makawao is presenting Celebration of Hawaii 2022, an annual invitational exhibit featuring work from more than 60 artists. “The entire Viewpoints Gallery is redesigned around this presentation,” said Oliver and Joelle Perz, Viewpoints Gallery and Art Directors. “We are showing artwork of significance by some of the best artists coming from around the state. Every piece portrays diversity. craftmanship, and visual beauty, all focused on the theme of honoring our extraordinary Hawaiian islands and culture.

As part of an on-going program started by Joelle, called the ‘Reaching Out Project’, artists were asked to collaborate with someone from the community to create a piece for the exhibit. Maui artist Jeanne Bitz worked with the Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Voyaging Society (HOCVS), whose mission is to promote sustainability and respect for the earth, humanity, and the Hawaiian culture through voyaging and the way of life on the canoe. Bitz’s collaboration with HOCVS and her experience of paddling into the full moon proved uniquely inspirational for expressing the Hawaiian culture artistically.

Bitz explained, “My work, titled Hina, an oil on gallery-wrapped linen, 96 x 48 inches, follows the story of Mahina as I learned it while searching for wisdom from ancestors, and listening to the present need of others, myself included. Throughout the Oceanic cultures, Hina has represented a fluid, powerful, extremely diverse woman who faces challenges, makes her own path going forward, destroys barriers to equality, and works to make the world a better place. Every woman in that canoe has faced and overcome challenges that seemed insurmountable at the time. If not for the canoe, our paths might never have crossed. We come together to be stronger, to learn, to grow, to embark on grand adventures, and sometimes we come together to be the change we want to see in the world. Beyond that, when we work together, that feeling of the canoe taking flight and gliding over the water is visual poetry. Mahalo nui loa for my chance to collaborate with HOCVS, and those shared moments that allowed our stories to intertwine on this grand adventure.”

Mahalo to Viewpoints Gallery for providing a space and a nurturing spirit that truly celebrates the rich culture of Hawaii.

Jeanne Bitz, Maui Artist
MFTC Creates A Sense Of Place

MFTC Creates A Sense Of Place

Presented by the Maui Food Technology Center (MFTC), the Maui Sunday Market is an expanded island ‘ohana. At the core of the MFTC strategy is the goal of encouraging and supporting entrepreneurship among Hawaii’s local residents. The Market, supported by the County of Maui Office of Economic Development and sponsored by Alexander & Baldwin, helps to revitalize the community of Kahului while sharing aloha.

“Events happen all around the island,” said Luana Mahi, President of MFTC. “However, in Kahului, weekly community events are a rarity, especially in the evening. With the Maui Sunday Market, MFTC wanted to create an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to gather each week, engage with each other, share stories, and experience the diversity of Hawaii.”

One of the goals of the Maui Sunday Market was to create a place to share the creativity and talents of residents, wonderful food, and to absorb each other’s genuine aloha spirit in a safe and informal venue. The event draws visitors from the cruise ship that docks in the harbor earlier in the day, as well as visitors from around the island. “Often visitors crave an authentic island experience,” Mahi explained. “Our Market offers local foods, products, and live entertainment that especially resonates with this audience. Residents too are attracted to the weekly festivities, making Sunday evening a truly special time to spend with family and friends. Open to the public, with free admission, the event is held from 4pm to 8pm in the parking lot of the Kahului Shopping Center located at 65 W. Kaahumanu Avenue in Kahului.”

Mahi added, “MFTC also just opened its new food truck hub, called the Maui STREET Market. This foodie hot spot is located in the south side of the parking lot at 150 Hana Highway in Kahului and is open seven days a week. Our new hub will give residents and visitors the opportunity to ‘eat the street’, Maui-style, all year-round, take-out or dine-at, with a diverse menu of ono food served with aloha. Attendees will be helping to support local entrepreneurs and the island’s economy. Hele Mai, hope to see you there!”

The MFTC team provides a variety of food industry and entrepreneurial services to help small to mid-sized companies grow and succeed through marketing, education and business strategies. Visit www.mauifoodtechnology.org for more information.

Luana Mahi, Maui Food Technology Center

A Christmas Classic Came to Maui

A Christmas Classic Came to Maui

The Nutcracker, a perennial holiday production, was performed on Maui this year by The Alexander Academy of Performing Arts (AAPA). Debuted in 1892, the two-act ballet was originally adapted from E.T.A. Hoffmann’s tale The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. The famous musical score by Tchaikovsky has become as well-known as the ballet itself.

Steeped in tradition, the Nutcracker has been a staple of Christmas celebrations for generations. The ballet is set on Christmas Eve, when family and friends have gathered in the parlor to prepare for their Christmas party. The story tells of young Clara, her brother Fritz, and a wooden soldier doll given to them by their Uncle Drosselmeyer. That night the nutcracker, himself a messenger of goodwill, comes to life and whisks Clara off into a dream world where toys come alive, a battle ensues against an evil Mouse King, and a fairy-tale ending with a Sugar Plum Fairy breaks the curse on the nutcracker, who then turns into a handsome prince. Sugar Plum Fairy Gabriella Craft said, “The Fairy is a motherly figure in her Kingdom of Sweets, hoping to bring a bit of sweet joy to all she meets. I hope my unique wonder of dancing this part inspired that same pure joy in others.”

Danelle Watson, AAPA Director and Teacher, said, “I am incredibly grateful for our dancing ohana and staff who brought the Nutcracker ballet to our island. It took a village! I wanted to offer something special to our students and our community to help take away the stresses of challenging times. To be safe and to meet county requirements, we constructed an outdoor theater.”

Watson explained, “Whether you have witnessed it once or dozens of times, the magic of the Nutcracker never fades. The glow of the holiday tradition amplifies Clara’s timeless story and Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable music coming to life through dance. Audiences enter a land of snow, full of fairies, life-sized dolls, dancing snowflakes, and a procession of other beloved characters. With the Sugar Plum Fairy, herself a creature of magic, and an astonishingly diverse cast, the Nutcracker never fails to delight audiences, bringing Christmas joy to all.”

The cast, with seemingly effortless beauty of movement and electrifying brilliance, enchanted audiences with the radiance of the season.

Danelle Watson, AAPA Director and Teacher
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 Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA), offered a cross-section of government, academic, and private-sector participation to help foster dialogue and international collaboration.

“Thanks to the meticulous health and safety planning by our MEDB Conference Team, we were able to move forward,” said Leslie Wilkins, MEDB President and CEO. “The health and well-being of participants was our highest priority while maintaining the important dialogue and networking opportunities the AMOS Conference is known for. This year, having a hybrid conference allowed our international partners to participate in building collaborations, partnerships, and protocols for good actors in the space domain.” 

In addition to the technical sessions, the AMOS Conference included keynote speakers, SSA policy forums, exhibit sessions, technical short courses and networking events. The policy forums, organized in collaboration with Secure World Foundation, were held after the keynote at the start of each day, of the 3-day conference. These sessions brought together the developers and implementers of SSA capabilities and the architects of SSA policy to explore international issues related to space sustainability.

In collaboration with the American Astronautical Society (AAS), the AMOS Conference provided participating authors the opportunity to be published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Astronautical Sciences. At the close of the conference, AAS recognized outstanding efforts by presenting an award for Best Student Paper to Shaylah Mutschler, University of Colorado, Boulder and Best Paper to Maui resident Dr. Channing Chow II, founder and CEO of Cloudstone Innovations LLC.

Chow reflected, “On behalf of myself and my coauthors, we were honored to receive the 2021 AMOS Conference Best Paper Award. We are humbled to be selected amongst a host of such high-quality papers. The AMOS Conference brings together a truly unique juxtaposition of academia, industry, and government working collaboratively towards space safety, security, and exploration. Every year AMOS provides the opportunity to share innovative concepts, challenge stagnant norms, and showcase the latest advances in research and development.”

Space is indispensable to every aspect of daily life. During a live virtual SSA Roundtable preceding the AMOS Conference, experts addressed the current growth of objects in space and the long-term sustainability of the space environment.

Leslie Wilkins, President and CEO, MEDB