New Plantings Spark Lahaina Renaissance
By Taryn Kama
In Lahaina, restoring trees after the August 2023 wildfire has become about much more than replacing what was lost.
For residents, trees represent memories, shade, gathering places, cultural identity, and a connection to ‘āina. Across West Maui, nonprofits, volunteers, arborists, hospitality groups, government agencies, and cultural organizations are working together to rebuild Lahaina’s landscape in a way that is both beautiful and more resilient for the future.
One of the strongest symbols of that resilience is the Lahaina banyan tree. According to Duane Sparkman, founder and president of Treecovery Hawai ‘i, the banyan has shown “remarkable resilience” since the fire.
About 40 percent of its damaged sections were removed so the tree could direct energy to healthier areas. Restoration efforts have included daily watering, composting, soil aeration, and long-term monitoring. New aerial roots and fruit production are now visible, giving the community hope that recovery is possible.
That same spirit of restoration is happening across Lahaina neighborhoods, public spaces, and historic sites. Treecovery Hawai‘i has become one of the leading groups in the effort, helping families replace lost trees and creating grow hubs for native and culturally significant species.
“We are proud of all of it,” Sparkman said. “What means the most is seeing so many restoration efforts and collaborations move forward together in ways that are helping make our community stronger and more resilient.”
Among the most visible projects is the planting of endemic lō‘ulu palms at Lahaina Harbor. The effort brought together Treecovery, the Kā ‘anapali Operations Association, and the Lahaina Restoration Foundation to restore native species in a highly visible public space. Raphael Wellerstein, presidentgeneral manager of the Kā ‘anapali Operations Association, said his organization supported the project because of its long relationship with Treecovery and its importance to Lahaina’s recovery.
“Supporting this effort at Lahaina Harbor was another meaningful way to contribute to Lahaina’s continued recovery,” Wellerstein said. “Our landscaping team was glad to provide on-the-ground assistance with planting.”
With a new kukui tree planted in the background, Duane Sparkman and James Sempliciano of Treecovery and Johnny Klassen of Micro Bio restore a Lahaina Harbor planter with Ai'ai ground cover.
Wellerstein said the hospitality industry can play an important role in long-term recovery by contributing staff, resources, and expertise to projects that restore important places and reintroduce native species. He noted that 14 Treecovery grow hubs are already located across Kā ‘anapali resort properties.
Future tree restoration is also closely tied to fire safety. Experts increasingly recognize that rebuilding Lahaina’s landscape cannot mean simply replanting the same vegetation in the same places.
Native and drought-tolerant plants are becoming a priority because they require less water, reduce runoff, and can create healthier, more fire-resilient landscapes. Wellerstein said his organization is also promoting reef-safe landscaping practices by reducing synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and improving soil health.
Theo Morrison, executive director of the Lahaina Restoration Foundation (LRF), said restoring the landscape is just as important as restoring Lahaina’s buildings.
Morrison emphasized that trees are essential to preserving Lahaina’s historic identity and sense of place. She noted that Lahaina has long been a community where life happened outdoors, in parks, along Front Street, and in shared public spaces
“What means the most is seeing so many restoration efforts and collaborations move forward together in ways that are helping make our community stronger and more resilient.”
shaded by trees. Morrison also said reintroducing native species like lō‘ulu palms is important because Lahaina’s original landscape was far more diverse than many people realize.
She added that the County of Maui’s Office of ‘Ōiwi Resources is helping guide a master plan for the Royal Complex area that includes landscape restoration and future development, ensuring Native Hawaiian perspectives remain part of the planning process.
Community support will continue to be essential. Residents can help by donating to the Lahaina Restoration Foundation and Treecovery Hawai‘i or volunteering during future planting efforts.The public can participate in upcoming benefit events, including the annual LRF Benefit Lū ‘au, where community participation directly help fund restoration and preservation work in Lahaina. Visit the LRF website for details.
For Lahaina, restoring trees is not simply about what was lost. It is about building a healthier, safer, and more culturally grounded future—one tree at a time.
Upcountry Heroes Of Mālama Kula Offer Aid And Goodwill
By Cindy Schumacher
Dedicated men and women who show up with trucks, chainsaws and other tools for debris cleanup, and goodwill, in a time of need, is what Mālama Kula is about.
Founded in the wake of the August 2023 Kula Fire that claimed 20 homes and scorched 200-plus acres of Upcountry property, the nonprofit is still very much serving their Upcountry community.
Mālama (“care for”) Kula is wellknown for being action-oriented and results-driven, addressing current challenges facing their community.
Their mission, to provide services that will help protect property, life, infrastructure, and health, and manage educational programs, highlights the area’s rich history from a cultural and ecological perspective. They also provide training toward skills and knowledge that benefit the Kula community.
“The need in our Upcountry community became glaringly apparent when we watched our town nearly go up in flames,” said Kyle Ellison, Executive Director of Mālama Kula. “Since the day of the fire, we have been leading the cleanup and recovery effort, providing green waste services, metal removal, clearing of downed trees, and creation of wood chips for erosion mitigation. We regularly help property owners clean up from the fire and get time—and hope—back in their lives. Even once the fire cleanup is complete, which could take years, we will provide disaster relief and cleanup while working on removal
of fire fuels to mitigate future hazards. We also planted dozens of native tree species like koa, ‘ōhi’a, ‘ilima, and ‘ilie’e, as well as nonnative vetiver grass, which is used along hillsides to stabilize soil and help minimize erosion and runoff.”
Just recently, the Kona Low storm and other storms have also displaced families, flooded farms, and impacted the Upcountry community. Mālama Kula showed up throughout the community to help with the clean-up while also offering free green waste disposal, especially to kūpuna who either don’t have access to a truck, or the physical strength that’s required to fire-harden their homes.
Mālama Kula has been mobilizing additional crew all across Kula for the last couple of weeks to aid in cleanup from the devastating storms. While the group’s regular operations focus on fire fuel reduction, green waste
management, hazard mitigation, gulch clearing, creation of firebreaks and defensible space, and wood chip distribution for erosion mitigation, the group pivoted their efforts and resources immediately to respond to downed trees and flood damage in many of Kula’s hardest hit areas.
“As part of our cleanup efforts, Mālama Kula has also mobilized paid cleanup crews and community volunteers to over 70 properties across Kula,” Ellison explained. “We provided 19 green waste dumpsters that have collected 475 cubic yards of green waste. That’s enough to fill 475 pickup trucks that didn’t have to drive to the central Maui landfill. We engaged professional wood chipper and sawyer teams to fell and clear downed trees and open driveways to free residents who were blocked in their home by downed trees. We also opened County roadways that were blocked and impassable, distributed wood chips to farms across Kula, and helped residents with mud and flood damage, from cleaning up the mud to providing dumpsters for hauling away their debris.”
our community. That’s the way it should be!”
Sam, a Kula community resident, said, “They get it done and brought the community together. Since day one of the fires and during the recent storms they have been around to offer hot meals, remove our debris, and clean our gulches. Plus, they continue to help neighbors maintain safety for future fire mitigation.”
Other residents noted, “It’s overwhelming that these people are truly here to help. Not just handing out things, but genuinely caring for us. Everything from cutting down trees, to neighborhood gatherings. They came like a force of nature, like super heroes. That gave us hope with their generosity of spirit, of neighbor helping neighbor. There are no words for that.”
Ellison added, “It’s incumbent upon our entire community to protect not just our own properties and ‘ohana, but our neighbors and community around us. While programs that are months or years in the future are certainly important parts of this response, we see the need to prioritize work that addresses these hazards today. If you or someone you know needs help with downed trees or storm damage please send us a message with the location. We also provide programs to meet the challenges facing the area’s rural and agricultural economy and organize educational and social events that foster and strengthen community.”
Visit https://malamakula.org to join one of Mālama Kula’s service projects, community work days, and/ or social gatherings. Y
All of this is besides Mālama Kula’s regular efforts of helping residents rebuild their homes that were lost in the 2023 wild fires. Mālama Kula is funded by grants and donations. Such unrestricted funding allows crews to remain nimble and respond to where aid is needed the most. Since the very first days after the Kula Fire, volunteers have been the beating heart of the ongoing Upcountry recovery.
Residents can’t stop talking about their selfless nature and the numerous Mālama Kula programs that are helping them. Ellison said, “That’s what we are here for, to serve
Volunteers in Kula aid victims of the 2023 fire and recent rains. May, 2026 Maui Pulse
A worker helps out a Kula neighbor by removing wood chips .
Invasive Axis Deer May Soon Feed Families Shady Dealings Or Not?
ust as we were going to press, allegations of impropriety at the highest levels of Maui County government surfaced. It’s all over the news, including MauiNow. com, The Maui News, KHON-TV in Honolulu and undoubtedly more local outlets.
On April 24, former Maui County Chief of Staff Leo Caires filed a whistleblower lawsuit alleging he was wrongfully demoted and fired after exposing suspected fraud within Maui’s Office of Economic Development.
The suit claims Caires uncovered questionable grant transactions involving public funds, reported them to Mayor Richard Bissen’s administration, and then faced retaliation.
Maui County strongly denies the allegations, calling them inaccurate. As the case moves through Hawaii’s courts, it raises serious public concerns about government accountability, transparency, and the handling of taxpayer resources, especially during Maui’s ongoing recovery challenges from the 2023 fires.
It also portends a messy upcoming election cycle. Hold on to your hats!
- ~ Eric T. Richter, Publisher
Maui Pulse is published by Maui Promotions.
Publisher & Editor ~ Eric T. Richter
Associate Publisher ~ Taryn Kama
Chief Creative Officer ~ Shai Zen Domingo
Phone/Text: (808) 344-6195
Email: MauiPulse@aol.com
Website: mauipulsenews.com
Address: Maui Promotions, 3666 L. Honoapiilani Rd. B-8 Lahaina, HI 96761
By Taryn Kama
Abill moving through the Hawai‘i State Legislature could significantly change how meat from invasive axis deer is distributed across the islands. Senate Bill 1230 (SD2 HD1) is designed to reduce regulatory barriers that currently limit the donation of wild game meat, making it easier to provide locally sourced protein to communities in need.
Axis deer, introduced to Hawai‘i in the 1800s, have become an overabundant invasive species, particularly on Maui and Moloka‘i. Their growing populations have caused extensive damage to agriculture, ecosystems, and watersheds. At the same time, food insecurity remains a concern across the state, creating a disconnect between an available resource and residents who could benefit from it.
An invasive species, axis deer meat may become food for Maui's needy families.
SB1230 aims to bridge that gap by allowing hunters to more easily donate harvested deer meat. Under existing laws, strict inspection, processing, and transportation requirements often make donation impractical. As a result, much of the meat from legally harvested animals does not enter the food system. The bill would create exemptions from certain state meat inspection and transportation laws when wild game—including axis deer—is donated to charitable, religious, or nonprofit organizations for distribution to people in need. These exemptions are limited and come with conditions.
Importantly, the measure does not establish a commercial market for axis deer meat. Instead, it focuses specifically on food donation and community distribution. State agencies would still retain oversight authority to ensure food safety and proper handling. A recent Hawai‘i legislative committee report describes the bill as a “practical, win-win solution,” noting that it could help address both food insecurity and the environmental impacts of overpopulation. By enabling hunters and landowners to contribute meat more easily, the measure could reduce waste while supporting local food systems.
The bill has advanced through multiple stages of the legislative process during the 2026 session, signaling growing support for solutions that align invasive species management with food access, according to the Hawaii Invasive Species Council website.
Heading To Or From Lahaina, Leoda's Hits The Spot!
By The Unknown Eater
ASaturday lunch at Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop is always a good idea— especially after a morning in the water on Maui’s west side. When we arrived, there was already a line out the door, which is usually a sign you’re in the right place.
My spouse ordered the Seared Ahi Sandwich with hand-cut fries and garlic aioli. The sandwich featured fresh, sashimi-grade tuna served on grilled rye bread with avocado, caramelized onions, Jarlsberg cheese, basil pesto, garlic aioli, and watercress. It arrived warm and clearly made fresh to order. While it leaned on the messy side—juicy enough that it started to fall apart—it was packed with flavor, and the quality of the fish really stood out.
cooked just right—exactly what you want after a long morning in the ocean. The fries, shared between us, were hot, crispy, and especially good dipped in the garlic aioli.
We also ordered one of their signature desserts: the Haupia Pie. If you love chocolate and coconut, this is a must. Ironically, the pie came out before our food, which made for a bit of delicious anticipation as we sat there admiring it. It was worth the wait—rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced without being overly sweet.
To round things out, we grabbed an ice-cold lemonade, which was refreshing and hit the spot in the Maui heat.
I went with the Mushroom Swiss Burger, loaded with lettuce, tomato, onions, sautéed mushrooms, Swiss cheese, and 1000 island dressing. It was hearty, satisfying, and Y
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Despite the crowd, everything came out hot and fresh, and the overall experience felt relaxed and welcoming. Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop continues to be one of our favorite spots on the island—a place where quality ingredients, comfort food, and a laid-back vibe come together effortlessly. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick bite or lingering over pie, it’s well worth the visit.
CHOCOLATES
Partnership Protects Native Forest Watershed In West Maui
By Cindy Schumacher
Mauna
Kahālāwai, the West Maui Mountains, is an ancient, heavily eroded shield volcano rising to 5,788 feet at Pu’u Kukui. Known as the ‘holding house of water’, the region offers breathtaking steep-valley scenery, spectacular hiking trails like the Waihe’e Ridge, and critical watershed forests protected by the Mauna Kahālāwai Watershed Partnership (MKWP).
The MKWP is a voluntary alliance protecting 50,000 acres of West Maui mountains, which provide 75 percent of West Maui’s water. Established in 1998, through a voluntary alliance of state, county, and private landowners, its purpose is to reverse the negative trend of forest degradation caused by numerous threats. Their work is crucial. They protect native ecosystems, the forested watershed, and the freshwater supply through cooperative management of fencing, watershed health, removal of invasive species, storm management, public education, and more. Mauna Kahālāwai acts like a sponge. It is vital for Maui’s water supply because these forests supply the freshwater we all drink. Without MKWP’s efforts, the forest faces significant degradation, reducing its ability to provide this essential resource.
“Healthy watersheds are blanketed by healthy native forests,” said Chris Brosius, MKWP Program Manager. “In a pristine native forest, trees, shrubs, ferns, and mosses are intimately intertwined. The many layers of vegetation capture moisture from fog and passing clouds and soak up falling rain. While some of this water gently flows over the surface of the land to be filtered into streams, the underground network of roots helps water percolate down through the soil and recharge our aquifers. The West Maui Watershed has horizontal bands of vegetation communities, arranged by elevation zone. Ancient Hawaiians had long ago recognized these horizontal land divisions as having their own spiritual and practical purposes.”
The work that MKWP does also protects and preserves approximately 150 rare and endangered flora and fauna, some of which are found nowhere else in the world. MKWP and its non-profit arm, Mālama Kahālāwai, Inc., are official partners of the global network called 1% for the Planet, allowing businesses to donate one percent of annual sales to support West Maui’s native ecosystem restoration. The MKWP likewise works with various conservation organizations and welcomes corporate responsibility efforts to protect these lands. Donations fund fencing, invasive species control, and forest protection.
Brosius added, “We highly encourage public involvement through our outreach and educational programs so that the people on Maui have opportunities to understand why watersheds, our native ecosystems, and cultural stewardship are all important. We invite the public to help with stewardship activities to protect the area’s natural ecosystem and cultural heritage. We also offer opportunities for groups, clubs, classes, or teams who want to volunteer with us. Join us to Mālama ‘Āina with MKWP! We host monthly volunteer service trips at both our Waihe‘e Ridge and Olowalu Valley restoration sites. As the saying goes, ‘a’ohe hana nui ke alu ‘ia’—no task is too big when done together by all.” Go
for details.
Race The Sun Is A Unique Solar-Powered Race Car Movie
By Barry Wurst II
“Race the Sun” is based on the 1989-1993 Konawaena High School Solar Car Team, who raced in November of 1990 in Australia with their solar car named Ka La Ikaika (“Powerful Sun”) and was the first of the high school teams to finish.
These teens and their teachers pulled off an incredible feat: building a solar car on the Big Island, winning a local race, then flying themselves and their car to the outback for a 6-day, 1,875-mile solar car race, across scorching hot terrain.
The movie arrived five years later, and the template was obviously “Cool Runnings” (1993), as the tone is upbeat and lite.
Halle Berry stars a high school teacher and Big Island newcomer who inspires her science class to apply themselves and compete in the solar car race. The class newcomers and locals learn to work together and, once the car is built, the film thankfully leaves behind the high school cliches and heads to the racetrack.
Screenwriter Barry Morrow, who won the Oscar for co-writing “Rain Man” (1988), lightly incorporates Pidgin English and initially seems invested in showcasing a diverse cast of characters. This early promise mostly fades, as the local teens are made supporting characters and a young Casey Affleck (playing the car’s designer) and his troubled half-sister (played by Eliza Dushku) are given the most emphasis. It’s a missed opportunity, as the other teenagers are just as interesting.
Aside from the inevitable moments early on where someone defines the words “haole” and “lolo” to Berry, there’s not enough exploration of local culture, let alone much depth to the characters or their backgrounds.
At 100-minutes, the film has been edited too tightly, as the filmmakers obviously cut out most of the first act to get to the races.
At its best, this is an underdog high school teen drama, full of formulaic scenes and predictable outcomes. This is the kind of movie where a plane lands in Australia while Men At Work’s “Down Under” plays on the soundtrack.
What emerges is a time capsule of 90’s teen movies and, to date, the only solar powered race car movie (take that, “F1: The Movie”!).
It’s wild seeing a young Affleck in this, especially when he goes head-to-head with the villains, played by Joel Edgerton and Steve Zahn, the latter playing Hans, with a hilarious German accent.
Considering how special the true story is, I’m still hoping someone will make a documentary about the subject. Nevertheless, the final scene, with the team bonding for a final meeting on a beach, while Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s “Hawaii ‘78” rules the soundtrack, is perfect.
“Race the Sun” gets by on charm and is edgier than “Cool Runnings” as the language is much too profane for the PG rating. It’s good enough to work as a unique spin on a racetrack drama but corny enough to include a scene of country line dancing.
Two and a half stars (out of four).
May 8
HANA HOU by Hale Zen hosts a book signing from 4–6pm with Maui-based author Alana Kysar, celebrating the release of her newest cookbook, Aloha Veggies. The free event is open to all and they are invited to meet the author, have books signed and enjoy complimentary pupus. 157 Kupuohi Street, Suite J4 in Lahaina.
May 8-9
A NIGHT OF EDGAR ALLAN POE is a chilling theatrical experience that brings six of his stories off the page and onto the stage –including The Tell-Tale Heart, The Raven, and The Fall of the House of Usher among others as told by the Poe Historians. ProArts Playhouse, Kihei. Visit proartsmaui.org.
May 8 - May 17
MAUI CLASSICAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
~ Five concerts take place at several venues. Visit www. mauicmf.org/concerts for details.
May 9
FREE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
EXPO, The County’s Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) encourages community
Events Calendar
members to attend the Expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Emergency preparedness education, resources, prizes, speakers and much more, at Queen Kaahumanu Center, Kahului. Visit mauicounty.gov/MEMA.
May 11
ONO-FREE RANGE COMEDY ~
Experience Free Range Comedy Improv: Maui’s award-winning improv troupe brings fast wit, audience-driven scenes, and local flavor to the stage. 6:30pm at the historic Iao Theater, Wailuku. Visit mauionstage.com for free tickets.
May 13
JEFF PETERSON is featured at George Kahumoku’s Slack Key Show. Napili Kai Beach Resort. 6:30pm Tickets: www. Slackkeyshow.com or 808-669-3858
May 15
KE KANI HONE O WAILEA ~ A signature concert 5:30-7 pm features Eric Gilliom and Friends at The Shops At Wailea. Event supports Habitat for Humanity Maui. For more information, visit theshopsatwailea.com.
ERIC GILLIOM AND FRIENDS perform a signature concert 5:30-7 pm May 15 at The Shops At Wailea. The event supports Habitat for Humanity Maui. For more information, visit theshopsatwailea.com.
May 16
HAMMOCK YOGA & SOUND HEALING + Temple Spa Mini Retreat with Heather & Donny Regal, 2-6pm, Saturday May 16. Two hours Spa + 2 class $50-$80. Must preregister BlackSwanTemple.org 808-269-4333
LOVERS will enjoy their favorite libations, ono food and great local music at the 2026 Maui Brewers Festival on Saturday, May 16. The event is a fundraiser for the MACC. Visit MauiArts.org for tickets.
May 16 & 17
REIKI TRAINING – Maui May 16 & 17. Empower Your Healing Ability. Facilitated by Jenna Keck, Reiki Master. 408-621-4102. Register online www.LifestyleReiki.com
May 16 & June 20
YIN YOGA SOUND HEALING ~ Saturdays with Lydee. 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Lumeria Maui Wellness Retreat. Cacao. Yin Yoga. Chakra clearing with crystals, and healing sound bath. Crystals are provided and available for purchase. For more info: 808-757-1111. $55
May 16
2026 MAUI BREWERS FESTIVAL, MACC’s annual fundraising event, features FREE tasty food from local restaurants and caterers, beer tastings from local and national craft breweries & distilleries, live music, and lots of fun. Musical acts this year are Tavana, DJ Hapa Boy, and Nuff Sedd. Starts 2 pm, at the MACC, Kahului. Visit mauiarts.org for info./tickets.
May 20
JERRY SANTOS is featured at the Slack Key Show at Napili Kai Beach Resort. 6:30pm Tickets: www. Slackkeyshow.com or 808-669-3858.
Page 8 Maui Pulse May, 2026
BEER
May 20
JOHN CRUZ, Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winner, at home in his element – performing live! ProArts Playhouse, Kihei. Visit ProArtsmaui.org.
May 20
ARLIE ASIU offers live music, 4:30-6pm as part of Wailea Wednesdays at The Shops at Wailea . Visit theshopsatwailea.com.
May 22 & May 24
THINGS THAT GO BUMP in the Night, a Workshop with Alana
Events Calendar
Kay, Spiritual Life Coach. Learn how to discern, clear or communicate with the unseen realms. Contact Alana at 808633-1366 for more info and to register. Friday, May 22, 6:30 –8:00 p.m. intro $20. Sunday, May 24, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. workshop $75. At Ace of Cups in Haiku.
May 23
BRAVE HAWAII presents Comedy for a Cause, a live stand-up comedy event featuring two of Hawaiii’s most recognized funny guys, Augie T and Bu La’ia. Both artists share stories rooted
in local life, family, and culture. 7 pm, May 23 at McCoy Studio Theatre, MACC. Visit mauiarts.org for tickets.
May 27
DA TREE PODAGEE is featured at George Kahumoku’s Slack Key Show. Napili Kai Beach Resort. 6:30pm Tickets: www. Slackkeyshow.com or 808-669-3858
May 30
MOON RITUAL & TEMPLE SPA Mini Retreat with Heather & Donny Regal 2-8pm Sat May 30. Two hours Spa & 2 hour Cacao & Sacred Sound Ceremony & Light Vegan Dinner $65-$111. Pre Registration required. BlackSwanTemple.org 808-269-4333
June 3 - June 13
ALOHA MAUI PRIDE events kick off with many exciting events. June 3 - Proclamation and Flag Raising; June 5 -Youth & Family Night; June 6- Sunset Boat Cruise; June 7- Brunch; June 12Kanakapilla Night; June 13 - Hike; June 13 -Maui Pride Festival & Afterparty. Visit Aloha Maui Pride on FB, or visit AlohaMauiPride.org for information.
June 12
Join us for VOICES OF CARE, a free community book event. It’s a night to connect with our local writers, celebrate their work, and show your support. 5-8 pm, Friday, June 12. J. Walter Cameron Center, 95 Mahalani Street in Wailuku. More info at voicesofcare.net.
Aug. 15 & 16
CELLULAR REGENERATION
TECHNIQUE with Gina Kim, DC. Aug. 15 & 16, 9-5. Learn to release emotional, energetic, spiritual and physical issues, and live in body-mind-spirit balance. $300 paid by 7/17/$400 after. Registration deadline Aug. 10. 808-871-6996. www.celluarregeneration.org
ONGOING EVENTS
GEORGE KAHUMOKU’S SLACK KEY SHOW: Every Wednesday. Napili Kai Beach Resort May Artists: Led Kaapana, Jeff Peterson, Jerry Santos and Da Tree Podagee. Tickets: www.SlackKeyShow.com/ show-schedule or 808-669-3858
CELTIC MUSIC TWICE EVERY SUNDAY Hamish’s ‘Maui Celtic Radio Show’ 8-10am & 5-7pm on KAKU 88.5fm Maui. No signal?online at https://www.akaku.org/ kaku-88-5-fm/
EMPOWERING AND MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS ~ We welcome you to explore a different kind of conversation. One that takes us on a search for deeper spiritual truths that create unity in diversity. All are welcome regardless of background or belief. Our goal is to create (with your help ) a space for empowering conversations, connection, reflection, and action. We explore uplifting (and sometimes challenging ) topics with respect and open minds. We seek to build bridges of unity for our community and our global family. Every Sunday 10 to 11:30. Maui Baha’i Center 3574 Kekahi Pl Makawao Questions ? Text 808.281.0866 Free of charge.
FIND EVENTS, meet new people and join the LGBTQIA+ community! Brunches, hiking, live entertainment. yearly festival and much more. Aloha Maui Pride on FB or visit AlohaMauiPride.org
ENJOY A VARIETY of sound healing and wellness events powered by scalar energy, with several offerings each week. Full schedule at mauiscalarroom.com/ events/
Maui Pulse calendar listings are 40 cents a word. Send to Maui Pulse@aol.com before Fri., May 22 to be included in our June edition.
Nurture Yourself While Growing Enhanced Self-Esteem
By Elena Lissone
Hi, it’s Elena, your self-esteem enhancer. There will never come a time in our lives where we are not involved with getting it right. No matter what the situation, we want to feel good about our decisions and where they have led us
Self-esteem is one area that we have a direct input and influence in. It’s good to have choices and we all manage to influence our own self-esteem
In fact, we are the ones in adulthood that are in charge of shaping and reshaping how we feel about ourselves.
No one else will have the authority to ultimately guide us from low self-esteem to high self-esteem.
That’s if we don’t give away our power, of course. The well-meaning ones who often work their codependency on you, can’t exert much control when we really get it, that we are the pilots of our personal aircraft.
Assuming in the airspace of our lives there will be turbulence, you may feel your plane is flying upside down with no specific direction.This feeling will pass and hopefully,
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you will once again relearn how to put your house in order.When people speak of cleaning house, it can include letting go of relationships that are damaging in one way or another. It can mean getting a handle on health issues and stagnant activities that never bring you the good stuff. Once again, we come to cherish the power all of us have. Sometime ago I taught chess to children. The main thrust of these teachings was to
make wise choices and to understand all choices have consequences, some good, some not so good. Winning a game took a back seat as we can’t all be winners all the time, in these kinds of games.
True loss was when we didn’t get a lesson from why we had forfeited the game. I mean you win some, you lose some. It’s no accident that chess is called “The game of Life.”
All the pieces on the chess board play their part just like all of our experiences contribute to the shaping of who we are as humans.
There are many hurtful scenarios that come and go in our days of living.
True resilience lies in continued belief that it’s going to be okay. And one way or the other, it is okay. So nurture yourselves while growing enhanced self-esteem. Be gentle in your constancy to improve, while allowing others the same respect.
Thanks for reading and may all your choices lead you to fabulous conclusions. Much aloha in our wonderful environment.
Let’s all stay true to that knowledge and contribute wisely in connection to all this beautiful oneness. A Hui hou.
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- William Greenleafl
From Dirt To Living Soil
How to Bring Your Land Back to Life
By Jayanti Nand, Natureworks Nursery
When I walk onto a property, I can often tell what is happening in the soil by looking at the trees, the grass, and even the weeds.
The land is always speaking. The plants are showing us what is happening underneath the surface. Most people think soil is just dirt. But real soil is alive. It’s full of microorganisms, fungi, bacteria, and life that we can’t see.
That life is what supports how plants grow, access nutrients, and respond to stress. When soil life is limited, plants are far more likely to struggle with disease, pests, nutrient deficiencies, and chronic health issues.
Over time, many soils become depleted. Too much tilling, chemicals, and bad practices can leave the ground compacted, dry, and lacking structure. When soil loses its biology, it also loses its ability to hold water and nutrients efficiently. That’s when people start chasing symptoms and work harder without realizing the foundation is what needs attention.
The good news is, you can bring life back to the soil! The first step is to create a plan and a design. Whether you’re growing food or simply caring for your landscape, it’s important to think about how the system will function as a whole. Where does the water go? What plants belong where? How will everything work together over time?
From there, we begin to bring life back into the soil using basic regenerative practices. This can include diversifying plantings, using cover crops, applying mulch, and shaping
the land to better hold water through simple earthworks. These practices create the conditions for life to return.
Then we introduce biology. Compost is one of the most powerful tools we have, not just as fertilizer, but as a way to inoculate the soil with beneficial microorganisms. This can be done by incorporating high-quality compost directly into the soil, applying compost extracts or compost teas, spraying those biological solutions across the land, or drenching the root zones of plants and trees.
These methods help reintroduce the living biology that healthy soil depends on. When combined with regenerative practices like mulching and plant diversity, that biology has
the proper environment to establish, multiply, and support long-term plant health.
If your soil is very compacted, sometimes it is appropriate to disturb it, but intentionally and only as a transition step. This might look like a one-time ripping or light tilling to open up the soil and allow air, water, and roots to move through.
The issue with tilling is not the act itself but the repetition. When soil is tilled over and over again, it breaks down structure and disrupts the biology we are trying to build. So if disturbance is needed, we do it once, or as little as possible, with purpose, and then we shift into regenerative management. From that point on, we focus on minimal disturbance, continuous mulching, and building biology so the soil can structure itself naturally. I’ve seen land that looked completely depleted come back to life within a year. Plants grow stronger, landscapes become more resilient, and everything becomes easier to maintain.
Healthy soil is the foundation. When you bring your soil back to life, everything else follows.
Maribeth Theisen, MSW, LCSW, CCHt
Finding The Blessing Within The Recent Storms
By Jonathan Yudis
“The same rain that floods the valley also fills the wells.” — Indigenous Proverb. On Maui, we have felt the weight of the rains. For weeks, the skies opened with relentless honesty—rivers swelling, roads flooding, power outages, and daily rhythms interrupted. One night, I lay in bed feeling my home shake in the wind, only to wake and find puddles inside my car. Storms like these ask something of us. They slow us down. They humble us. And yet, as the proverb reminds us, the very force that disrupts also restores.
In Hawaiian wisdom, this is not a contradiction—it is balance.
Aloha ‘Āina teaches us that the land is not separate from us, but a living, breathing relative. It feeds us, holds us, and, when necessary,
reshapes itself to remain in harmony. These rains are not just inconvenience—they are part of a regenerative cycle that has sustained these islands for generations.
Beneath the surface, something remarkable is happening.
The rains are replenishing Maui’s aquifers—the hidden freshwater reservoirs that sustain our communities. After drought, this saturation restores balance, reduces wildfire risk, and brings relief to the land and agriculture alike. Seeds long dormant begin to stir. Native plants find new life, while invasive species are sometimes washed away, making space for renewal.
This is Ho’ōla—the act of bringing life back. It is also Ho’oulu—growth, increase, the quiet flourishing that follows disruption. Traditional systems like the ahupua’a remind us that
everything is connected—from mauka to makai. What happens in the mountains shapes what thrives in the sea. When the land is cared for—mālama ‘āina—it responds with resilience.
We see this reflected in our own lives.
• A course mulch compost
• Provides excellent ground cover
• Retains moisture
• Protects soil
• No biosolids or food waste
• Nutrient rich soil amendment
• Supports healthy plant growth
Green waste facility located in Waikapu, at the intersection of Honoapiilani Hwy and Kuihelani Hwy behind the tiki carving stand. Call 808-269-8064 for more details.
Moments of challenge— storms outside or within—carry the seeds of growth. They deepen our sense of kuleana, our responsibility to care for one another. In recent weeks, that spirit has been alive across Maui— neighbors helping neighbors, communities coming together with quiet strength.
And now, as the clouds part, something else emerges:
Gratitude.
After the rain, the light feels different. The greens are richer. The air is cleaner. The sun, when it returns, is not taken for granted—it is felt, appreciated, celebrated.
This is alaula —the light of dawn. A reminder that every ending carries the promise of a beginning.
Spring is here.
Not just around us, but within us.
And perhaps this is the deeper invitation: to trust that life, like the land, knows how to restore itself. To remember that even the heaviest rains are part of something larger—something wise, something enduring.
The valleys may flood.
But the wells are filling.
Maui County Offering New Small Grants Program
An online information workshop will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thurs., May 14, for potential applicants for the County of Maui’s new Small Grants Program, which opened May 1, to offer community-level funding to nonprofit organizations and community groups for projects and activities serving Maui County. Grants of up to $30,000 will be awarded. Applications, eligibility requirements and program guidelines are available at https://tinyurl. com/Maui-County-Small-Grants.
Applications are due June 15, 2026. To register, email GrantsOversight@co.maui.hi.us. Eligible projects and activities include: Cultural programs and events; Community-based initiatives; Small business support activities; Environmental stewardship efforts and Youth and workforce development activities. Call (808) 270-7855 and ask for extension 7736 or 7766 for info.
New Ideas To Keep Your Body And Mind In Sync
Computer Tips To Help You Stay Healthy And Enhance Your Life
By George Gordon
Hey, have you ever thought about using your computer to keep you healthy? There are tons of apps out there that can help you stay emotionally and physically well. I’m going to show you a few that I use almost every day to keep my body and mind in sync.
First off, I’m having hearing problems like many of us old timers. So, I got the Apple AirPods and used them as a hearing aid. They work great in a small room, but inside a crowded, noisy restaurant, forget about it! But then I found this app called “Transcribe.” It costs me $75 a year, but it’s amazing.
I just place my iPhone near a speaker, and it transcribes everything they say into text onto my iPhone. I take blood pressure pills every day and have a meter I strap around my arm.
But I also found an app called BloodPressure where I place my finger over the back camera lens of my iPhone. I can feel it vibrate and get a pretty
accurate count. I don’t have an iWatch that monitors so many health functions, but it’s definitely worth getting one.
Two other apps that I think everyone needs are for around the house. The first one is called EyeOnWater. It alerts you if you have a water leak and shows you how much water you use every day. This came in handy when my irrigation line sprung a leak of 4 gallons an hour.
I caught it in time, but I could have lost a lot of money. The next one is Tesla. It’s the app for my solar panels on the roof. It tells me how much battery charge I’m getting each day.
Apple has an Health app worth checking out, and the wallet app has some great features. You can add your driver’s license information there, which lets you check in at the airport, show it to a policeman, and even use it at the bank. There are so many other apps out there that can be tailored to your specific needs. Another thing I do before I go to bed is to pull
up YouTube on my iPad. You can discover short video clips on health there. I found one about dog food, and it totally changed the diet I’m feeding my five dogs.
Hey, I stumbled upon this cool 6-step home remedy for hearing loss that I thought you might find interesting!
Instead of spending hours gaming, why not dive into YouTube and learn something new every day? It’ll do wonders for your mind and body.
If you need a hand with your computer, feel free to reach out to me at mauimist@aol.com or give me a call at (808) 280-5055. Aloha, George.
Classified Listings
SIMPLY ECLECTIC, Experience one of a kind offerings, Elegant and Casual Jewelry, Artistic dressing that flatters. GECKO BOUTIQUE, 3621 Baldwin Ave, Makawao
JUDY’S ANGELIC CRYSTAL JOURNEYS and Chakra Balancing Sessions. Come enjoy a unique relaxing, uplifting 90 minute session to empower you with your unique crystal layout to balance your chakras; plus lymphatic massage with GuaSha, reflexology, a divine foot massage, full body Reiki to integrate it all and two readings. 90 minute sessions in Haiku, by donation. Call Judy Levy @808.269.7762
HELP US THRIVE. Visit and tell our advertisers you saw them in the Maui Pulse!
ETHICALLY AND LOVINGLY RAISED Miniature Toy Chihuahua Puppies 5 pounds fully grown 808 205 0767
PSYCHIC READING ~ The Oracle (by donation) 808-463-0779 (text, please)
MARKET YOUR HEALTH AND WELLNESS practice or business in Maui Vision Magazine! Target your most likely prospects. New edition in early August! Act now! For info., text (808) 344-6195 or visit www.mauivision.net.
ANCIENT RAINBOW
Consciousness Healing: Expand your consciousness http://www.meetkathywilliams. com | 808-268-8708
CHAOS TO CAREFREE with Gylian Solay, MS: Professional Organizer. Manageable Lifestyle: Find What You Need, Keep What You Want... • Hoarding to Zen Environments; • Business Spaces; • Combining Households; • Create MultiGenerational Areas; • Create “Ways & Spaces” For Your Possessions. Let’s Create a Mission Possible!!! Gylian Solay, Professional Organizer with over 40 years’ experience. Contact me for further info and a Consultation: 808 3448068 gylian@youremergentself. net; https://gyliansolay.com/whychaos-to-carefree
SOUNDBATH EXPERIENCES
World’s largest bowl, May 8 & 12 • Oceanside May 16 • 1:1 www.meetkathywilliams.com/ upcoming| 808-268-8708
SPIRITUAL AWAKENING ADVENTURES: Activate-ExploreTransform your Body Mind and Spirit www.soulvoyageadventures. com (808) 264-0972
HEALING RETREATS ~ Mini retreat: Sound & Soul May 29-30. Wild Dolphin retreats • Dark retreat • Akashic 1:1 Readings http:// www.meetkathywilliams.com
CLASSIFIED LISTINGS run 40 cents a word. Send your listing to MauiPulse@aol.com by May 22 to get into the June issue!
Maui Mana Smoke Shop And Magical Emporium
Jewelry, Sage, Incense, Unique Gifts, Mystical Tools, Tarot Cards And More!
Huge selection of local glass pipes, water pipes, incense, vaporizers, dab rigs, largest selection of papers on the island.
• CBD • Legal Psychedelic Mushrooms, • Kratom Powder And Capsules • Kava Elixirs
3682 Baldwin Ave., Makawao, HI 96768 (Across from Casanova’s) • 808-298-0403
