Kokua Market co-op ends extended run

• By Pat Gee
• March 25, 2024

Kokua Market’s latest attempt at resurrection in recent months as Hawaii’s only natural-food cooperative never really got off the ground at a new location in Palolo Valley. Read more

Catholic Charities USA will continue aiding Maui recovery

• By Pat Gee
• March 18, 2024

Kerry Alys Robinson, Catholic Charities USA president and CEO, said her two-day visit to Maui last week filled her with deep sorrow for what people lost in the disastrous August wildfires as well as gratitude for those helping with their recovery, and she promised to continue raising funds to aid the effort. Read more

National bike program comes to Wahiawa school

• By Pat Gee
• March 15, 2024

Kindergarteners at Ka‘ala Elementary School in Wahiawa got to ride 24 new bikes Thursday in a national learn-to-ride program, thanks to a donation from the engineering firm HDR. Read more

In-home euthanasia for pets provides comfort and dignity

• By Pat Gee
• March 11, 2024

Several years ago Skye Morrison knew it was time to end the suffering of her aging cat, Smokey, but she couldn’t bear the thought of taking him into a sterile veterinary clinic to lie on a metal table in the final moments of his life. Read more

Lahaina’s banyan tree tackles insect infestation

• By Pat Gee
• March 10, 2024

The section of the tree along Wharf Street suffered the most damage from the August wildfire. Read more

Old Lahaina Lu‘au to return in wake of wildfire

• By Pat Gee
• March 7, 2024

The award-winning Old Lahaina Lu‘au, which has served more than 4 million guests since 1986, will reopen Tuesday after months of repairing damage suffered during Maui’s August wildfire and ongoing support for restoration of the historic community. Read more

Maui boutique that helps women moves to Ka‘ahumanu Center

• By Pat Gee
• March 4, 2024

ReVive Boutique, a second­hand store for apparel and home goods, recently was relocated by the nonprofit Women Helping Women to a new location at Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center in Kahului. Read more

Nonprofit builds affordable housing on Maui

• By Pat Gee
• Feb. 19, 2024

Catholic Charities Hawaii expects to complete construction of a 178-unit affordable housing project in Kahului by the end of 2026 that would help address the imperative need of residents who suffered serious loss in the August wildfires. Read more

Drones add tech — and fun — to farming at Waipahu High School

• By Pat Gee
• Feb. 12, 2024

Students at Waipahu High School have shown a lot more interest in agricultural and environmental studies this year since the opening of a state-of-the-art learning center that incorporates the latest in technology and allows them to spread their wings. Read more

Homeless youth find help at new sober house

• By Pat Gee
• Feb. 5, 2024

Young adults who have lived on the street and are trying to kick a substance use disorder have found a place to call home for now at the newly opened ‘Apapane, the first clean-and-sober house established by Residential Youth Services & Empowerment. Read more

Living Treasures luncheon to fete 5 Hawaii residents

• By Pat Gee
• Feb. 5, 2024

The 49th annual Living Treasures of Hawai‘i event on Saturday will honor five exceptional people who have made significant contributions to their respective fields and Hawaii’s multifaceted culture. Read more

New year celebration planned at Plantation Village

• By Pat Gee
• Jan. 28, 2024

Admission is free at the outdoor museum, which depicts life on Hawaii’s sugar plantations (circa 1850-1950). Read more

Makawao center’s program distributes free art kits

• By Pat Gee
• Jan. 15, 2024

The Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center in Makawao, Maui, is focusing on the recovery of Lahaina children and families and other communities affected by fire by providing uplifting activities and opportunities for expression and connection. Read more

Maui keiki tap into healing through art

• By Pat Gee
• Jan. 15, 2024

In the midst of the upheaval following the catastrophic Maui wildfires, three Lahaina third graders found a creative outlet for their emotions through an art class that culminated in a book they wrote and illustrated. Read more

Ward Village Friends of the Library store sells used books year-round

• By Pat Gee
• Jan. 2, 2024

Top sellers include vinyl records, comics, paperback mysteries, literature, self- help and children’s books. Read more

Hawaii kids help other keiki as Secret Santa

• By Pat Gee
• Dec. 24, 2023

Since 2016, the Secret Santa Project Hawaii has helped thousands of keiki facing hardship, many of whom were too late to apply or were ineligible to receive gifts from other charities. Their motto is “kids helping kids.” Read more

Kauai’s Jewish community sends ‘jewelry hug’ to Israel

• By Pat Gee
• Dec. 18, 2023

A community of volunteers at the Kauai Jewish Center have sent their support to Israeli refugees of the Oct. 7 terrorist attack in a tangible form: handmade Hawaiian-­themed jewelry intertwined with heartfelt aloha. Read more

Kokua Market reopens in Palolo

• By Pat Gee
• Dec. 11, 2023

Reports of Kokua Market’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. Read more

2 Catholic groups continue to aid Maui survivors as needs shift

• By Pat Gee
• Nov. 27, 2023

As mortgage, rent and utility payments become due on homes that were lost in the Maui wildfire, anxiety is the overriding tone in the voices of thousands of Maui wildfire victims applying for assistance from two Catholic organizations. Read more

Lahaina’s Sacred Hearts School carries on with gratitude

• By Pat Gee
• Nov. 23, 2023

It was important for Principal Tonata Lolesio to reopen Sacred Hearts School in Lahaina only a few weeks after the Aug. 8 wildfire that decimated the town. Read more

Gentle Beast takes pride in spreading joy with its floral arrangements

• By Pat Gee
• Nov. 19, 2023

Kaiwen “Kai” Wang Nobriga’s regular clients include luxury brands and celebrities such as former first lady Michelle Obama, but he says he owes his rapid rise in the floral industry to the everyday customers who’ve always supported him. Read more