In this episode of Aloha Maui, we share inspiring stories from Maui’s resilient small business community as they navigate recovery following the 2023 fires. Join us as we talk with local business leaders from Sparky’s Food Company, Waiwaolani, Maui Crisps, and Maui Chili Chili Oil, as well as the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, who provided invaluable support through partnerships and grants. Listen to how these businesses not only sustained their operations but also contributed to community healing, fostering innovative pathways for Maui’s economic resilience and future growth.

Guests: Tonga Hopoi, Natasha Sparks, Rose Aiwohi, Beth Apo, Kit Furukawa

Credits:

Brought to you by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation

Hosted by:
Alaka‘i Paleka

Produced by:
Karey Kapoi, Karey Kapoi, LLC
Adrian Kamali‘i, The Island Agency
Amy Kalili, PilinaFirst

Directed by:
Nā‘ālehu Anthony, PilinaFirst

Engineer:
Bryson Hoe, ‘ŌiwiTV

Photographer:
Geoffrey Lee, ‘ŌiwiTV

Production Assistants:
Teilana Akre, Karey Kapoi, LLC
Isaiah Souza, Karey Kapoi, LLC

Set Design and Graphics by:
Saedene Ota, Sae Design Group

Hair & Make-up by:
Ry-n Shimabuku

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkalohamaui/
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In this episode of Aloha Maui, we delve into the impact of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF) and Hawai‘i Community Lending (HCL) on Maui’s post-fire recovery, exploring their combined efforts to create both immediate and long-term support for local residents. Leaders from HCF discuss the Maui Strong Fund’s rapid response, which provided crucial relief in the early days of the crisis and continues to fuel lasting solutions. With a unique, relationship-based approach to lending, Hawai‘i Community Lending prioritizes conversations with clients to assess genuine affordability, supporting homeowners as though they’re family—whether it’s “your auntie, your uncle, your brother, or your sister.” Through initiatives like House Maui, HCF and HCL together, are pioneering sustainable solutions to Maui’s housing crisis, reflecting resilience and a commitment to community-centered support.

Guests: Kēhau Meyer, Keanu Lau Hee, Jeff Gilbreath 

Credits:

Brought to you by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation

Hosted by:
Alaka‘i Paleka

Produced by:
Karey Kapoi, Karey Kapoi, LLC
Adrian Kamali‘i, The Island Agency
Amy Kalili, PilinaFirst

Directed by:
Nā‘ālehu Anthony, PilinaFirst

Engineer:
Bryson Hoe, ‘ŌiwiTV

Photographer:
Geoffrey Lee, ‘ŌiwiTV

Production Assistants:
Teilana Akre, Karey Kapoi, LLC
Isaiah Souza, Karey Kapoi, LLC

Set Design and Graphics by:
Saedene Ota, Sae Design Group

Hair & Make-up by:
Ry-n Shimabuku

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkalohamaui/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkalohamaui

Makawao’s own Heidi Ho, an attorney and Law School professor at the University of San Francisco School of Law, watched the devastation of August 8, 2023, unfold from her home in California, aching to be on the ground helping her community. Two weeks later, PONO Legal was born and is providing pro bono legal support to those impacted by the fires. From navigating FEMA claims to ensuring homeowners’ rights, Aloha Maui dives into the work of Pono Legal and its mission to empower the community in the journey toward recovery and resilience.

Guests: Heidi Ho, Kono Davis, Diane Ho, Hi'ilei Casco 

Credits:

Brought to you by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation

Hosted by:
Alaka‘i Paleka

Produced by:
Karey Kapoi, Karey Kapoi, LLC
Adrian Kamali‘i, The Island Agency
Amy Kalili, PilinaFirst

Directed by:
Nā‘ālehu Anthony, PilinaFirst

Engineer:
Bryson Hoe, ‘ŌiwiTV

Photographer:
Geoffrey Lee, ‘ŌiwiTV

Production Assistants:
Teilana Akre, Karey Kapoi, LLC
Isaiah Souza, Karey Kapoi, LLC

Set Design and Graphics by:
Saedene Ota, Sae Design Group

Hair & Make-up by:
Ry-n Shimabuku

Follow us on social media for updates:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkalohamaui/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkalohamaui

When disaster struck, Maui’s nonprofit network stepped up with support from the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund. In this episode of Aloha Maui, hear from leaders at Boys and Girls Club, Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc., Maui United Way, and others as they share how they’re meeting urgent community needs and developing long-term solutions, from critical programming for our youth to essential healthcare and food security. Tune in to discover how these organizations, together with Maui’s resilient spirit, are shaping a path forward for every family, child, and elder affected by the fires.

Guests: Debbie Cabebe, Sunny Chen, Jason Economou, Erika Kapu, Kelly Maluo-Pearson, Bobby Pahia

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In this heartfelt episode of Aloha Maui, we delve into the legacy of Lahaina’s treasured family-owned businesses, from the Ohta family mango stand to Nagasako Store and Hop Wo Bakery. Through conversations with both kupuna and younger ʻohana members, we uncover stories of resilience, cherished memories, and visions for the future. They share hopes for a Lahaina that honors its roots while embracing new beginnings, keeping the spirit of community alive for generations to come.

Guests: Carolyn Kam, Richard Nagasako, Laurie Lei DeGama, Michelle Gordon

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In the wake of the devastating fires, the Lahaina Community Land Trust was created and is prioritizing rebuilding a Lahaina that preserves its deep-rooted sense of community and cultural heritage. This effort goes beyond recovery—it’s about protecting the essence of Lahaina from outside pressures and ensuring that its future remains in the hands of its people. From grassroots organizers to elected officials, it will take everyone working together to keep Lahaina, Lahaina.

Guests: Carolyn Auweloa, Mikey Burke, Kaipo Kekona, Autumn Ness, Tamara Paltin, Nohelani Uʻu-Hodgins

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Lahaina is a diverse community home to many immigrant populations. Ensuring that multilingual and culturally responsive support is available for these immigrant community members is the driving force behind several key groups and organizations that have stepped up since the Maui fires.

Guests: Veronica Jachowski, Kevin Block, Della Nakamoto, AnnDionne "Dee" Selestin, Eric Arquero, Sieny Corpuz

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In this episode, we highlight Ka Laʻi Ola. This groundbreaking temporary housing development will shelter up to 1,500 wildfire survivors for as long as five years. We discuss the state’s commitment to supporting individuals and families ineligible for FEMA assistance and showcase how Hawaiʻi Community Foundation (HCF) and Maui Strong Fund (MSF) are stepping up to ensure housing stability for survivors. This episode also covers MSF’s largest donation to date, funding Ka Laʻi Ola’s “temporary housing with permanent infrastructure,” providing a long-term solution to a critical need.

Guests: Michelle Kaʻuhane, Joe Campos, Kimo Carvalho, Kalewa Bancaco, Kaleo Phillips, Pakalana Phillips

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Walk through the memories of Lahaina’s history, the enterprises and industries that thrived there, the families and cultures drawn to it, and the underlying characteristics that define the spirit of Lahaina that have, and will continue to, persevere.

Guests: Cody Pueo Pata, Makalapua Kanuha

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Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, via its Maui Strong Fund, has come alongside key organizations and entities already doing great work to uplift Maui’s people and place, increasing the reach and impact of these critical community partners. The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement has been one of those key partners, providing services from distribution of essential supplies to standing up a hub that helps those impacted navigate the myriad of local, state, federal and nonprofit resources available, and also developing multiple temporary housing initiatives. 

Guests: Micah Kāne, Kūhiō Lewis, Kukui Keahi, Dustin Kaleiʻōpū, Nick Carroll

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