MauiTimes - Volume 01, Issue 01 September 2021 - Paula Fuga

NEWS | CULTURE | ‘AINA

SEPTEMBER 2021 + FREE

PG.23

EH BRAH

NEEDS YOU!

HOUSI NG

CRISIS

ALOHA

CHARLEY’S

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LAHAINA

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NEWS AND EVENTS

SAME MAUI, NEW ‘TIMES’ Maui's newsweekly reinvents itself

Photo Credit :: Viola Gaskell

‘Infuriating’ Interruption’

Tommy & Sam at New Offices in Uptown Wailuku

Do you miss MauiTime?

If you’re local, or a frequent visitor, the answer is surely “yes.”

For nearly a quarter-century, MauiTime served as the Valley Isle’s scrappy, fiercely independent source for entertainment, irreverent takes, and underreported news.

Now, after a pandemic-induced hiatus, the publication is roaring back with a new name and an expanded mission—built upon the foundation of Hawaii’s last surviving alt newsweekly.

Tommy and Jen Russo—and their dedicated staff —were left with virtually no income after the pandemic decimated the local (and global) economy.

“When COVID hit, we posted more than 70 stories in the first month,” said Tommy. “But as our advertisers began shuttering their businesses, they understandably pulled their ads. Soon, we had almost no revenue coming in.”

MauiTime wasn’t alone. Publications both on- and off-island were impacted by the pandemic. Hundreds of newspapers closed permanently nationwide, leaving a void in innumerable communities.

The island’s daily, the Maui News, initiated a series of significant pandemic-related cuts that included re-

ducing print days and selling their main office building in Wailuku.

In August 2019, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser—a consolidated amalgamation of Oahu’s two dailies—launched an “eight-page section filled with Maui-related news,”. COVID shuttered this short-lived experiment.

“Nearly 80,000 editions of MauiTimes will hit the streets and local mailboxes on September 9, making it Hawaii’s largest-circulation news publication.“ Both the Maui News and the StarAdvertiser are owned by hulking, deep-pocketed Mainland conglomerates—Wheeling, West Virginia-based Ogden Newspapers and Canadianowned Black Press, respectively.

Since its inception in 1995, MauiTime has been locally owned and focused. The paper cast itself, unapologetically, as an antidote to the Maui News, an entrenched institution that employed many talented, hard-working reporters and published its first issue in 1900.

“When we paused publishing, it was infuriating,” said Russo, 47.

“There were critical stories, especially about the pandemic, that needed to be told. And now there was no way to get the truth out.”

Two weeks after MauiTime stopped publishing, Tommy’s pal John “Sam” Weiss visited Maui from the Big Island, where he was working remotely during the pandemic.

Tommy and Sam became allies and friends when they each founded their own newsweeklies—Sam in 1993, Tommy in ’97.

Weiss, 65, is a seasoned sailor in the choppy media seas. A decorated publisher with a deep journalism background and dual master’s degrees in documentary filmmaking and public policy, he serves on numerous non-profit boards and is a serial entrepreneur, having launched a dozen non-profits & for-profits.

His Colorado Springs company, 6035 Media, publishes eight newspapers, with more than 50-full and 40-partime employees. He’s also built a civic arm, IndyGive!, that last year helped more than 80 small non-profits raise $1.6 million from 9,000 readers.

Weiss agreed to team up with Tommy to re-launch the publication once the economy rebounded from the Pandemic. Their goal was to build a 21st-century community-centric news organization that would not merely survive, but thrive in these challenging financial times.

In late 2020, Weiss relocated to Wailuku to help lead the relaunch.

“It’s thrilling and important work to be able to help rebirth this essential news organization,” said Weiss, who will serve as the paper’s publisher and interim executive editor.

Nearly 80,000 editions of MauiTimes will hit the streets and local mailboxes on September 9, making it Hawaii’s largest-circulation news publication.

The staff is doubling in size, with new offices on Main Street in uptown Wailuku.

“In addition to being the only news magazine delivered to all homes, apartments, condos, post box-

es and private residences we will also mail MauiTimes to all businesses countywide,” said Russo.

"an independent and fair newsroom dedicated to letting people know not only the who, the what and the where, but most importantly the why.”

As before, MauiTimes can also be picked up for free at hundreds of high foot-traffic locations, especially those frequented by visitors such as hotels, resorts, rental car companies, restaurants and coffee shops.

An Expanded Mission “We added an ‘s’ to signify that we’ll offer everything we’ve always offered, plus a lot more,” said Russo “In addition to investigative reporting and the most comprehensive arts, culture and calendar coverage around, we’ll significantly expand our business, education, sports and community coverage.”

The battle for clicks, eyeballs, and dollars isn’t unique to Hawaii.

Newspapers and TV and radio stations have been bleeding profits and lopping off employees worldwide for years. The rise of the internet and the “information wants to be free” revolution created a crisis that media companies, generally, have been unable to address.

These problems are amplified on a chain of islands isolated in the middle of the Pacific.

Hawaii is chock-full of fertile news soil. Stories are everywhere, waiting to be told. Who will tell them?

“Our mission is not to tell both sides of a story, but all sides,” said Weiss. “Our opinion pieces will be labeled as such, and appear in our editorial pages. We will sport a wide spectrum of community voices.

Only dreary publications play just one note. We’ll also provide local businesses with Maui’s most costeffective advertising vehicle.

(Continued on Page 15)

SEPTEMBER ISSUE 2021

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NEWS | CULTURE | ‘AINA

SEPTEMBER 2021

VOLUME #1 | ISSUE #1 1955 Main Street, #200, Wailuku, HI 96793

808-244-0777

FOUNDER Tommy Russo

| tommy@mauitimes.org

PUBLISHER & EXECUTIVE EDITOR J. Sam Weiss | sam@mauitimes.org MANAGING EDITOR Jacob Shafer

| jacob@mauitimes.org

ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Grace Maeda | gace@mauitimes.org ROVING CONTRIBUTOR Jen Russo CALENDAR EDITOR Shan Kekahuna

| jen@mauitimes.org | shan@mauitimes.org

REPORTER & PHOTOJOURNALIST Viola Gaskell REPORTER Jack Truesdale ART DIRECTOR Jeremy Acpal

| viola@mauitimes.org

| jack@mauitimes.org | jeremy@mauitimes.org

DESIGNERS Stevan Holt & Brittany Skiller SENIOR AD CONSULTANT Fran Zankowski SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Sarah Gerlach

we need your cheers and jeers!

While MauiTime was on hiatus, we’re guessing your gripes, swipes, cheers and jeers built up like steam in a boiling kettle.

Someone cut you off on the Pali? Did some nice young wahine help you change your tire?

We want to hear it all, the nice and the nasty, the good, the bad and the ugly.

So go ahead, get your rage and/or gratitude detectors in gear and tell our thousands of readers all about it.

Send submissions to jacob@mauitimes.org or mail to Maui Times. 2nd floor, 1955 Main St., Wailuku, Hi 96793

| sarah@mauitimes.org

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Doug Newall & Terri Brown AUNTIE & UNKO ADVISORS Many Mahalos to George Thurlow, Doug Levin, Pamela George, Amy Gillentine, Dick Meyer, Bob Schaeffer, Dawn Halliburton & Dan Pulcrano.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ahriana Platten, Jen Russo, J. Sam Weiss.

COVER PHOTO Sean Michael Hower TOTAL PRINT CIRCULATION 78,000

• 56,000 mailed to every resident and business in Maui, Lana’i & Moloka’i • 22,000 available for FREE at 240 locations around Maui.

Daily digital offerings at www.mauitimes.news (temporary site) This entire issue is copyrighted, and all material contained in this issue may not be reproduced without clear written permission from the publisher.

Check out classic Eh Brah’s on page 5.

SALON • ‘ĀINA CONSCIOUS • REFILL BAR REDUCING PLASTIC ON MAUI ROOTEDINWAILUKU.COM 4

SEPTEMBER ISSUE 2021

classic

Send anonymous thanks, confessions or accusations, 200 words or less (which we reserve the right to edit), changing or deleting names of the guilty & innocent, to “Eh Brah!” c/o Mauitimes 1955 Main St. #200, Wailuku, HI, 96793 or send an email to ehbrah@mauitimes.org

A

fter two round trips that took about six hours, I was walking out of Lowes with the plexiglass I had re-cut a second time to correct size and BOOM…a big gust of wind sent it right into the air above my head and it broke into pieces!

You were so kind to stop backing out and assist me while I was cursing profusely at the situation, not you, out of utter frustration. It was just one of those days.

Nothing went right. To the well-dressed woman who offered her help, mahalo nui and e kala mai for my bad language. Aloha is not dead on the islands.

Ron Pitts, Artist

Eh

brah! I GET WHY you and your colorful bicycle buddies enjoy cruising our rural, quiet, and peaceful Upcountry road. I got no beef with that… WHAT I DON’T GET is how completely OBLIVIOUS you can be about how voices carry up here! Especially when you’re cluelessly YAKKING away to your pal who’s riding about 30 feet away from you! Kind of ironic, eh? You come up here for the peace and quiet, and we get to hear you coming a mile away!

Ron Pitts, Artist

SEPTEMBER ISSUE 2021

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COCONUT WIRELESS

By Viola Gaskell, Jack Truesdale, & Jacob Shafer Viola Gaskell

Mauians take to the streets, demonstrating against vaccine mandates

Mayor Victorino Under Fire at COVID-19 Rally

State Senate Adopts Vaccine Mandate

Anti-vaccine-mandate rallies have become a weekly norm outside of the State Office Building in Wailuku. On Aug. 21 more than 100 people gathered to protest a Hawai‘i State Department of Education mandate requiring all student athletes and athletic staff to be fully vaccinated by Sept. 24 to participate in scholastic sports.

Debate over vaccination and mask mandates, gathering restrictions, and tourism have reignited in recent weeks as the Delta variant takes its toll in the islands. On the day of the rally Maui County reported a record 131 new cases of COVID-19, while the state reported a record 335 hospitalizations due to COVID-19.

Over a loudspeaker, rally attendee Bennett Debeer called on Mayor Michael Victorino to hold a town hall with residents to discuss the sports mandate and others, including the Aug. 16 mandate that requires all first responders to be fully vaccinated or to undergo weekly testing for COVID-19.

Debeer said that he and other Maui residents were prepared to show up every week to call on the government to engage with its constituents. “This is about kids, it’s about freedom, it’s about choice, it’s about health, it’s about lies, it’s about government control, it’s about all that—and everyone’s got a bone to pick with all that,” he said.

A number of protesters held signs touting ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine as viable alternatives to vaccination against Covid-19. In June 2020 the FDA revoked emergency use of hydroxychloroquine after studies indicated that the drug neither decreased the likelihood of death, nor enhanced recovery from Covid-19; Serious side effects including blood disorders and liver failure.

Studies on using Ivermectin to treat Covid-19 have produced mixed results and the FDA has warned against using it in high doses, which can result in a range of side effects and death in severe cases.

Breakthrough infections do occur with Covid-19 vaccines, but CDC data indicates that unvaccinated people are 29 times more likely to be hospitalized as a result of contracting Covid-19 and 15 times more likely to die from the disease. -VG

With COVID-19 cases rising across Maui County and the state, the Hawai‘i State Senate announced a new policy requiring all members and staff to be fully vaccinated effective Sept. 1.

The rule change allows those who opt out due to a “sincerely held religious belief” to instead submit a mandatory weekly negative COVID-19 test.

“The ongoing surge of positive COVID-19 cases and the highly contagious Delta variant is a direct threat to workplace health and safety,” Senate President Ronald Kouchi (D, Kaua’i/Ni’ihau) said in a release.

The move came as Hawai‘i Gov. David Ige issued a call for reduced travel to and from the islands at least until October, citing the rise in cases and overburdened medical facilities. - JS

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SEPTEMBER ISSUE 2021

Quotable

“When you buy an island in Hawaii and your net worth is $102 billion dollars, $15 million is like a plate lunch.”

-Councilwoman Tamara Paltin, at an Aug. 16 County Council meeting, responding to a request for exemptions from the Maui County building code from Pulama Lana’i, the company that manages 87,000 of the island’s 90,000 acres and is owned by tech billionaire Larry Ellison. Pulama’s Hokuau 201H Housing Project will generate 150 single-family rental homes, half of which will be workforce housing. However, residents say they want the opportunity to become homeowners, not only to rent in perpetuity. - VG

NEWS AND EVENTS

New Reported Hawaii COVID Cases

By the Numbers 81.7%

Occupancy rate of Maui County hotels in July 2021.

Occupancy rate in July 2020.

Tests

Hospitalized

Deaths

82.2%

12.9%

Occupancy rate in July 2019.

Hawaii’s “diversity index”—the odds that any two people selected at random will be of different races—according to the 2020 Census, the highest in the country.

18.5%

Maine’s diversity index, the nation’s lowest.

Number of people nationwide who identified as either Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander in 2020, a 30% increase over 2010.

Source: New York Times

Invasive Parakeets at Large In West Maui They gather in large numbers, they’re loud, and they defecate everywhere. That’s right, Maui has new unwelcome visitors, and they’re not flying commercial.

The Maui Invasive Species Committee recently reported capturing one rose-ringed parakeet in Kihei, but four others got away.

The captured invader is now being used as a “lure bird” to attract the others.

The rose-ringed parakeet, endemic to South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, has already overtaken O’ahu, Hawai’i Island, and Kaua’i, where thousands of them devastate small farmers’ crops. (The parakeets took over Kaua’i after bed-and-breakfast workers accidentally released a pair in 1968.)

How they got to Maui, is “definitely a question on everybody’s mind,” said MISC Operations Manager Adam Knox.

If the birds reach native ecosystems, they could have a “substantial” impact, Knox wrote in a county council communication. If you spot one of these red-beaked outlaws, you can call 643-PEST (7378). “A lot of the way we find these things is through reports of the community,” Knox said. - JT Rosy-faced Lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis) Cream colored beaks - Rosy blush on their cheeks

76%

689,966 Sources: Hawaii Tourism Authority, U.S. Census Bureau

Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula Krameri) Red Beaks - Males have black ring around their cheeks

Maui Police Dept. Proposes Partnership with ICE The Maui Police Department is looking to partner with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement to designate and train local police as ICE officers, according to a proposed bill to the county council in August.

The bill would allow Maui police officers to receive training as a “Title 19 Task Force Officer,” a designation that authorizes county police officers to arrest people violating federal law, execute ICE search warrants, and carry ICE-compliant firearms. These officers would assist ICE in investigating human smuggling and trafficking, narcotics smuggling, and money laundering.

“We do it with every [law enforcement] agency” in Hawaii, said Gary Bell, a management program analyst for ICE. “We’ve always had a memo of understanding with them,” Bell said, explaining that the measure only updates an existing ICE agreement with MPD that “did not have anything related to body cams.”

“We already work with ICE,” said acting Maui police chief Capt. Randy Esperanza. “It’s nothing new.” - JT

SEPTEMBER ISSUE 2021

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NEWS AND EVENTS

What’s the News?

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Gaskell said she “plans to write about and photograph the issues most important to Maui residents, from housing and economic diversification to water rights, as well as the eccentric Maui-isms that make the island what it is.”

Before joining MauiTimes, Truesdale served as a freelance corresponManaging Editor :: Jacob Shafer

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SEPTEMBER ISSUE 2021

“Maui is bursting with stories that need to be told, and we want to tell them,” said Jacob Shafer, who is relocating with his family back to Maui to serve as our managing editor.

After his stint as the MauiTime editor from 2008 through 2011, Shafer, 39 worked for the Pacific Sun, San Francisco Examiner and, most recently, as a national columnist for News Reporter :: Jack Truesdale Turner Media and CNN. dent covering Maui for Honolulu Civil “Maui is such a unique, multifaceted place,” Shafer said. “My second Beat. He interned for the Point Reyes Light in Marin County, California, son was born here and the island and has taught high school Russian. holds a special place in my heart.

Truesdale wrote for the student daily In addition to a wide array of freeat Brown University and his work has lancers, MauiTimes welcomes two talented staff reporters, Viola Gaskell been featured on NBC Nightly News.

MauiTimes Publisher J. Sam Weiss and Jack Truesdale.

Gaskell grew up in Hana, graduated will also serve as Executive Editor from Seabury Hall, then went on to re- until a permanent hire is made. Weiss earned dual master’s port internationally. degrees, one from Her coverage of “To inform, the Columbia Univerthe landmark Hong enlighten and shape sity School of JourKong protest movement was featured dynamic conversations” nalism and the other from Harvard’s Kenin papers and on nedy School of Govnews sites in the ernment. He has run several national US, Australia, and Europe. non-profits and worked overseas in She has written about Hong Kong England, Finland, Nicaraugua, Russia, and China for Al Jazeera, The IndeSouth Africa, and Uganda. His work pendent, VICE and for more niche has been featured in dozens of publicapublications on a wide range of subtions including the New York Times, jects, from Japan's bread fandom to The Atlantic, and Mother Jones.

“Our goal is to inform, enlighten and shape dynamic, fact-based conversations around the political, environmental and cultural issues that matter most,” said Weiss.

“Jacob and his team will manage our newsroom’s day-to-day operations. My role as Executive Editor is to ensure that our reporting includes all pertinent viewpoints with accuracy and investigative rigor.”

News Reporter :: Viola Gaskell

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

YOUR MAUI TIME, FROM HIP TO HIGHBROW Comprehensively covering the island’s culture, food, music, movies and much more

A & E Editor :: Grace Maeda

turning as Calendar Editor, where she will curate our listings and music grid.

“I love working with arts and culture groups, music and theater venues, and hundreds of others to create the most comprehensive calendar on-island,” Kekahuna said.

“And with our new listing software, we will post daily curated lists of everything going on county-wide.

Film reviewer Barry Wurst II is returning as your go-to cinematic source.

What's going on this weekend? Or next Wednesday? Or right now?

Where should we eat? What to watch? Where to take in live music, luaus, poetry, theater, dance? How to audition for local productions?

What non-profits need volunteers?

Since its inception, MauiTime provided the definitive answer to those questions.

Now, the new MauiTimes is taking things to the next level—in print and with daily digital offerings Roving Correspondent :: Jen Russo giving you the up-to-the-minute lowdown on what’s happening from For more than two decades, Jen Moloka‘i to Makawao.

Russo has worked at MauiTime in Grace Maeda, leads our arts and almost every capacity. We are excited culture team. The King Kekaulike that she will be our graduate is excited roving food and culto be home after “Our mission tural correspondent. four years studyShe will also serve ing journalism is to share on the board of the at Marist in New Ho'okipa.” new non-profit that York, where she governs MauiTimes. served as the man“To cover the aging editor at her breadth and depth of Maui's varied college newspaper. arts and cultural communities, we Shan Kekahuna, a local girl is rewill support our core staff with a team of freelancers and critics to help us provide readers with the most comprehensive insights into how to invest their most precious resource—their time,” said Maeda.

In addition to these voices, MauiTimes is hiring (see page 4) an array of freelance contributors to ensure our arts and culture coverage truly reflects the diversity of opportunities on Maui, Lana’i, and Moloka’i.

Welcome Back MT! Here’s to the next twenty five years!

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SEPTEMBER ISSUE 2021

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SEPTEMBER ISSUE 2021

NEWS AND EVENTS

HOMELESSNESS ON THE KANAHA STRIP Is it an eyesore or indication of despair and societal problems? Written and photographed by Viola Gaskell

A homeless woman living at Amala place walks down the street in the midday sun.

F

or the past six years, Don n el P u a a n d h e r family have lived in their cars on the narrow, acrid stretch of road in front of the Kahului Wastewater Treatment plant. Pua, 48, her husband Kiki, 46, and their 17-year-old son each li ve i n s ep ara te c a r s .

Acr oss the road from Pua’s black SUV, their daughter and her partner live in a tent where the family spends time together.

“I wouldn’t want anyone to be in our shoes,” Pua said of her family’s life on the Kanaha strip.

“It’s not easy, especially d u r i n g st or ms w i t h t h e rai n and wind

and the dust. I went blind while living down here.”

Lisa Darcy, an advocate for Kahului’s homeless population who has been working with K a n a h a r e s i d e nt s for t hr ee years, estimated that there are around 50 people sleeping in their vehicles and tents on Amala Place most nights.

Last year, Pua got a piece of debris in her right eye that scratched the surface of her cornea, spurring an infection. With inactive insurance and no funds to pay for treatment, her visit to the doctor was futile. Darcy said that Pua’s

possibly preventable blindness is not an isolated incident. “When people in this situation are faced with something like this and they don’t have an advocate, the consequences are serious,” she said.

Unhoused people are more likely to forgo preventative medical care but more likely to need expensive emergency care. Nationally, housing a homeless individual reduces their Medicaid costs by up to 73%. Hawai’i Lieutenant Governor Josh Greene, a medical doctor, estimated that housing Hawaii’s long-term homeless population would save the state

$300 million per year in Medicaid expenditures.

At any given time, there are approximately 800 people sleeping on the streets in Maui County, according to 2020 survey data, indicating that there are approximately 46 homeless people per 10,000 residents, far beyond the national average of 17 per 10,000.

Statewide, 33% of Hawai’i’s homeless population reported their race as “native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander”, while this same demographic accounts for (Continued on Page 12)

SEPTEMBER ISSUE 2021

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NEWS AND EVENTS

Anisha, 25, keeps half a dozen chickens and a large pitbull on opposite sides of the car she lives in on Amala Place.

only 10% of the population according to 2019 census data.

National data, which does not separate native Hawaiians from other Pacific Islanders, magnifies the proliferation of homelessness among Pacific Islanders in the US, with 160 homeless Pacific Islanders per 10,000 residents according to The National Alliance to end homelessness.

A 2019 county housing study found that nearly a quarter of Maui households were “at risk of homelessnes,” and more than a fifth reported some “hidden homelessness,” including living with relatives by necessity.

Life expectancy in Hawai’i is 81 years; For the homeless population, it is only 53. Factors like stress, hygiene, drug abuse, exposure to elements and lack of access to routine medical care have an outsized effect on the unhoused.

Maude Cummings, director of outreach nonprofit Family Life Center, stressed that homeless adults have to consent to help and be an active participant in the transition in order to be housed.

Cummings said that many individuals “choose to remain on the streets until their health deteriorates to the point where they can no longer walk or get water. A lot of people die soon after we house them. I have urged people, ‘Don’t wait until you are ready to die until you ask for help.’”

Before moving into their cars, Pua

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SEPTEMBER ISSUE 2021

and her family lived in a two-bedroom apartment on Koi Ula lane in Kahului, down the street from Maui Rents, where she and her husband worked. “We had good jobs,” she said, “but then new management came in and all of us old-timers got pushed out.” Unable to find work that was sufficient to pay their $3,200 mortgage, “within a year we were homeless,” Pua said. That year, Pua’s “mental issues started,” she said. She added that her son’s mental health has more recently declined while living on the Kanaha strip.

Pua said that despite her urging otherwise, her son assured her he “would never leave” her and his father, that the three of them will be housed or none of them will be housed.

Darcy and Cummings said that separation from family members and pets, inimitable sources of emotional support, often dissuades some of the community’s most fragile individuals from accepting support and retaining housing.

Sixty-four-year-old Sonia Davis, who has been living on the Kanaha roadside for five years, said she hopes to find a place to live that will allow her dogs before she relapses. Davis returned from a rehabilitation program a week earlier, and is now watching her niece’s car and belongings while her niece is in rehab, she said.

Davis, who is also in remission from breast cancer, said that ​s he has been “doing good so far,” since rehab, “but it’s just a strug-

Donnel Pua, 48, lost sight after being hit by debris.

gle living down here. It’s an everyday thing just surviving.”

To many who don’t live there, Kanaha’s homeless population is no more than an eyesore. Sergeant James Terry said MPD receives frequent calls and emails about the “unsightliness and hygiene risk” of the Kanaha camp. In June the MPD dispatch received 15 calls from Maui residents. Terry said MPD stopped sweeping the area when the shelter-in-place order was issued at the start of the pandemic, though 110 abandoned vehicles were removed from May through July.

In June, MPD teamed up with Darcy and residents of Kanaha for the first time to differentiate abandoned cars from those being used for habitation so that people’s lastresort homes, containing whatever belongings they have left, would not be marked for removal.

Darcy, however, said sweeps are still occurring, just under the linguistic guise of innocuous terms like “compassionate relocations and cleanups” that do not carry the negative connotations of a sweep despite similarly displacing results. Attested to have seen and heard of many Maui sweeps dubbed “cleanups” in the past year, Darcy said Kanaha “may be the only place that hasn’t been swept during this pandemic”—a likelihood she attributes to “the online posting and the heightened public awareness of the group and their civil rights.”

On Sept. 1, the County of Maui and the Department of Land and Natural Resources announced “plans for a comprehensive cleanup of public lands” surrounding the wastewater treatment plant.

The County said that social workers and service providers like Family Life Center were working to place 53 individuals in temporary shelters.

“Where will we go” was first on the agenda at the regular Friday Kanaha Ohana meeting, which Darcy attends. Residents said they were concerned that they would simply be forced out of Kanaha without the emergency housing assured by the County.

For those living on the street, the barriers to entry for housing can seem impenetrable. Mental and physical disabilities, addiction and trauma—common afflictions among unhoused populations—make it difficult to stay ahead of the paperwork, identification, communication, and drug-free status required for placement in a home.

Twenty-five-year-old Anisha, who has been living on the Kanaha strip for six months, said that acquiring official documentation has been a major obstacle in acquiring housing and work. “I didn’t have an ID, no birth certificate or social security card,” she said. “I don’t know how I would have applied for any of it if the Salvation Army didn’t help me out and let me use their address.”

NEWS AND EVENTS Anisha and half a dozen other Kanaha roadside residents said they spend between $10 and $70 dollars per day on basic necessities. Without electricity and refrigeration, they spend heavily on ice.

Other common expenses include cold drinks to combat the heat, hygiene products, and animal feed.

Average monthly rental prices for a studio in Maui County were $1,275 in June, amounting to $42.50 per day. Maui County does not track total spending on social services for homeless individuals per day.

able to pay my rent.”

Sunny, who has been homeless for two years, said she got a job through Jobline X-Press while living on Amala Place, but bouts of depression and the difficulties of transportation and cleanliness while living beside the wastewater treatment plant put an end to that. “I kinda lost hope,” she said.

Darcy said she has seen passers-by spit at the homeless on Kanaha and has heard many accounts of people dropping their trash or abandoning their vehicles along the strip.

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Sunny, 39, with her new kitten, in the vehicle she has been living out of for two years at Amala Place.

Two residents living in their vehicles said that before they moved to the Kanaha roadside they were given Section 8 housing vouchers but could not find a landlord who would accept their vouchers.

“I feel like there is a lot of discrimination,” 39-year-old Sunny said of her failed attempts to attain housing. Even initial offers of help from outreach workers often left her with a heightened sense of hopelessness. “I feel judged by them,” she said, “like they just look at me and think I won’t be

“What people don’t understand,” said Darcy, “is that there is a difference between not wanting to be housed and giving up hope. For a lot of people down here, it’s the latter.”

Pua and Anisha said that despite years of homelessness, they are still hopeful that support from groups like Family Life Center and Darcy’s nonprofit, Share Your Mana, will come through and that they, and their dogs, will be able to move into a house in the not-sodistant future.

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NEWS AND EVENTS

News & Views

WHAT MAUI CAN BE As tourists surge back to Maui, residents wish to diversify the economy and reduce the island's dependence on the tourism industry. By Jack Truesdale

I

n June of 2020, Pamela Tumpap, the president of the Maui Chamber of Commerce, awoke to a shock. April’s unemployment numbers had just come out, and the unemployment rate in the Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina metropolitan area had jumped from 2.1% in March to 32.9%. “I literally woke up with my heart pounding when I saw the numbers that day,” Tumpap said.

As the pandemic shuttered the economy, jobless claims across Hawai‘i surpassed 80,000. “We went from the lowest unemployment numbers in the nation to the highest unemployment in the nation,” she said. And within the state of Hawai‘i, Maui County was the most impacted county because it is “the most reliant on tourism,” she said.

The summer resurgence of tourists, unwelcome to many residents, gave new life to an island-wide conversation about rebuilding the economy to rely less on tourist dollars. Some residents simply no longer want to work in the tourism industry, while others want different, often better-paying jobs.

Despite years of Hawaii politicians posturing over economic diversification, 29% of the islands’ jobs in 2019 still came from the accommodation industry, restaurants, and bars, which tend to pay relatively lower wages. And with the cost of Maui living on the rise, a more diverse array of jobs, some higher paying, could help residents afford a future here.

“Kids that really love this place, they have to leave to find a decent job, and it has to change,” said Spencer Hyde, a Department of Education employee, at a Maui County council hearing in June.

The most recent emigration data from 2018 shows that over 4.5% of Hawai‘i’s population—67,293 residents—moved to the mainland for personal and economic reasons; a 2021 Maui Chamber of Commerce report stated that 72% of residents leaving or considering leaving Maui wanted better jobs or a more affordable life.

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SEPTEMBER ISSUE 2021

A Hawaii Visitors Bureau advertisement in a 1963 copy of The New Yorker magazine.

“Kids that really love this place, they have to leave to find a decent job, and it has to change.”

The same high cost of living on Maui that sends residents packing also stymies entrepreneurs opening the very businesses that might employ and help people afford the island. “People don’t really want to start new businesses in places where they can’t afford to live,” said Sumner La Croix, a research fellow with the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organiza-

tion (UHERO).

Hawai‘i has not exactly made itself attractive to businesses. In fact, the Aloha State is often a top contender on lists of the “Worst States For Business,” placing 42nd on ChiefExecutive.net’s 2021 and 2020 lists, and 49th on CNBC’s in 2019.

According to Tumpap, the Maui Chamber of Commerce president, it’s taxes and the high cost of living. “we

have a high regulatory environment.

Big businesses pay more in taxes.”

She added, “We have significant county and state permitting hurdles.”

According to La Croix, the best way to diversify the islands’ economy is to start by improving basics like housing, traffic, and public education. “If people felt like the basics were a little bit better, they’d be more likely to start up a firm here, or even relocate a firm here,” he said. Congested roads can impinge on businesses with slower food deliveries, delayed arrivals to meetings, and tourists spending more time in their rental cars than dollars. Public education would also need to improve, he said, because families want to send their kids to public schools “if possible.”

Maui residents face a challenge of belonging today similar to the 1930s, ’40s, and ’50s, when 18% of the population left, mostly in search of work. During the Second World War, many left for O‘ahu to fuel a growing defense industry. By 1956, only 37,605 people—about a fifth of today’s count—lived on Maui, according to the Territorial Board of Health. In that thinly populated year, Maui received only 5% of all tourists to the islands—because there were simply not enough beds—and pocketed just 1% of what they spent.

A land use report in 1959 presented two paths to slow Maui’s exodus. The island could fulfill “the Territory’s need for home-grown vegetables, potatoes, onions and alfalfa,” while growing and diversifying the agricultural industry. Or it could “capture a larger share of the Territory’s tourist trade. With its climate and beaches, Maui can compete with Oahu and the other outer islands for tourist dollars.”

The report added, oracularly, “The construction of hotels and the people needed to operate them will help in a large measure to build up the population.”

Two years later, developers built Ka‘anapali into a resort. Kapalua, Wailea, and Makena followed. The (Continued on Page 16)

NEWS AND EVENTS

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NEWS AND EVENTS

WHAT MAUI CAN BE (Continued from Page 14)

burgeoning industry employed some residents, extending their lease on island life, and attracted newcomers. The population swelled 62% from 38,691 in 1970 to 62,823 by the next decade.

The plan to prevent an exodus by boosting tourism may now be backfiring. In hearings and interviews for this story, Maui residents often lamented that an excess of tourists risked “killing the goose that lays the golden egg,” mobbing the island to the point that it becomes less attractive to future visitors. But underneath that is the risk of overdependence: Those golden eggs are all in one basket.

Before the pandemic, the Grand Wailea was one of Maui County’s top employers, with 1,621 people on staff at the end of 2019. Maui Memorial Medical Center trailed the resort with 1,379 employees, followed by the Four Seasons Resort in Wailea (1,000), the Four Seasons Resort on Lanai (850), and the Ritz-Carlton in Kapalua (640). Then, between January, 2020, and this May, about 11,400 tourism-related jobs vanished from Maui County. The number of leisure and hospitality jobs decreased by 24%—about 5,500—and accommo-

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SEPTEMBER ISSUE 2021

dation and food service jobs shrank by 29%—about 5,900. The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority was not far off in estimating the loss of 9,700 accommodation jobs (down 80%) and 4,600 food service jobs (down 46%).

Despite tourism numbers having returned to pre-pandemic levels,

“higher-margin businesses and creating more labor efficiencies particularly in the areas of housekeeping, food and beverage and other areas.” He estimated that, after the pandemic, Hilton’s businesses will “require less labor than they did pre-COVID.”

Maui residents often lamented that an excess of tourists risked “killing the goose that lays the golden egg,” mobbing the island to the point that it becomes less attractive to future visitors.

the unemployment rate has not.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Even as tourists returned to the islands this summer, the jobs didn’t—and economists didn’t really know why, Civil Beat reported.

Hotel jobs may not bounce back as corporate executives reimagine the hospitality industry for postpandemic times. In an earnings call this February, Chris Nassetta, the president and CEO of Hilton, which operates the Grand Wailea on Maui, said the global hotel company was working on making its brands

None of these major hotels, as one might guess, are locally owned. On a broader scale, a 2016 state report showed that 84.3 percent of hotel or tourism-related properties had their property taxes paid by entities with out-of-state mailing addresses. Information like this can disillusion some residents, who think tourist dollars don’t actually fuel the Maui economy as much as industry insiders claim.

In blunter terms: “Our money is getting sucked out of the state,” said Albert Perez, the executive director of Maui Tomorrow.

For now, alternatives to tourism remain thin, and people are trying to figure out what Maui can become. On July 7, Maui County council chair Alice Lee sent out a survey in her newsletter, asking, “How can legislation support new and emerging industries during the post-COVID era?” It’s a question older than the state of Hawai‘i, and one that Maui residents have a chance to answer differently this time.

The 2021 Maui Chamber of Commerce report recommended looking at robotics, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology, and expanding 5G access.

It also suggested developing existing industries like construction, film, and the age-old refrain of agriculture.

La Croix, himself a professor emeritus of economics at UH Manoa, stressed that a research university fuels the economy and creates a diverse array of jobs. In fiscal year 2020, the 10-campus University of Hawai‘i system catalyzed $3.66 billion in local business sales and created over 22,500 jobs statewide, according to a UHERO report released this May. “If you don’t have a good research university, then you’re left purely and simply talking about expanding taro farms, which in and of itself isn’t such a bad thing to do,” La Croix said.

For some on Maui, taro farming, and a more self-contained economy to go with it, is just what they want.

Anjo Ho’opa’i-Waikoloa grew up in Hana at a time when mostly Hawaiians lived there, and she considers herself “a product of my village and my community.”

Ho’opa’i-Waikoloa teaches preschool and coaches, so the pandemic didn’t impact her quite as much as her relatives who worked in the tourism industry. “My husband and I have chosen fields that put our community first that are not based on tourism,” she said. “My kuleana is to preserve and protect.”

As is, Ho’opa’i-Waikoloa thinks that there are plenty of alternatives to working in tourism. “We have a shortage of nurses, we have a shortage of teachers, we have a shortage of police officers,” she said. “There are so many jobs out there that put community first.”

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NEWS AND EVENTS

News & Views

THE PRICE OF PARADISE AS HOME PRICES SPIKE NATIONWIDE, MAUI FACES THE PEAK OF A SYSTEMIC HOUSING CRISIS. MANY BORN AND RAISED ON-ISLAND ARE LEAVING FOR MORE AFFORDABLE STATES AS AFFLUENT NEWCOMERS BUY PROPERTIES AT RECORD SPEEDS. WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY VIOLA GASKELL

O

n a busy Thursday afternoon at Kahului Airport, Kawika Kaina and his family pulled up to the curb in their silver Toyota Tundra amidst a flurry of rental cars and departing tourists. Kaina, 40, hugged his teenage daughter Deslyn and his niece Lauae and kissed his wife Pohai goodbye before he and his oldest daughter Deisia gathered their oversized suitcases and walked towards the crowded check-in counter, towards a new life in Nevada.

Kaina and Pohai and their four children were born and raised in Hana, as were his parents and grandparents.

They are moving to Reno because they cannot — and likely will never be able to — afford a home on Maui if they stay.

Kawika Kaina hugs his niece Lauae and his wife Pohai goodbye as he and his daughter Deisia depart for Nevada.

“It’s really hard, Hana is all we’ve ever known,” Pohai said as her husband waved back at her with tears in his eyes. The following week she and their three younger children will join them in Reno. Their youngest son, who was enrolled in the Puananleo Hawaiian immersion program at Hana School, is most uneasy about the move, Kaina said.

In July, Maui County’s median home price reached an all-time high of $1,050,000. Median income, meanwhile, hovered around $83,800 in 2020. Undeterred by the global pandemic, housing prices jumped nearly 35% this July, year on year, while income increased only 5.9% in 2019, the county’s most recent statistics.

Decades of surging demand for housing coupled with lagging supply, underwhelming employment opportunities, lethargic infrastructure development and spikes in construction material costs have created a market where housing is unattainable for the majority of Maui residents.

The popular refrain “Lucky We Live Hawai’i” is called into question by locals facing the economic dilemma of competing with a housing market that is beyond reach for many

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SEPTEMBER ISSUE 2021

Kawika Kaina hugs his niece Lauae and his wife Pohai goodbye as he and his daughter Deisia depart for Nevada. born in America’s paradise islands.

“You grow up being taught that though making a living is hard, the living is worth it,” said Kaina. “But, then you go to places where making a living is so much easier that life there might be worth it.”

Statewide, nearly a third of homeowners spend over 35% of their income on a mortgage, more than in any other U.S. state, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Hawai’i’s median rent, including utilities, was 50% higher than the US average—higher than in any other state according to the 2020 US Census.

Nationally, the median home price rose to $390,500 this July, an 18.4% increase from the previous year, as interest rates flatlined, positioning those who profited from the pandemic as competitive buyers while millions of low-income households fought to hold onto housing via ex-

piring eviction moratoriums and unemployment benefits.

In early 2021, 7 million of America’s 43 million renters were behind on rent according to Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. The nearing end of Hawai’i’s eviction moratorium, that expired on August 1, has sparked fears of an uptick in homelessness, despite the $40 million in federal emergency rental assistance Maui County was granted in May. A 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom house for sale in Pukalani, a residential, working class neighborhood in Central Maui. The asking price for the 4,443-square-foot property is for $1.975 million—$445 per square foot—more than three times the US average.

In 2020, Maui’s median household income was 40 percent of what is necessary to qualify for a home loan in the median price range. Jason

Economou, government affairs director for the Real Estate Association of Maui, said this “speaks to a disproportionate cost of housing, but it also speaks to income issues.”

“In a healthy economy your median-income household is making 100% of what is necessary to qualify for the median house price,” Economou explained. “Here, wages have not increased significantly, but both rental and for-sale-housing prices have skyrocketed.”

Demonstrators expressed support for the 2021 housing plan and frustration with Maui’s lack of affordable housing at a rally on Ka’ahumanu Ave. in Kahului on 19 July, 2021.

Maui is like “a small town with the real estate market of a major metropolis like New York,” Honolulu-based developer Peter Savio said. “We have the expensive real estate, but without the infrastructure and without

NEWS AND EVENTS

the high-paying jobs.”

Forty-year-old Kaina said he was laid off last September when Hyatt Hotels took over Hana’s main hotel, now the Hana-Maui Resort, in the midst of the Covid-19 shutdown. After 20 years as a hotel manager, he took a $15 per hour supervisor job at the Hana gas station, which is also operated by Hana-Maui Resort.

“A gallon of milk is $13,” said Kaina, “so I have to work nearly an hour to buy a gallon of milk. With four kids we nearly go through a gallon of milk in a day.”

“Becoming a homeowner is a big deal because it helps families build equity,” Savio explained. “For the family that rents, every time you get a raise, your rent probably went up just as much. The dollars aren’t here for locals to compete in the housing market.”

Hawai’i’s annual average hourly wages are among the lowest in the country, and despite low homeownership rates and the lowest incidence of student loan debt, the average resident owes $68,656 in debt, over $20,000 more than the national average. This means that Hawai’i residents’ debt-to-income ratio is disadvantageous in acquiring a mortgage loan compared to buyers from out of state who are likely to make more and owe less.

Kaina quickly found a job in Reno that paid more than three times his hourly wage at the gas station. He was just as swiftly pre-approved for a home loan, pending one month’s proof of employment at his new job, that would allow him to make an offer on a four bedroom, three bathroom house. In Hana, they were unable to make an offer on anything at all with the homeloans they were approved for, which would have been difficult to pay off with Kawika’s hourly wage and Pohai’s salary as the front desk manager at a small boutique hotel in Hana.

Supply and Demand Put plainly by Cassandra Abdul, the executive director of housing nonprofit Na Hale O Maui, “the problem is supply and demand; The demand is very high, and the supply is very low.”

County-wide 37.5 percent of units were sold to non-residents 20% of Maui households report being overcrowded or “doubled up”

Within Maui County, households making less than 140 percent AMI constitute 54 percent of demand. The County’s workforce housing ordinance requires that 20% of housing be attainable for households earning under 140 percent AMI, meaning the deficit is baked into the housing plan.

In 2018, nearly 1,500 West Maui families earning $41,900 to $67,040 per year were in need of housing.

past decade, with thousands of residents, many of whom are Hawaiian, moving to states like California and Nevada every year. In 2019, 67,293 Hawai’i residents relocated to the mainland, citing personal, familial, economic and employment reasons.

Phil Garboden, expert on affordable housing and economics at University of Hawai’i at Manoa, called population loss “a symbol of something

Demonstrators expressed support for the 2021 housing plan and frustration with Maui’s lack of affordable housing at a rally on Ka’ahumanu Ave. in Kahului on 19 July, 2021.

That same year, only 33 houses under construction in Lahaina would be affordable for them. Market and luxury units, however, kept up with demand, with 474 units underway to meet an estimated 476 needed. This means that the income bracket with the highest demand, 51 to 80%AMI, was met with 6% supply, whereas the luxury and market bracket, 140%AMI and higher, was met with 99% supply.

Pohai and Kawika are not an anomaly. From 2020 to 2021, increases in housing and living costs worsened a tide of departures that pulled families with deep roots on Maui to lower cost zip codes where a manageable mortgage is realistic.

In 2019 Hawai’i saw higher net-out migration per 1,000 inhabitants than any other state according to studies by University of Hawai’i’s Economic Research Organization.

Despite its status as a world-class travel destination, Hawai’i has experienced net population loss for the

deeply wrong.” In most places with high levels of attrition, it is highly visible when swathes of a population leave. “In Hawai’i we don’t see it as much. In Cleveland and Baltimore and Detroit, they lose population and properties sit there and get ugly and get boarded up and it feels very viscerally abandoned.”

In Hawai’i, rather than abandonment, “wealthier folks buy larger lots and over time, more and more land gets consumed by fewer and fewer people,” Garboden explained, “and that is why in some ways it is less visible here. So though we tend to lose population, we don’t see it as palpably.”

Maui County council member Mike Molina said that he is “concerned that there’s going to be a bigger and bigger gap between the haves and the have-nots” as wealthy buyers continue to propel prices, pushing out locals.

“In a strange sort of way, it’s like a genocide of a culture that’s been

here for a long time, and now younger generations may not be able to afford to stay here in the place they were born in.”

The Roadmap This July, as median home prices passed $1 million for a second consecutive month, Mayor Victorino received the final version of a $300,000 report by Hawaiian Community Assets that would hopefully illuminate a path towards a more equitable housing environment in Maui County.

The report states that Maui County’s current system, “operates on an assumption of scarcity of resources, creates competition among various interests, dictates short-term council policy making, leads to developer uncertainty, and keeps the county from taking the lead on planning healthy, vibrant and affordable communities”.

Jeff Gilbreath, executive director of HCA, said that “the deficit of trust and open communication between the groups positioned to solve the problem [developers, government officials and community activists] is a major impediment to progress”.

If they are able to ally rather than deadlock, Gilbreath said, Maui stands a better chance of changing the narrative.

Capacity The plan largely transfers the role of generating affordable housing away from developers and into the hands of nonprofits. Rather than requiring developers to build 20% workforce housing, for-profit developers would relinquish 20% of the land they purchase. Nonprofits would then be tasked with building high-density, low-cost housing on that land.

Matt Bachman, director of Habitat for Humanity Maui, said that the plan’s recommendation that nonprofits build 1,000 homes per year sounded “truly aspirational.” “I don’t know how that’s possible, as we sit here today. As a capacity, I would have said 100 [attainable] homes a year would be amazing.” HFHM has built 64 homes since its inception in 1996.

Abdul, the executive director of Na Hale O Maui, said that substantial increases in funding would be necessary for Maui’s nonprofit housing sector to meet the goal of 1,000 (Continued on Page 22)

SEPTEMBER ISSUE 2021

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NEWS AND EVENTS

A NEW TOURISM WAVE BREAKS ON MAUI WITH RESIDENTS FRUSTRATED BY THE RETURN OF TOURISTS, POLITICIANS USHER IN A NEW WAY OF HANDLING TOURISM. BY JACK TRUESDALE

E

very weekend, 53-yearold Noe Kaauamo makes two round trips from Wailuku to Wailua, to farm kalo in her family’s lo‘i.

During the pandemic, the 37-mile drive down the Hana Highway was “lovely,” she said. “Didn’t have to worry about anybody stopping.” But now that tourists have returned to Maui, each way takes an hour longer, and she gets frustrated. “I’m honking the horn and they won’t pull over,” she said. And although she knows the best places to pass, she has to ask herself, “Is it worth passing, risking my life?”

No surprise to Maui citizens, Kaauamo isn’t the only one upset with the recent resurgence of tourists in pre-pandemic numbers. One early June morning, more than 100 demonstrators arrived in Wailea to “Take Back the Beach” from hotel workers reserving guests’ beach spots, displacing residents. A 2021 University of Hawaii Manoa survey found that 52% of its 700 respondents—and especially Native Hawaiians and Neighbor Islanders—wanted to cap the number of visitors to the islands.

A recent survey from the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority presented a headscratcher: Although 70% of the 376 Maui County respondents agreed that tourism is “worth the issues associated with the industry,” half of the respondents at the same time said tourism creates “more problems than benefits.”

On the average July day this year, more than 30,000 airline passengers disembarked on Maui.

(During the pandemic, only about 2,000 people arrived each day.)

“The main reason why we’re seeing a return this quickly at prepandemic levels is because other places in the world are still closed,” said Maui County council member Shane Sinenci, who represents East Maui. But once more countries open up, their residents might then flock to Hawai‘i. Even more visitors may be just over the horizon as airlines add more direct flights to the islands from longer distances.

Resident uproar led some Maui

politicians to rethink their stance on the tourism industry, but it didn’t get far. In an April op-ed, Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino, wrote, “Curbing overtourism and changing the nature of our visitor industry can’t be done by enacting new laws.” After Maui County council members approved a bill that would halt development of all visitor accommodations—hotels, short-term rentals, timeshares, condos—in South and West Maui for the next two years, Victorino vetoed it. The veto held as council members Keani Rawlins-Fernandez and Tamara Paltin, who first supported the bill, changed their minds, citing potential legal problems. (Half of the Maui County residents surveyed by the HTA wanted a pause in further development of visitor accommodations.) But a moratorium like this isn’t new. Last September, the Maui County council banned the issuing of short-term rental permits on Lana‘i for one year or until a cap is established.

The mayor’s veto came within weeks of him asking airlines, over which he has no authority, to bring

fewer tourists. “It is a sad contradiction for the Mayor to state publicly that he wants a pause in the influx of visitors and yet fight for the development of more places for them to stay,” council member Kelly King, who championed the hotel development moratorium, wrote in a press release.

Still, Victorino then followed up by signing an agreement with Airbnb and VRBO’s parent company, Expedia, that he claims will help shore up illegal short-term rentals. The Maui News reported in July that the Planning Department estimated that there are 217 permitted short-term rentals in the county. But, in 2021 alone, 4,786 unique Airbnbs on Maui were reviewed—common practice after one is rented—data from the independent website Inside Airbnb showed at press time.

A new state law will allow Maui County to increase taxes on tourist accommodations. Before the law passed in July, the state levied the transient accommodations tax (TAT) against all hotels, condos, and shortterm rentals in the islands, and dis-

persed $23.5 million—22.8%—back to Maui County. The new legislation, HB 862, eliminates Maui County’s share of state TAT revenue, but Mayor Victorino and the county council can now increase the county’s own TAT from 10.25% to 13.25%. Victorino told Hawaii Public Radio that the additional TAT could generate $35 million to $40 million for the county annually, with collection starting in September or October.

Of each of the additional 3 percentage points, “I’d like to see 1% go toward the development of affordable and attainable workforce housing, 1% for emergency services including ocean, land and air rescues, and 1% to fund visitor education and cultural restoration throughout Maui County,” Victorino said in an April statement.

The new TAT would apply to all hotel rooms and legal short-term rentals, the statement said, which Victorino believes “will serve as an incentive for Maui County to crack down on the growing number of illegal vacation rentals that don’t pay TAT.” In April, the Maui County council budget committee unanimously voted to defund the Maui Visitors Bureau, a subsidiary of the HTA tasked with marketing Maui. The motion replaced Victorino’s proposed $1.5 million grant to the MVB with a $500,000 tourism management grant for which the MVB will have to compete against other organizations.

“If they want money, then they need to come and show us what it’s going to be used for,” council member Tamara Paltin said during the committee meeting. “And right now, we know it’s going to be used for Maui Jim Invitational, PGA.” Already, a 2020 Cost of Government commission report had found that in fiscal year 2018, Maui County was allocating its tourism marketing agency at least 10 times more money—$4 million—than the other counties were to their own. Hawai‘i County’s agency received $325,000, Kaua‘i County’s got $215,000, and the City and County of Honolulu paid its agency nothing. Despite the (Continued on Page 22)

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NEWS AND EVENTS Tourism...

(Continued from page 21)

MVB’s windfall, the report found that Maui only brought in $975 in visitor spending per county dollar the MVB received, a fraction of Hawai‘i County’s rate of $5,662 and Kaua‘i County’s $7,209.

Kainoa Kaauamo, 35, helps his auntie Noe in the family kalo patch, so he already drives the Hana Highway twice a week. But Kaauamo also works as a paramedic, driving out to Kaumahina Park, near Honomanu, to pick up the Hana ambulance’s patients and shuttle them 30 miles to Maui Memorial Medical Center in Wailuku. “As I’m traveling out to go pick up patients, I’m stuck in traffic. And then you reach those tight areas where cars are illegally parked, it’s difficult for us to get through, and then there’s gridlock,” Kaauamo said.

Recently, Victorino and state legislators have overseen the installation of about 70 signs on Hana Highway that warn of a $35 fine for illegal parking, according to a press release from the mayor’s office.

The Maui Police Department issued 389 parking citations from Haiku to Hana between June 1 and 23, the press release stated. Nowadays, once-filled spots by the Bamboo Forest are now empty.

For all Kaauamo’s time stuck in traffic, he senses a larger issue at stake. “What are these people doing?

They’re stopping on the side of the road to go swim and frolic in ponds and go to all these places that I hold sacred, that we hold sacred,” he said.

“A lot of the people on the East Side, they don’t have jobs, so they focus on making a living by fishing, by going in the mountains and hunting and gathering,” Kaauamo said.

“Now where we go to get ‘opae, there’s a family of tourists swimming in our gathering spot. There’s a lot of people swimming in the water and their sunscreen is in the water, and that’s the same water that’s feeding the taro below.”

Kaauamo calls himself optimistic, but “the crazy thing about it all is tomorrow, a whole group of people comes in that’s new,” he said. “So you can yell and you can bark at the tourists that are here today and educate them and set them straight and kick them off of the road. Tomorrow’s a new group coming in, and it’s the same story coming in tomorrow.”

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THE PRICE OF PARADISE (Continued from Page 19) homes per year. “If the entitlements and government approvals for development plans and infrastructure are granted at a reasonable speed — and that is a big if,” she added.

Infrastructure HCA determined that to reach the County’s housing goal, $380 million will be needed for infrastructure projects. Gilbreath said that in all ten exemplary high cost counties HCA studied for their report, community-serving infrastructure was the responsibility of local government. “Hawai’i, however, has made it the responsibility of the developer,” he explained.

Nonprofit and for-profit developers said the County’s lack of infrastructure investment reinforces the dearth of attainable housing.

Infrastructure projects, from water and sewer to roads and electrical grid expansions are often foisted onto developers, adding up to 10 years to a project that might have taken five, according to Abdul.

State land trust Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) alone possesses 200,000 acres, much of which has not been doled out to Hawaiian families in need of homes or land, because infrastructure has not been built.

The DHHL Honokowai homestead in West Maui is slated to provide 700 homes to residents with 50% Hawaiian ancestry, but the department needs another $4 million dollars to complete water systems for the development.

Savio, who has built 6,000 affordable homes in Hawai’i without government subsidies, explained that when developers are responsible for infrastructure, “the cost is passed down to the renters and homebuyers, our community is paying to subsidize these guys [developers] but they aren’t getting anything back”.

Material and labor costs are

among the highest in the nation, further inflating the price of development and construction. HCA urged County government to invest in materials that can be produced within the state, such as bamboo, hempcrete, and lumber from trees like the Albysia, which is widespread and invasive in Hawai’i.

Researchers and developers suggested making long-term investments in local production by financing a lumber mill, fast tracking structural build approval for locally grown bamboo and supplying grants to get local production pilots

off the ground.

Gabe Johnson, the County council’s housing chair, said that though he agrees with the need to produce local materials, he was unaware of any notable plans to increase local production and move away from reliance on imported materials.

“These solutions were recommended in the sixties,” Savio remarked. “Nothing has changed.”

Ending the Cycle Maui County’s housing problems show no sign of abating, but the upward mobility that homeownership affords is clear in the living examples of Maui residents living in affordable housing.

Four years ago, Shannon I’i was living in a studio apartment in Lahaina with her three kids. Her daughters’ bed butted up to hers and her son’s bed was stowed during the day to afford space.

Hospital visits were frequent as her younger daughter’s lupus flared up and I’i’s income suffered as she juggled work, kids, and

medical emergencies.

Shannon I’i and her son, 17-yearold Zyrome I’i-Kahahane in their under-construction backyard in Lahaina. 2: Zyrome’s bedroom in their new home.

On a particularly stressful night, as her daughter was being medevaced to Oahu, I’i got a phone call that changed her life. She and her partner Michael Asami had been selected by Habitat for Humanity Maui to build a home at the new Kahoma development in West Maui.

Unlike her three siblings who had already moved to more affordable places like Oregon and Nevada, the new home would allow I’i to stay on the island where she was born. “I didn’t want to leave, I have a connection to this land,” I’i said, “but I was getting there. I am so grateful for where I am today.”

I’i and her son Zyrome I’i-Kahahane at the home they built with Habitat for Humanity Maui in the Kahoma development in Lahaina.

The four-year-process of navigating the homeownership with Habitat for Humanity Maui was a foundational shift for I’i and her family. “I could never have qualified for a loan.

I wasn’t really taught about money management as a kid, you know, that credit was important or how to save,” she recalled. “My kids sat there while I signed the paperwork for my house, they learned about the responsibilities of homeownership before we even moved in—the cycle ends there.”

I’i and Asami’s home will cost them just under $400,000, and since the move in April, they have paid more than their monthly minimum.

The mortgage for a home priced anywhere near the current market median would not be feasible for them, I’i said.

“To survive here is so hard, and to know that I have a home I can pass onto my kids and that I can open up to family is a miracle.”

NEWS AND EVENTS

WAHINE KAI SURF CAMP WOMEN OF THE SEA WRIT E N AND P HO T GR A P HE D B Y VIOLA G AS K ELL

E

very summer, since 2019, a group of teenage girls from East Maui come together to surf, swim, paddle canoe, and connect with their Aina and one another. Hana surfers Lipoa Kahaleuahi and Monyca Eleogram, who both grew up surfing competitively on a national level, team up with other women in the Hana community to give East Maui’s

girls mentorship and a safe space to simply be themselves.

In Hawaiian society of old, men and women typically fulfilled separate roles within the kapu system; Men in canoes pursued large, deepsea fish, while women gathered limu

(seaweed) and opihi (shellfish) from the shoreline. In Hana, however, it is documented that women fished both in the shallows and the deep, “redefining gender roles of the time,” Kahaleuahi said.

In East Maui, from Keanae to Kipahulu, ocean access is plentiful, as are resources like opihi, limu, and fish.

However, with a small population and no lifeguards, surfing is not as

Lipoa Kahaleuahi and Monyca Eleogram have been leading the camp since 2019.

accessible as one might think.

Access to transportation and a board aside, Eleogram attributes the small number of female surfers to precedence. “It just isn’t very generational in our community to have girl surfers, and surfing

is already not a normal activity in a lot of households, so how are you going to get motivated?” Eleogram posited.

Kahaleuahi and Eleogram said they want to see more girl surfers in Hana, and that one of the goals of the camp is for the girls to feel comfortable enough to reach out if they want to surf.

“Lipoa and I gave them our phone numbers and said, ‘this is where you find me, I live here, come over, knock on my door, I’ve got a board for you if you need one,’” Eleogram said.

The camp is three days long “to make sure they know that we’re serious, that we really do care,” Eleogram explained. “We are here because we want you to go surfing, to start paddling canoe and to fish and we want you to believe that those things aren’t just for boys,

or aren’t just for wealthy people— they are for anyone, and you have people in your community who want to support that.”

Surfing has taken Kahaleuahi around the world, competing on a national level in high school and on the scholastic team at University of California Santa Barbara, before making her way to South Africa, Mentawais, Mexico and New Zealand, where she lived for over a year before returning to Hana in 2016.

“There is so much besides just the physical act of surfing that we can testify towards that has changed our lives,” Kahaleuahi said. “There is so much in it that we can expose our youth to — the spiritual, social and cultural components of surfing, and there are other women in our community who can testify to art, to paddling, to passing on traditional ecological knowledge about fishing, and to what these things mean to them.”

Bella Ku’ailani, a composed 14-year-old who was the most experienced surfer at camp this year, said that surfing is where she finds her confidence. “Being in the water makes me feel really good, like I am in a space where I can really be myself,” she said.

The girls were without phones for the duration of the camp, an uncou-

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NEWS AND EVENTS

Bella Ku’ailani surfing at Koki Beach in Hana

pling that 12-year-old Hailani called “a relief.” Ha’akea Hueo, 14, from Keanae agreed, adding that she felt “less stress without social media.”

“To be from Hana is to be connected to our Aina,” Kahaleuahi said, “but there are a lot of thins pulling us away from that these days and we want our girls to have that time to disconnect and tap into each moment, each relationship, that is being created here.”

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Hueo said that being able to surf with Eleogram and Kahaleuahi was “inspiring” because she too wants to be a professional surfer someday.

“It is my dream, and the fact that they accomplished it makes me feel better, like I am able to do that too,” she said.

She and her friend, 14-year-old Kawelo, said that the sea itself has been a constant comfort throughout their lives. For Hueo, the notion of home rests in the sea at Keanae landing, where she grew up swimming, “hearing the waves crashing in the mano (shark) cave.”

As a child, when Kawelo’s father gave her cowrie shells that he found on the beach, she would hold them to her ear to listen to the oceanic hum. “You can hear the ocean, and it just calms you down,” she said.

Kawelo, who grew up fishing with her dad, said that though surfing interested her for years, she never felt that she had the opportunity without a board or a mentor, “but after today, I know for sure that I want to surf,” she said.

Akaiya Oliveira throwing net at Leho‘ula in Hana.

NEWS AND EVENTS

PAULA FUGA’S MAGIC ON MAUI FUGA’S NEW ALBUM HAS THE VALLEY ISLE WRITTEN ALL OVER IT BY GRACE MAEDA

S

inger, songwriter, storyteller, Paula Fuga intertwines tales of appreciation for the islands she calls home in her first album in 15 years, Rain on Sunday.

The long-awaited album does not disappoint, blending powerful soul with reggae beats, island flow and Fuga’s signature mesmerizing vocals and heartfelt lyrics.

Produced by Mike Love, it’s Fuga’s debut album on Jack Johnson’s label, Brushfire Records, and features appearances from Johnson, Ben Harper and J Boog.

Although Fuga, 42, grew up and lives on Oahu, Maui is dear to her. With long-time friends and loyal fans, Fuga has an enduring support system that keeps her returning

and calling Maui her favorite island.

As with her past album, she launched her release tour on the Valley Isle. First with the Hana community in June, and again in July for sold-out shows at the Wailea Kitchen as well as two shows at da Playground in Ma‘alaea.

In 2006, Fuga graced the stages of the Maui County Fair performing songs from her debut album LILIKOI. “I’m into a lot of different styles,” Fuga told MauiTime in ‘06. “There was some pressure to stick with one genre but I just couldn’t do it. I don’t just like one genre. No matter what rhythm, it’s all music.”

To this day, it is difficult to place Fuga’s complex music into one genre.

“My voice has matured and I have more control over my range and the way I sing. I also think deeper about songs and song writing.”

Before performing at the Maui County Fair, Fuga had recently put a pause on teaching Hawaiian studies at Ahuimanu Elementary and working as an educational interpreter at the Bishop Museum to focus on her prospering music career.

Fuga continues to fulfill her lifelong mission of sharing not only her music, but also her story of persistence. As a child, Fuga lived houseless on beaches on Oahu, not always

sure when or where her next meal would come from.

Despite this uncertainty, music has always been a constant in her life. “I knew I could sing by the time I was three,” she recalled. “I was aware that I was given this beautiful gift of music and I was nine when I wrote my first song.”

As a young girl, Fuga dreamed of a singing career and chased it with unwavering (Continued on Page 26)

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT determination. Having experienced these adversities early in life, Fuga’s music reveals both empathy and her passion to inspire.

Fuga won the prestigious Na Hoku Hanohano Award for ‘Most Promising Artist’ with LILIKOI. Following the release of her EP Misery’s End in 2010, Fuga has toured the U.S., played on international stages and performed for President Barack Obama as a three-time return guest artist at the White House.

Since her first album and EP, Fuga has evolved as an artist.

“My voice has matured and I have more control over my range and the way I sing,” she told MauiTimes. “I also think deeper about songs and songwriting.”

Fuga thoughtfully pairs poetic lyrics with flowing melodies.

“I go deep and think, ‘Well this is a song about voyaging on a canoe. Well how do we even get a canoe? First, we gotta go to a kahuna, he has to say a prayer, wait for his dreams, and then we can go up into the mountains to get a tree to make the canoe. It takes a long time,’” she said. “I’m able to think really deeply and process those thoughts and emotions in a different way.”

From finding love to beating the Hawaiian heat, each of the dozen songs on Rain on Sunday share a story that reflects life on the islands.

While writing her songs, Fuga started with an organic approach. The album’s title came from the final track, which she spontaneously created after a spectacular rainstorm.

“It was a Sunday morning and it started raining really hard out of nowhere,” Fuga recalled. “I turned to my husband and I told him to turn off the TV to listen to the rain.”

Fuga explained she could hear a lovely melody in her head.

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She grabbed her ukulele off the wall and began writing the song in their bedroom.

“As I was writing, the rain stopped but you could still hear droplets falling from the trees and I could hear the birds singing. The sun came

With a rhythmic sway and Fuga’s soothing voice, “Too Hot Mama” is a calming and reminiscent of a heart-warming lullaby.

Fuga sings of being rocked to sleep under an avocado tree as an infant. With a rope tied

out,” Fuga said. “It was just so beautiful and just the inspiration I needed to write the song. So I started writing about all the beautiful things that inspire me in nature.”

to her stroller, Fuga’s grandfather tied the other end to his foot, so he could leave her outside in the breeze while he watched TV. More importantly than cooling her off, Fuga’s

For those feeling beat down, Fuga said, “I have a song called ‘Just a Little Bit,’ and the lyrics are: Just hold on a little bit longer, I know in time, you’ll feel a little stronger. There’s different ways to persevere through trying circumstances. There’s a lot of examples in that one song.”

In the opening track, “Just a Little Bit,” Fuga sings with infectious joy, “Smile, just a little brighter, and all your troubles will seem a little lighter.”

Rain on Sunday also includes a beautiful rendition of “Hokule‘a Star of Gladness,” written by George ‘Boogie’ Kalama, a crew member on the Hokule‘a, the voyaging canoe in the legendary expedition from Hawai’i to Tahiti in 1976.

Like the unexpected rainstorm, Fuga lets her experiences of living in Hawai‘i spark the songwriting process.

Her favorite song she has written is on her new album. Personal yet relatable, Fuga sings of being literally too hot in the Hawai’i heat in “Too Hot Mama.”

grandfather reminded her she could pursue any dream.

Along with being deeply inspired by life in Hawai‘i, Fuga is passionate about generating social change through her music. With her powerful voice and healing melodies, perseverance and hope are at the heart of Fuga’s songs.

“It’s a song I’ve been singing for years and years,” Fuga said. “It’s my favorite song to play, especially for keiki.”

Fuga asked Boogie’s son, Ikaika Kalama, a close friend, if she could record the song for her album. When he said yes, he came to the studio with his own son. “I felt a great sense

“Like the unexpected rainstorm, Fuga lets her experiences of living in Hawaii spark the songwriting process.”

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT of honor and pride to record that song with Ikaika and his son,” Fuga recalled. “Boogie passed away, so it was a way of remembering him and it brought this wonderful feeling of love. It was a beautiful moment.”

Music has always been Fuga’s method of inspiring and uplifting those around her.

“My gift is music. It’s how I communicate to the world,” she said.

To commemorate years of songwriting and her latest album, Fuga celebrated in local style. While brainstorming ideas for a listening party, she learned about jam sessions at the Hana Refuse and Recycling Center. Fuga said she heard from a friend that the community gathers at the Hana landfill to listen to music from their car speakers.

When Fuga was in Hana in the beginning of June for a private event, she inquired more about these roadside parties.

After a few phone calls, a music session was organized for Fuga to present a rare preview of her new album, which was released later that month on June 25.

“I was able to share my music with the people of Hana and I loved that,” Fuga said.

Fuga also created the lyrical cover art in collaboration with her close friends in Paia, at Wings Hawai’i. Made with French Appliqué, a sewing technique, the cover is a stunning fabric collage of Fuga sur-

rounded by flowers inspired by a photo taken of her in Hana.

In July, Fuga returned to her favorite island to give breathtaking performances.

Accompanied by Ethan Copone on the keyboard and Brad Watanabe on the ukulele, Fuga and her men brought passion to every lyric and key. Capone entertained the crowd with incredible keyboard runs while Watanabe impressed the audience with intricate chord combinations.

Although Fuga’s shows sold out, safety protocols limited capacity, making the concerts feel more personal. With her warm personality and charm, connecting with Fuga was effortless. She told the crowd at da Playground that she has 14 best friends and by the end of the night, members of the audience were vying to be her 15th.

Fuga and her music exude aloha. From the emotional lyrics to the instrumental vibrations, the influence of the islands in Fuga’s soulful music makes her an artist that will be celebrated for generations in Hawai‘i and beyond.

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Just A Little Bit Hold on just a little bit longer I know in time you’ll feel a little stronger

Sing just little bit sweeter Close your eyes it gets a little easier

Try just a little bit harder When you feel like quitting, time to give it your all

Breathe just a little bit deeper Exhale the negative you’ll feel a little freer We all can be just a little bit better Better than yesterday and even better tomorrow

Just a little bit Do, do do, do, do, do do, do Do, do do, do, do, do do, do Just a little bit Laugh just a little bit louder Who cares if they think that there’s something funny about ya Smile just a little bit brighter All of your troubles will seem a little lighter Dream just a little bit bigger If you can see it hold on to that picture Dance just a little bit crazier Like no one’s watching ‘Cause I’m a lover and a dreamer

If we just love just a little bit more Be true to yourself and give from your heart Said do you feel a little free-er Just a little bit Said do you feel a little free-er Just a little bit Said do you feel a little free-er Just a little bit Music and Lyrics by Paula Fuga ©Paula Fuga Music (ASCAP) Produced by Paula Fuga & Mike Love Recorded at Studio Ala Moana, Honolulu, HI

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DINING

GOING LIVE WITH CHEF SHELDON C HE F SH E L DON S I M E O N O F T I N ROOF AN D T WO- T IME FIN ALIS T ON TOP CHEF

BY GRACE MAEDA

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he shares in “Cook Real Hawai‘i.” In teams, contestants are tasked with inventing their own restaurant concept and bringing it to fruition.

For years, Simeon had an idea for a restaurant called Urbano, named after his grandfather. Simeon envisioned the menu highlighting con-

Simeon’s extraordinary culinary career. Simeon shares personal memories of growing up in Hilo while guiding readers on their journey through mainstay dishes of Hawai‘i.

“The book is all about my experiences — the experiences of having a family that celebrates food and always

temporary Filipino food. After bringing Urbano to life with his team, Simeon won not only the challenge but also a Toyota Avlon.

Although winning a car is celebration-worthy, for Simeon, it was more gratifying to impress the judges with recipes influenced by his childhood.

In “Cook Real Hawai‘i,” Simeon shares more than 100 recipes that are a tribute to the rich and diverse foods he grew up eating in Hawai‘i. He honors native Hawaiian cooking traditions while highlighting flavors influenced by Filipino, Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Portuguese cultures. Simeon also creates his own spin on childhood favorites like guri guri and hurricane popcorn.

The cookbook is not only a compilation of recipes, but also a story of

cooks together, and the experiences of living in Hawai‘i and what we eat with our neighbors,” Simeon said.

From seasoning lauya soup with his grandparents, to being a kitchen prep boy, restaurant owner, and eventually competing twice on “Top Chef,” there are stories and recipes from every stage of his career in his cookbook. Homecooks can attempt recipes from popular Maui restaurants started by Simeon like fried garlic noodles from Star Noodle in Lahaina and the famous mochiko chicken and pork belly at Tin Roof.

But Simeon reassures readers that the cookbook is a great introduction into cooking and recipes were created to be foolproof. “There are so many recipes that utilize things already in your pantry,” Simeon said. The most frequent

Photo: Kevin J. Miyazaki

D

on’t know what to cook? Chef Sheldon has you covered.

Every week, Tin Roof owner Sheldon Simeon goes live with more than 100 thousand Instagram followers to promote his cookbook, “Cook Real Hawai‘i,” published in late March.

Simeon starts his Instagram TV videos with a melody on his ukulele, then ‘talks story’ with friends, some of whom are celebrity chefs and fellow “Top Chef” contestants, then prepares an ‘ono meal. “I have the most rad friends,” Simeon said. “To be in this circle and have colleagues that are also willing to share an hour with me to ‘talk story’ is so fun, and I feel so blessed and fortunate.”

Instead of traveling to different cities for a book tour for “Cook Real Hawai‘i,” Simeon chats with his followers and prepares a dish from his cookbook like cauliflower katsu curry. “Book tours prior to the pandemic involved traveling around the country and going on shows,” Sheldon said. “I looked forward to it because I love traveling and meeting people but it wasn’t going to happen and I needed to promote this book.”

On his first attempt at going live on Instagram TV, Simeon turned his kitchen into a film set. After transforming it only once, Simeon realized he could not continue setting up and dismantling a set in his kitchen in the following months. He decided to turn his garage into a studio and the Instagram series started to take shape.

From making fat chow funn, a beloved dish at Tin Roof, to mochi donuts, Simeon chops and laughs his way through Hawai‘i-inspired recipes.

It is no surprise that Simeon has such a large fan-base. He competed on Seasons 10 and 14 of “Top Chef,” making it to the finals and winning ‘Fan Favorite’ each time. During both seasons, Simeon swept up numerous Quickfire and Elimination Challenge wins, showcasing his sharp cooking skills.

But the most rewarding win came during Season 10, in the notorious “Restaurant Wars” challenge, which

recipe Simeon sees reposted on social media from his book is Sardine Pupu.

“It’s crazy how something so simple like that has resonated with so many people,” Simeon said. “All the ingredients you can find in your pantry: vinegar, soy sauce, onions and a can of sardines.”

A Simeon-household favorite and a recipe included in his cookbook is a classic Spam musubi. The dish is a staple at potlucks in Hawai‘i and a treat Simeon served the crew on “Top Chef.”

After an exhausting day competing on “Top Chef,” Simeon said he wanted to make Spam musubi—a simple yet comforting taste of Hawai‘i. With his extra Spam musubi, naturally, Simeon shared with the behind-the-scenes staff.

“There’s supposed to be a wall between the contestants and film crew,” Sheldon explained. “But the sound guys wake up with you in the morning and are the first people you see. After eight weeks, you create a relationship.”

Laughing at the memory, Sheldon recalled, “It was hilarious standing in front of the judges dealing with scrutiny and you peek over to see a guy eating a Spam musubi. It made it easier to deal with the judging.”

This hospitality and cooking for others is innate to Simeon because food and aloha are intertwined. Before diving into the recipes of Hawai‘i, Simeon opens “Cook Real Hawai‘i” with a reminder that aloha is not just a word but thoughtful action. Sharing food with both friends and strangers is a fundamental act of aloha.

Practicing this aloha, Simeon is donating 100% of the proceeds from his cookbook to the Maui Food Bank.

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(808) 283-0110 sarah@mauitimes.org

SEPTEMBER ISSUE 2021

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DINING

JOEY’S KITCHEN

PHOTO CREDIT: SEAN HOWER

LOCAL FAVORITES ELEVATED WITH FLAIR

BY JEN RUSSO

Joey’s Kitchen 5095 Napilihau St., Napili 11am-9pm. 808-214-5590 Whalers Village, Ka‘anapali 8:30am-2pm. 808-868-4474 joeyskitchenhimaui.com $$

I

am a plate lunch girl. And many of the small mom-andpop shops of my youth have gone the way of gentrification.

So I am really excited when I find a spot that fits that plate lunch bill—local folks making local food their own style, for the local palate, that everyone can enjoy. Local food is not Hawaiian food, it is not Asian, it is not just one cuisine. It really is the melting pot of humble comfort food that we crave but made with vibes of grandma’s kitchen.

In Napili, I love to grab my plates at Joey’s Kitchen. Here, Chef Joey Macadangdang, who comes from a fine dining background at Roy’s for many years, has elevated local favorites with his own flair. He is also Filipino, so there are plenty of fabulous Filipino favorites alongside popular local choices, and a touch of modern gastro pub items that comprised his incredible menu.

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“A lot of it is my training and background,” Macadangdang said. “It’s all about being affordable but it has to be executed well and be a good product. That is my focus. With the addition of being Filipino, I want to add my home cooking. Tourists are just getting to know Filipino dishes, so now you see them eating adobo, lumpia and pancit too.”

Joey’s Kitchen has a little alfresco dining patio with umbrellas for socially distanced noshing. Order inside at the counter and then take a seat.

They have plenty of beverages including beer. It is really casual and usually warm on the lanai. The inside of the restaurant is small with limited seating as well. There are plenty of beaches nearby to forge a picnic if you take your meal to go.

To be honest, I have not veered towards his sandwiches, sirloin burger, kalua pork, and fresh seared fish options, because I am still working my way through all the local favorites. The saramsam snack menu features pork lumpia that is magical, we are always fighting over who gets to eat the last one in my family, same with his piniritong fried brussel sprouts in parmesan dressing.

For starters, there are also ginisang

Manila clams, poke, fish tacos and curry kale Caesar.

They have a mean chow fun and their pancit is delicious, made with shrimp, carrots, cabbage and mushroom. They have a malung-

is divine, seasoned and crispy pork belly. They have short ribs, loco moco, kalua pork, and short ribs. The crispy pata, a deep fried pork knuckle, is a perfect sharable plate served with spicy vinegar. You pick the meat off the bone, dip, wash down with beer, and repeat.

I know this all sounds very carnivorous, but Joey’s Kitchen welcomes vegetarians. It is by no means a vegetarian place but it has lemongrass tofu and tofu curry with rice noodles.

Many of the dishes can be ordered gluten free and nut free as well.

“The favorites are garlic shrimp, garlic chicken and pata,” said Macadangdang. “But the seared fish on the red curry rice noodles is popular because it’s so versatile. I can make that dish vegan, gluten free or vegetarian.”

Joey’s Kitchen also has a counter at the Whalers Village food court.

You can get your plate lunches or a grab-and-go bento.

“A lot of restaurants closed down that couldn’t get back up during the pandemic,” Macadangdang said.

It really is the melting pot of humble comfort food that we crave but made with vibes of grandma’s kitchen.

gay pancit with moringa puree that I am excited to try. Other delicious carbs include the adobo or house fried rice. Joey’s Kitchen has a good selection of seafood and fish plates like fish and chips, peel and eat garlic shrimp, and lemongrass salmon.

I adore the sinigang, with tangy tamarind broth, clams, shrimp, fish and veggies, served with a side of steamed rice.

The local favorites included in his menu do not skip a beat either. The garlic chicken comes as bite size pieces with a sweet soy glaze served with a Sriracha aioli for dredging, plus rice and mac salad. The lechon

“There is a variety of what we could do during the pandemic and what we kept pushing and trying new things. We experimented with sushi Friday, prime rib Thursday and tried to bring more people here to eat and that made us consistently busy.

Now, we are too busy, so we are back to our main menu.”

Macadangdang is working on a new restaurant called Macadangdang Bar and Grill that will be at the Ka‘anapali Fairway Shops. There he will reveal even more of his Filipino Hawaiian fusion.

“Traditional is traditional,” he said.

“Right now it’s all about fusion.”

DINING

KAU KAU NOW LATEST NEWS FROM THE FOOD AND RESTAURANT INDUSTRY

BY JEN RUSSO

JOIN OUR TEAM With strong people, a love of place, and respect for ‘aina, MauiTimes is Hawaii’s largest locallyowned newspaper and digital content company.

We seek to fill the following positions with teammates dedicated to creating great journalism and have a great time doing it.

Graphic Designers Full- and Part-Time Openings

M

oku Roots just launched a new happy hour with $3 off all drinks from the bar. They create exciting and interesting cocktails using local ingredients. Their Guac on the Rocks features local avocado, Maui pineapple, jalapeño, mint and organic tequila. Their Spiritual Cleanser is the perfect mix of sage, pineapple, Fid Street gin and soda water. They rock with a nice line up of vegan pupus like fries, beer battered zucchini tacos and mushroom queso from $5 to $8. Located at Lahaina Gateway, happy hour is Monday to Saturday from 3 to 5p.m.

Also at the Lahaina Gateway Center is South Maui’s beloved Kihei Caffe. The restaurant has won Best Breakfast in “Best of Maui” 10 years in a row, and their new West Maui location is the first expansion for this eatery that opened in 1998. Kihei Caffe Lahaina features all the original menu favorites including the popular Loco Moco, Pork fried rice, Banana Macadamia Nut Pancakes, Prime Steak burgers, salads and wraps. They did not leave out their freshly squeezed juices, variety of coffee drinks, smoothies and blended drinks either.

We were all sad when Da Kitchen closed the doors on their restaurants last year due to Covid, but they are making their way back into the food scene as an evening pop-up in Piko

Cafe. Piko closes around 2p.m and Da Kitchen takes over from 5p.m to about 7:30p.m, Monday through Saturday with a limited dinner menu.

For more information or to order for pick-up, call 808-0793-2671.

Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea launched a new brunch at their hotel restaurant, happening every Sunday from 11:30a.m to 2p.m, debuting a new Burger Bar as well. They also reopened LUANA with Pang’s Poke and Raw Bar, accompanied by live music.

When Ku’ia Chocolate, Maui’s farm-to-bar chocolate factory, hired 4th generation Maui girl Ashley Cooper as their Sales and Marketing Manager in 2019, she was looking for a career path she could take that would benefit her professional growth and feel like she was doing good for the community. Ku’ia recently sent out a press release sharing more about Cooper. She loves working with a company “that is completely solar-powered and backed by a Chocolate Kuleana—a promise to give back 100% of net profits to Maui nonprofit organizations.” Cooper’s email newsletters are a highlight of my inbox, where she recently shared a recipe to make chocolate mousse with Ku’ia chocolate along with how to join their exclusive subscription chocolate club. Sign up or learn more about it at mauichocolate.com.

Should you apply? Are you fluent with Adobe Suite? Are you inspired to create effective and beautiful ads? Are you good at communicating, both in writing and speaking? Do you believe in the importance of locally controlled, community journalism?

If so, send cover letter, resume, and link to portfolio to: jeremy@mauitimes.org

Sales Executives (Print and Digital) Should you apply? Do you like helping local businesses thrive? Not afraid of rejection?

Competitive and motivated by money? Organized and a hard worker? Understand SEO and PPC? Believe in the importance of local journalism? Want to work for a non-profit with a collaborative work environment?

If so, send cover letter and resume: sam@mauitimes.org =========== Want to write for MauiTimes?

We seek paid freelancers to cover: • High school sports • Surfing, fishing and other water sports • Theater and dance previews & reviews • Agricultural, environmental & sustainability issues • We’re open to your ideas, share them with us!

Send clip and cover letter to jacob@mauitimes.org SEPTEMBER ISSUE 2021

31

DINING

News & Views

ONO KINE GRINDS

BY JEN RUSSO

Jollibee 270 Dairy Rd.,Kahului | 808-495-4281 9 a.m.-10p.m. $

www.jollibeeusa.com

The Chickenjoy fried chicken at Jollibee is world famous, but has its roots in the Philippines where it was founded in the ’70s. Not everyone knows that fried chicken is an integral part of Filipino cuisine. Jollibee marinates their meat to make it tender and juicy, then handbreads and fries it for a seasoned crisp exterior.

Order it by the piece or bucket and it’s served with a side of their brown gravy for dipping. Get it alongside Jolly Spaghetti, an al dente pasta, with a special sweet tomato sauce that gives Chef Boyardee vibes, but in a great way. The spaghetti has sliced hot dogs and ham chunks to round out the savory flavors. Jollibee is one of the most popular Asian restaurants that has made a crossover to the West, and they describe their menu as Asian-Western fusion. They also have a dining area for those that wish to dine inside. The crave-worthy Chickenjoy chicken breast sandwich can be ordered with lettuce and tomato. For dessert try the peach mango pie, a deep-fried, handheld treat that celebrates the flavor of our beloved tropical fruit. Their Maui location was their 41st store. The drivethru is nearly always packed during peak eating times, but it’s worth the small wait.

T Komoda Store and Bakery 3674 Baldwin Ave.,Makawao | 808-572-7261 Mon -Tue 7 a.m.- 4 p.m., Thu- Fri 7 a.m.- 4 p.m, Sat 7 a.m.- 2 p.m. Closed Wed and Sun. $

This is the ultimate local family-ownedstore on Maui. This bakery has been open in Makawao since 1916. Visitors and locals flock to scoop up boxes filled with their melt-in-yourmouth cream puffs, stick donuts and turnovers.

But don’t overlook the butter rolls, loaves of bread, and hamburger and hot dog buns. Their delicate crumb and slight sweetness are perfect. They have one savory treat, ready-to-eat hot dogs. I never leave the bakery without at least one. A warmed local red dog, inside a fresh baked bun, already dressed with just enough ketchup, mayo, mustard, and relish, all for only $2.85. They also have fluffy malasadas, danishes, cinnamon snails, amazing chiffon cakes and incredible crumbly pies.

Send Letters-to-the-Editor 200 Words or Less jacob@mauitimes.org

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Deadline for October edition: Monday, September 20, 2021

Email details in fewer than 100 words. Add photo or graphic if easy Email: Shan@mauitimes.org

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SEPTEMBER ISSUE 2021

Fork and Salad 1279 S Kihei Rd., Kihei | 808-879-3675 120 Ho’okele St., Kahului | 808-793-3256 11a.m.-8 p.m., $$

www.forkandsaladmaui.com This brilliant build-your-own salad concept came from the chefs and founders of Three’s Bar and Grill. They have lots of local greens to choose from and they give kudos to our local farms while they’re at it. You can customize your base, so do you prefer field greens, romaine, arugula, or a mix? Next up would be your veggies, toppings, proteins, and sides. I still haven’t found my go-to salad, but the last one I tried was the Thai salad that comes with arugula, green papaya, carrot, cashews, tomatoes, cilantro, mint, red onion, and Thai lemongrass dressing. I like their ginger tofu protein, but I tried the lemon herb chicken with the Thai salad and added almonds and avocado. The salad bar options are extensive! It can get out of hand really quickly. I paired that with their hearty and textured tomato bisque. They also have a list of fancy sandwiches like the shrimp and avo club, the eggplant and goat cheese veggie, and the ahi belly. If you want to avoid line-ups during their busy lunch hour, order up on the Fork and Salad app. It is really easy to use and lets you customize any part of your meal.

Find great new employees For as little as $99/month,

place your opening in print & online Contact doug@mauitimes.org or call 808-228-5659

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

INSIDE ‘PARADISE CITY’

G

rowing up, Micah Giovanni was raised on Grease. A decade later, Giovanni is cast in the made-on-Maui Paradise City, playing no less than the son of a character portrayed by John Travolta.

By now, most Maui residents have heard about the highly touted production. It’s the first time Bruce Willis (starring as Ryan Swan, a bounty hunter) and John Travolta (as the head of a crime syndicate Swan is tailing) have worked together since their landmark Pulp Fiction in 1994.

The director is Chuck Russell, who helmed A Nightmare on Elm St 3: Dream Warriors, The Blob, The Mask, Eraser and The Scorpion King.

The action/thriller, which was shot in May at locations in Kihei, Wailuku and Haiku, utilized local talent in front and behind the camera.

The real story isn’t the plot of Paradise City, but how an 18-yearold from Haiku managed to grab the coveted role—the first of many

Photo Credit: Brad Starks

HOW MAUI-BASED MICAH GIOVANNI WAS CAST AS THE SON OF A CINEMA LEGEND

BY BARRY WURST II

stops on a creative journey that started on Maui.

Born Micah Giovanni Kamalei Berorzi, the young actor lived in Haiku and on the West Side. He attended Haiku School for two years before moving to Lahaina, where he went to King Kamehameha III and Lahaina Intermediate.

Growing up, Giovanni was immersed in cinema and found multiple creative outlets in Maui’s theater and arts scene. “Maui is one of a kind,” Giovanni said, “I love how much the arts are embraced. The community supports one another. In the beginning, I was nervous to share my stuff, because I wanted to make sure it was really good. You want to do well for your hometown and make them proud.”

Among Giovanni’s creative mentors is local thespian and acting coach, Robert Angelo. “Robert was great,” Giovanni said. “He was one of my first acting teachers. It was really inspiring and built my confidence be-

ing in his class, performing in front of other people and auditioning.”

Angelo recalled his time with Giovanni with both warmth and admiration. “Micah registered to take my acting classes when he was 12 years of age,” Angelo said. “The best way to work with a gifted talent like Micah, is to be a supportive coach, encourage his gifts, refine and guide his choices.”

Giovanni’s ability to take direction impressed Angelo, which he said only comes with trust. “We put him in an actors showcase at the Iao Theater, performing a scene and monologue I assigned and directed.

The audience loved him,” Angelo said. “From that showcase, the Iao Theater wanted his info, so they then cast him as Pugsley in The Addams Family: The Musical.”

Appearing as Pugsley in the hit community theater production was a big creative stepping stone for Giovanni. “It was such a formative experience,” Giovanni recalled. “It

was my first real play and production.

I learned stage dancing, I was singing all the time. It was big, a dream role for me.” As a young actor, Giovanni felt taken care of by his castmates.

“Every person was amazing but especially Lia Krieg, she did my make-up every night before a performance, she was like my sister on set.”

Following his performance as Pugsley, Giovanni went to Los Angeles and the rest is history. “He is a rising young and gifted actor and I am enjoying watching his career take off,” Angelo said.

Giovanni credited his mother for encouraging his acting pursuit and making the choice to relocate to L.A. “She decided to move to L.A. and take the risk, it was pretty much up to her,” said Giovanni. “My mom has always been the most supportive person for me, pushing me to try things, get out of my comfort zone.”

Once Giovanni moved to L.A, he enrolled in film school and took up music. He started a band called Easy Street with peers from his school, Paramount Academy of Music. “We’re a little high school boy band,” Giovanni shared. “We have a punk vibe.”

Being surrounded by music led Giovanni to pursue a solo career. “The music I aim to create right now is because of growing up jumping off cliffs, off the trees in the jungle in Haiku.”

Music is not just a hobby but a true passion project for Giovanni. In 2019, he released a song titled “Devoid.”

He explained his sound has changed since his first song and is working on creating a debut album.

Among Giovanni’s early breaks into film acting was securing a supporting role in “Grand-Daddy Day Care,” the second sequel to “Daddy Day Care.”

What came next allowed Giovanni to meet a childhood idol, though it was not a role he obtained easily.

“I got the role in Paradise City because of Lily Acain, a great Maui casting agent. She reached out to my mom, asking if I want to audition for the role of Travolta’s son. I was like, maybe… Wait, ‘Travolta is in it?’ I’ll (Continued on Page 43)

SEPTEMBER ISSUE 2021

33

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

PAU ART PACIFIC ARTISTS UNION—THE PAIA GALLERY HERE TO SHAKE UP MAUI’S ART SCENE STORY PHOTOS BY VIOLA GASKELL

C

helsea Kinch is not here to sell turtle paintings to tourists.

The 31-year-old from Rhode Island, who has had roots on Maui since 2015, opened her gallery, Pacific Artists Union, PAU, in Paia in February 2021, on the heels of Hawai’i’s worst year for tourism since 1975.

Kinch said she was “craving a sense of community and a safe space where people who live here, who are talented, could have a place to come together that wasn’t about turtles and palm trees and sunsets, that was about more contemporaryfocused art.” By the looks of PAU’s hit Friday night openings, teeming with locals, Kinch has created just that.

PAU’s now bi-monthly openings have showcased 25 Maui artists since February, many of them little-known on the island, where the majority of exhibitions are curated and priced with tourists in mind.

As the COVID-19 pandemic reached Maui, bringing the tourism industry to its knees, retail spaces across Maui were suddenly vacant—and suddenly affordable. Kinch decided to do a popup at recently vacated 105 Baldwin Ave, “and it really snowballed from there,” she said.

As they walked in the door of the February 19th opening show featuring local photographer Evan Fischer, attendees repeatedly thanked Kinch for opening PAU. “Everybody who walked through the door said ‘thank you,’” Kinch recalled. “When does that happen? When do you open up an establishment to do business and people come in and thank you relentlessly for what you’re doing? It was clear we needed this.”

People offered to help from marketing, social media, website building, and photoshoots, to construction and new lights. For Kinch, the overwhelmingly posi-

The north wall at PAU displays pieces by the many local artists who have had solo shows on the south wall.

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SEPTEMBER ISSUE 2021

Kinch and Watanabe, who is a showing artist and manager at PAU, in front of an oil painting by Kinch at her gallery, PAU, Pacific Artists Union.

tive response to the opening affirmed her belief that a gallery like PAU would find all the support it needed in the local community. “I was like, ‘Oh, this is like, way bigger than me,’” she said.

Kano Watanabe, 21, who moved to Maui from Japan when she was eight, had her debut art show at PAU in March, showcasing acrylic paintings on wood that she called “the purest expression of my soul”.

Watanabe said that she had never anticipated being asked to show her art in a gallery, let alone on Maui. “I thought maybe I could bring my art to a farmers market, but I definitely didn’t think I’d be invited to do a show and that so many people would reach out to me about my art after the show — or that I would sell my first piece.”

Since her opening Watanabe has been invited to do virtual shows with other artists, but she said she isn’t holding her breath for a show at any other galleries

on Maui.

“I don’t know anywhere else on Maui that’s like us,” she remarked. “And I think that is what is so exciting—that we are not painting for tourists, this is art that we’ve made for ourselves or for our friends through pure, unique self-expression.”

As Kinch delved into Maui’s art climate, she became increasingly frustrated with the lack of options for up-and-coming artists like Watanabe and contemporary artists like sculptor Josh Dahl, one of the first artists to show at PAU.“I was discouraged by Art Maui and the juried exhibitions where the same people were getting in every year and a lot of young, newer artists were being turned away, and I thought, ‘fuck it, I’ll go rogue,’” she recalled.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Kinch went rogue in more ways than one—planning and opening an art gallery on a tourism-reliant island in the midst of a pandemic, while unemployment is running out.

Maui experienced some of the highest unemployment rates in the country during the first year of the pandemic, with unemployment nearing 33% in April 2020, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. It has rebounded to 10%, but hotels are having a hard time hiring back sufficient staff as the island’s visitor arrival numbers snap back, according to Hana Maui Resort general manager John Benson.

Perhaps there are simply gaps in the hiring process, but Kinch said she has seen people in her own circle change their career trajectory while on unemployment—fine tuning their craft, from jewelry to knitwear, and turning it into a business while unemployment paid the bills.

Works by local artists including Dahl, who sculpted the sequined

emoji piece.

“It gave them the funds or the space and time to direct their energy elsewhere and realize that maybe they didn’t need to rely on this job that wasn’t fulfilling them,” she said.

Watanabe and Kinch said that the early days of the pandemic only deepened their connection to their art, and to their community, while underscoring the unsustainability of Maui’s reliance on tourism.

“And then I watched everyone plant a garden, which was so cool, and I thought, ‘the government has to now be forward-thinking about how we can move towards other industries or how we can better support people who live here. I felt the community mindset more than I ever had, and was really thinking about how we can take care of one another, and how I can support people who live here.”

An acrylic on wood piece by Watanable.

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SEPTEMBER ISSUE 2021

35

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

THE MACC RETURNS WITH 30TH ANNUAL Kī HōʻALU FESTIVAL BY CARIN ENOVIJA

Following a 15-month shut down, the 30th Annual Kī Hō‘alu Festival welcomed a live audience back to The MACC on June 27.

O

n Sunday, June 27, following a 15-month “intermission” imposed by COVID-19, the Maui Arts and Cultural Center hosted the 30th annual Kī Hōʻalu Festival before a socially distanced live audience of approximately 700.

Small “pods” of up to four guests were seated in the open-air A&B Amphitheater.

The free event traditionally attracted as many as 3,000 Maui residents and visitors.

Unlike past festivals, no lawn chairs or blankets were allowed. Temperature checks were conducted at the gates, and masks were required when guests were not actively eating or drinking. Performers were also socially distanced on stage and tested for Covid prior to the event. This year’s line-up of slack-key masters included John Cruz, Jeff Peterson, Kevin Brown and Ola Hou, George Kahumoku Jr., Ledward Kalapana, Kamuela Kahoano, Kawika Kahiapo, Danny Carvalho, George

36

SEPTEMBER ISSUE 2021

Kuo and Paul Togioka.

“You really are a sight for sore eyes,” said Art Vento, President and CEO of The MACC, welcoming the public back for the annual musical celebration of local culture.

Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino issued a proclamation

He also credited Vento, the MACC’s board of directors and the staff for continuing to deliver “leading edge” entertainment during the shutdown. This included a variety of taped, live streamed and socially-distanced events. Popular Saturday night drive-in

No lawn chairs were allowed, temperature checks were required, performers socially distanced on stage and were tested for covid prior to the event. in honor of the festival’s 30-year history. “I want to make sure that all of you know that this is part of Maui County’s culture.

This is part of what we live for and what we all work hard for,” Victorino said.

The mayor cheered on locals who acknowledged getting vaccinated so that Maui can safely enjoy more live, inperson events at the MACC.

movies and concerts gave way to “Honk-a-Hou,” the sociallydistanced, percussive gesture of approval and encouragement for performers to play just one more song. “Being creative has always been Art’s forte,” said Victorino, “These last 15 months have been the longest seven years of our lives,” quipped Vento.

“There are some traditions

that Covid cannot defeat.”

Pod seating for outdoor shows at the A&B Amphitheater attracted record audience numbers for live shows by comedian Jim Gaffigan and Kolohe Kai. More shows will be announced soon.

On July 31, the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program, administered by the Small Business Association (SBA) and funded largely by The American Rescue Plan, announced that The Maui Arts & Cultural Center was awarded $643,790 in federal funding. The program helps small, independent venues and performers recover from financial losses suffered due to COVID-19 shutdowns. “[The SVOG award] affirms that our community-centric approach will ultimately result in much needed support,” Vento said. “Challenging times require creative solutions, and the MACC will continue to do exactly that, until this pandemic is in the past.”

Vento cited that pre-Covid, the arts sector contributed $763.6 billion annually to the U.S. economy. “That’s about 4.2 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)—more than agriculture, transportation, or warehousing, or the sports industry, which contributed $95.9 billion to the U.S. GDP in 2019. The SVOG became an investment in the future U.S. economy,” Vento said.

The MACC has been the beneficiary of the generosity of many loyal donors over the past 17 months and the recent receipt of the SVOG grant was a welcome addition to that.

For more information about upcoming events at The Maui Arts and Cultural Center visit www.mauiarts.org.

Go online to mauitimes.news for an exclusive with Art Vento.

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37

MAUI COUNTY EVENTS

Da Kine Calendar

BIG GIGS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 BRS REVIEW WITH RON METOYE Great Blues, rock and soul music. $20 tables for 2 guests. 6pm. Maui Coffee Attic (59 Kanoa St., Wailuku); 808-250-9555; Mauicoffeeattic.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

BENNY UYETAKE CONCERT - Joined by James Somera and Tim Hackbarth, Benny and the gang will treat you to rock, blues and Island tunes. $30 table for 2 guests. 6pm.

Maui Coffee Attic (59 Kanoa St.,Wailuku); 808-250-9555; Mauicoffeeattic.com PARTIE FAVORS DRAG SHOW - These Drag Queens have pictures in the dictionary next to the word sickening! $30.

Doors: 7pm; Show: 9pm. Wai Bar (45 N. Market St., Wailuku); 808-214-9829; Waibarmaui.com

ONSTAGE

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 POLYNESIAN SHOW - Ongoing Tue and Thu. Hawaiian hula performances and dances of Polynesia. 5:30-6:30pm. The Shops at Wailea (3750 Wailea Alanui Dr.); 808-891-6770; Theshopsatwailea.com

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 GEORGE KAHUMOKU JR. & THE SLACK KEY SHOW ‘OHANA - Also Sep 25 & 29. The slack key ‘ohana featuring the musical talents of George Kahumoku Jr., Max Angel, JJ Jerome and Peter deAquino. $35-$60. Doors: 6pm: Show: 6:30pm. The Napili Kai Beach Resort Aloha Pavilion (5900 Lower Honoapi‘ilani Rd., Lāhainā); 808-669-3858; SlackKeyShow.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

STEPHEN INGLIS, GEORGE & THE SLACK KEY SHOW OHANA - Skilled on the acoustic & electric guitar, Inglis shares his love for Ki Ho‘alu. $35-$60.

Doors: 6pm: Show: 6:30pm. The Napili Kai Beach Resort Aloha Pavilion (5900 Lower Honoapi‘ilani Rd., Lāhainā); 808-669-3858; SlackKeyShow.com

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

LED KAAPANA, GEORGE & THE SLACK KEY SHOW OHANA - Led Kaapana’s extraordinary baritone and falsetto voice have made him a musical legend. George Kahumoku Jr., Peter deAquino and JJ Jerome join the show. $35-$60. Doors: 6pm: Show: 6:30pm. The Napili Kai Beach Resort Aloha

Maui After Dark Da Playground Maui 300 Ma‘alaea Rd. Down the Hatch 658 Front St., Lāhainā Haui’s Life’s A Beach 1913 S. Kīhie Rd.

Pavilion (5900 Lower Honoapi‘ilani Rd., Napili); 808-669-3858; SlackKeyShow.com

MAUI FOODIE

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 SUNDAY BRUNCH - Ongoing Sun. Enjoy a specialty crafted brunch menu by executive chef Roger Stettler. While Kevin Brown entertains with a slack key guitar performance. 11am-1pm. Taverna Restaurant (200 Village Rd., Kapalua); 808-667-2426; Tavernamaui.com

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

EXOTIC FRUIT ADVENTURE - Ongoing Mon and Fri. Explore the farm on Kawasaki 4-WD “Mules.” Stop to pick and sample exotic fruit right from the tree. At the end of the tour, pack a large box of fruit to take.

Reservation required. $375. Ono Organic Farms (149 Hāna Hwy.); 808-268-1784; Onofarms.com

Ongoing! Contact for schedule THE BEACH CLUB LUAU - As the sun disappears, a conch sounds and the celebration begins! Guests will enjoy a welcome Mai Tai, delicacies from the island, and Hawaiian and Tahitian entertainment.

A bar will be available with cocktails and beer. Advance reservations are required. $225. Tue. 5:15pm. Montage Kapalua Bay (1 Bay Dr. Lāhaina); 808-662-6600; Montagehotels.com THE FEAST AT MOKAPU - Greeted with lei, guests enjoy pre-show cultural activities and indulge in traditional Hawaiian dishes and cocktails. Adults: $240.00; Children: $120.00. Tue and Sun. 5:30pm.

Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort (3550 Wailea Alanui Dr.); Mauiluau.com/wailea-luaus

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

TE AU MOANA LU‘AU - The ocean tide (Te Au Moana) is the inspiration behind this Maui lu‘au experience, connecting the dots between all of Oceania. Includes show, imu ceremony, hula lessons and an open bar.

Night will end with fire knife dancing finale. $225. Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri and Sat. 5pm.

Marriott Wailea (3700 Wailea Alanui Dr.); Mauiluau.com/marriott-luau

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

‘AHA‘AINA LU‘AU - Watch the rich history and unique culture of Maui come to life overlooking Wailea Beach. Experience luxury service and three-course. Adults: $225; Children: $112.50. 5:30pm. Grand Wailea Resort (27 Halekuai St.); Mauiluau.com/wailea-luaus

MAUI’S FRESH PRODUCE FARMERS MARKET - Ongoing Tue, Wed and Fri. Find local produce, baked goods, fresh-cut flowers and so much more. 8am-4pm. Queen Ka‘ahumanu Shopping Center (275 W. Ka‘ahumanu Ave., Kahului); Qeenkaahumanucenter.com

NAPILI FARMERS MARKET - Ongoing Wed and Sat. Fresh Maui-grown produce and unique products, while enjoying live Hawaiian music. 8am-12pm. Napili Farmers Market (4900 Honoapi‘ilani Hwy., Napili); 808-633-5060; Napilifarmersmarket.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

MALA ‘TIL MIDNIGHT - Ongoing, Fri and Sat. Indulge in chef Alvin Savella’s raw fish & Wagyu menu with selections like spicy ‘ahi poke, sashimi and the assassin burger. Plus select cocktails too!

10pm-12am. Mala Tavern (1307 Front St., Lāhainā); 808-667-9394; Malatavern.com/late-night-menu

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

UPCOUNTRY FARMERS MARKET Ongoing Sat. Shop locally grown food with the Upcountry community. Browse organic produce, fresh caught fish, vegan goods and tropical plants. 7-11am.

Kulamalu Town Center (55 Kiopaa St., Pukalani); 808-572-8122; Upcountryfarmersmarket.com

Sunday

Natty Vibes

Monday

MAUI NUI LU‘AU AT BLACK ROCK Mon and Wed. With world class views, watch torch lighting and cliff diving ceremony at Pu‘u Keka‘a (Black Rock). The show includes an open bar, table service and imu ceremony. There will be hula lessons and fire knife dancing finale. $180.

Mon-Fri. 5pm. Sheraton Maui Resort (2605 Kā‘anapali Pkwy.); Mauiluau.com/sheraton-luau THE MYTHS OF MAUI LU‘AU - On the beautiful shoreline, go on a voyage through Polynesia. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet showcasing Hawai‘i’s finest cuisines and complimentary cocktails all night. Beautiful hula and exciting fire-knife dance will leave you breathless. Daily. 5:30pm. Royal Lahaina Resort (2780 Keka‘a Dr., Lāhainā); 800-222-5642; Royallahaina.com/luau LĀHAINĀ DINNER CRUISE - Embark on a westside dinner cruise with a spectacular 4-course dinner, cocktails, island-style

Tuesday

Wai Bar 45 N. Market St., Wailuku

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SEPTEMBER ISSUE 2021

MĀKENA SUNSET DINNER SAIL Sail on the ocean with Hawaiian music, sparkling rosé and sunset views. With an Island-inspired menu, choose from locallysourced spirits and cruise in style aboard a spacious catamaran. Space is limited, book ahead. $179.57. Activityauthority.com MA‘ALAEA SUNSET DINNER CRUISE - Go aboard the Ocean Odyssey for a fun-filled night on the water and delicious appetizers. This is the perfect way to watch a sunset on one of the world’s most beautiful islands. Space is limited, book ahead. $179.57. Activityauthority.com

ART SCENE

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 HALLOWEEN 2021 CUSTOM DTH T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST! - Submission deadline Sept 21. Down the Hatch is seeking submissions from local artists for their Halloween t-shirt contest! Open to all ideas for a spooktacular Halloween keepsake. Go online for t-shirt design criteria and prize. DTHmaui.com MAUI GIFT AND CRAFT FAIR - Onging Sun. With over 50 vendors, explore a variety of offerings from local Maui artists.

9am-2pm. Lahaina Gateway Center (305 Keawe St., Lāhainā); 808-825-4130, Mauigiftandcraftfair.com

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 ROSE RIVER MEMORIAL - Until Sep. 23. A community art movement, honoring the lives lost to Covid-19. Artist Marcos Lutyens he created a memorial honoring the lives lost in Hawai‘i. Free admission.

Open: Wed-Sat, 9am-4pm. Hui No‘eau Visual Arts (2841 Baldwin Ave., Makawao); 808-572-6560; Huinoeau.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

OCEAN RESIN ART - Whether you have worked with Resin before or are a complete beginner, you will love it and the beautiful results in this class focused on ocean waves. All supplies are included. $120. 3-5pm. HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts (275 West Ka‘ahumanu Ave., Kahului); 808-877-3337; Benfranklinhawaii.com; Eventbrite.com

Wednesday Thursday

Friday

Saturday

8pm, (Sep. 12)

Trivia Night

8-10pm, (Weekly)

Karaoke

7-11:30pm, (Weekly)

Artist Showcase

Karaoke

5-10pm, (Sep. 10)

8-10pm, (Weekly)

Karaoke

7-11:30pm, (Weekly)

Karaoke

7-11:30pm, (Weekly)

Karaoke

7-11:30pm, (Weekly)

Karaoke

7-11:30pm, (Weekly)

Latin Nights

Heritage Hall 401 Baldwin Ave., Pa‘ia Lahaina Sports Bar 843 Waine‘e St., Lāhainā

music and scenic views of Maui’s sandy shoreline. Space is limited, book ahead. $139.95. Activityauthority.com

8-11pm, (Weekly)

Karaoke Contest Open Mic & Jam 9-11pm, (Sep. 19)

9-11pm, (Sep. 13)

Bone & Fire

9-11pm, (Sep. 21)

BINGO

7-9pm, (Sep. 22)

Live DJ

9-11pm, (Weekly)

Costume Party 9-11pm, (Sep. 18)

Drag Show

9pm-close, (Sep. 18)

MAUI COUNTY EVENTS

Top Picks

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Natty Vibes LIVE! One of Hawai‘i’s most popular and acclaimed bands from the Windward side of O‘ahu is on Maui! Natural Vibrations brings energy to the stage for a night filled with great vibes and even better music.

21+. $20. Doors: 7pm; Show: 8pm. Da Playground Maui (300 Ma‘alaea Rd.); 808-727-2571; Daplaygroundmaui.com Photo courtesy Daplaygroundmaui.com

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

METALLIC BAMBOO AND LANDSCAPE Learn to mix the Pearl Ex powders to create a paint and illustrate bamboo with the One Stroke technique. Create many mini pieces that can be framed, added to a card or used to embellish a gift. 14+. $60. 10am-12pm. HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts (275 West Ka‘ahumanu Ave., Kahului); 808-877-3337; Benfranklinhawaii.com; Eventbrite.com

COMMUNITY

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Malama Wao Akua 2021 Exhibit Celebrate the native species of Maui Nui through art. The Hui No‘eau presents artwork from all ages on Maui, using their creative talents to raise awareness about the importance of protecting native species.

On view until Nov 5. Wed-Fri, 9am-4pm. Hui Noe‘au Visual Arts (2841 Baldwin Ave., Makawao); 808-572-6560; Huinoeau.com Photo courtesy Huinoeau.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

Kika Kila Lap Steel Music Let your worries melt away while swaying to the Islandrhythms of Geri Valdriz and Friends on the kika kila, the iconic Hawaiian steel guitar.

Free. 11am. Only 20 seats available. No reservations.

Maui Coffee Attic, (59 Kanoa St., Wailuku); 808-250-9555; Mauicoffeeattic.com Photo courtesy Mauicoffeeattic.com

GET THE DRIFT AND BAG IT! - Until Sep. 18.

Annual cleanup campaign by Mālama Maui Nui in partnership with the Ocean Conservancy.

Empowers residents in their stewardship of our island. Register for an Individual/Solo or Quaranteam cleanup. Mālama Maui Nui provides the tools & support needed to make the cleanup a success! MMNui.org/cleanups 2BEACHDANCE2 - Sun until Sep. 26. Sand is the dance floor and be present to whatever arises and dances within you. Registration required. Free. 8:45-10:45am. Po‘olenalena Beach (96 Makena Alanui, Kīhei); 808-2984297; Beachdance.com; Eventbrite.com CLEAR THE SHELTERS - Until Sep. 19. An annual, nationwide pet adoption campaign. No fee, just donation-based with all cat, critter and dog adoptions. Call or go online to make an appointment to meet the animals. Mon-Sat. 11am-4pm.

Maui Humane Society (1350 Mehameha Loop, Pu‘unene); 808-877-3680; Mauihumanesociety. org; Calendly.com/mhsadoptions

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

Alcohol Ink: Jellyfish Art Workshop Learn to manipulate alcohol ink in this unique art class.

Discover and create vibrant colors with the fluid medium while being mesmerized painting jellyfish and ocean bubbles.

Beginers welcome and supplies included. Ages 16 and older. $65. 11am-1pm. HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts (275 West Ka‘ahumanu Ave., Kahului); 808-877-3337; Benfranklinhawaii.com Photo courtesy Benfranklinhawaii.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

20th Annual Front Street Mile & 5k/10k One of the most popular races on Maui is back! Run (or jog) along the shoreline in the old whalers town of Lāhainā.

This is a fast and flat course, perfect for all ages. All runners will receive a medal, t-shirt and goodie-bag. $20+. 10k starts at 6am; 5k at 6:20am; mile at 8am.

Tommy Bahamas (900 Front St., Lāhainā); 808-500-6204.

Runnersparadiseinc.com Photo courtesy Runnersparadiseinc.com

ULTIMATE TODDLER TIME - Ongoing Mon, Fri and Sat. Bring your keiki to jump off their energy while having tons of fun! GA: $22$40. Kama‘aina: $17-$35. Socks required or purchase for $2. 10am-12pm. Ultimate Air Trampoline Park (21 La‘a St., Wailuku); 808214-JUMP; Ultimateairmaui.com

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

VOLUNTEER AT OLOWALU CULTURAL RESERVE - Ongoing Wed and Thu. Malama ‘āina and help preserve the biodiversity and beauty of Olowalu reef that provides food and shelter to a variety of marine species and unique coral habitat. Sign up online. Kipuka Olawalu, Kipukaolowalu.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

MAUI/LANA‘I MOKUPUNI COUNCIL FOR MAUI - Native Hawaiian homesteaders discuss issues and concerns with Maui Hawaiian Homes Commissioner Randy Awo. Free. See website for Zoom link. 5-7pm. Pā‘upena CDC.,

Paupena.org

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 VOLUNTEER AT WAIHEʻE COASTAL DUNES & WETLAND REFUGE - Ongoing Fri. Connect with nature and the opportunity to huli ka lima i lalo (turn the hands down), and work the soil.

Volunteers will help with restoration and conservation projects. 8am-12pm. Waiheʻe Coastal Dunes Base Yard (Halewaiu Rd., Wailuku); 808-744-AINA; Hilt.org

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 MAUI SWAP MEET - Ongoing Sat. Find bargains, like jewelry, flowers, fresh produce and a variety of goods. 7am-1pm. Maui Swap Meet at UHMC (310 W. Ka‘ahumanu Ave., Kahului); 808-244-2133; Mauihawaii.org/maui-shopping/ swap-meet VOLUNTEER AT WAIHEʻE COASTAL DUNES & WETLAND REFUGE - Volunteer on every third Satruday of the month with restoration and conservation projects. 8-11am. Waiheʻe Coastal Dunes Base Yard (Halewaiu Rd., Wailuku); 808-744-AINA; Hilt.org 17TH ANNUAL LĀHAINĀ TOWN CLEAN UP - International Coastal Cleanup Day is one of the world’s largest preservation and volunteer efforts for the ocean, waves and beaches.

8am-12pm. Lāhainā Town. Facebook.com/ LahainaTownActionCommittee GO GREEN RECYCLING - This important service for residents (non-commercial) of West Maui is an opportunity to responsibly dispose of bulky-items like air conditioners, batteries (lead acid only), washers, refrigerators, tires, scrap metal and electronics. Appointment-required.

9am-12pm. Behind Lāhainā District Court (1870 Honoapi‘ilani Hwy.); MalamaMauiNui.org/GoGreen

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

HUI HO‘OMANA (“EMPOWER”) FOR MAUI - And Oct. 7. Native Hawaiian homesteaders discuss grants funding, mercantile opportunities. Free. 5-7pm. See website for Zoom link.

Pa‘upena CDC., Paupena.org

OUTDOORS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 HSA BIG WAVE REALTY HANA CLASSIC - And Sep. 12. Watch and support the community during this popular classic.

Go online for divisions. 7am. Koki Beach (175 Haneoo Rd., Hāna); Hsa.surfsignup.com

Ongoing! Contact for schedule

MOLOKINI FAMILY-FRIENDLY SNORKEL TOUR - Hop aboard the Ocean Odyssey for a

78,000+ Circulation

We reach everyone in Maui County (Maui-Lani’i-Moloka’i) TO ADVERTISE CONTACT

• 51,000 copies mailed to every home, condo, and apartment.

SARAH@MAUITIMES.ORG

• 21,000 additional copies distributed FREE at 240 high-trafic locations,

808-283-0110

• 6,000 copies mailed to every business

especially those frequented by visitors, like restaurants, hotels, clubs, & museums.

SEPTEMBER ISSUE 2021

39

MAUI COUNTY EVENTS

Top Picks

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

15th Annual Kū Mai Ka Hula Celebrate Maui and Hawaiian culture with award-winning hula performances at Maui’s only adult hula competition. Presented virtually this year as a Live @ the MAAC event, enjoy beautiful hula by hālau competing in solo and group performances.

7:30am. Watch live at Mauiart.org; Facebook.com/maui.arts; or Youtube.com/user/MauiArtsCulture.

Photo courtesy MACC

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

Taiji Terasaki’s RESET/RESHAPE Taiji Terasaki welcomes the public to his exhibition. Transforming the gallery with an impressive array of media, including augmented reality, Terasaki captures intense emotions and issues brought to the forefront in 2020. He also inspires collective hope for the future.

On view until Dec. 18. Free. Gallery hours: Wed-Sat, 10am-4pm.

Maui Arts & Cultural Center (1 Cameron Way, Kahului); 808-242-7469; Mauiarts.org Photo courtesy MACC

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23-26

5th Annual Maui Salsa Bachata Congress Explore, connect and celebrate your passion for dance! Participate in dance workshops and enjoy world-class performances.

The kick-off party is Thursday, followed by concerts with a live orchestra on Friday and Saturday, and a closing party on Sunday. $100+. Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa (2605 Ka‘anapali Pkwy., Lahaina); Eventbrite.com Photo courtesy Facebook.com/Mauisalsabachatacongress

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Kanekoa

Kanekoa returns to the Maui Coffee Attic for another entertaining night of live, Island music. For great company, reserve a table for two and enjoy Kanekoa’s performance. $70 for two guests. 6pm. Maui Coffee Attic (59A Kanoa St., Wailuku); 808-250-9555; Mauicoffeeattic.com Photo courtesy Mauicoffeeattic com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25-26

Enchanted Farm Tour

Wander through the enchanting grounds at the Awalau Farm, a 30-acre sustainable community. Meet fabulous mythical creatures like pet unicorns and flying goats, while exploring mystical caves and streams. $25+. Tours at 12pm & 4pm. Awalau Farm (1008 Awalau Rd., Ha‘iku); 808-878-8091; Awalaufarm.com Photo courtesy Facebook.com/awalau.farm

Got an event open to the public?

Deadline for October edition: Friday, September 24th, 2021

Email details in fewer than 100 words to Shan@mauitimes.org

40

SEPTEMBER ISSUE 2021

Deluxe Snorkeling Tour of Molokini Crater and South Maui’s Turtle Town. See the underwater world and have fun with waterslide, glass-bottom viewing and sightseeing along the south Maui coastline. Available daily. See times and prices online. Activityauthority.com KĪHEI SURF LESSONS - Dreaming of riding waves in paradise? Learn from enthusiastic Maui surfers in Kīhei. Choose from a private lesson or group lesson. $85. Available Mon-Sat. Go online for times. 808-879-4525; Activityauthority.com HALEAKALĀ NATIONAL PARK HIKE + SUMMIT - Ascend 10,023 feet to the summit of the mountain, take in the views and then hike down into the crater. Breakfast, lunch, snacks and water are provided. $159. Available Tue; Wed; Thu; Fri: 8am-3pm. Haleakalā National Park.

Activityauthority.com WEST MAUI SURF LESSONS - At Ukumehame Beach Park, Maui Surfer Girls provides one of the top beginner surfing experiences on the island. Everything you need is provided, including surfboards, rash guards, booties and even a photographer. $94. Available Mon-Fri: 8-10am; 10:30am-12:30pm.

Activityauthority.com HALEAKALĀ BIKE TOUR - Ride leisurely downhill for 26 miles with jaw-dropping views of Maui. These self-guided Haleakalā Bike tours allow you the freedom to stop at any time for photos and grab a coffee or a bite to eat. $79.95. Available daily: 8:15am-3:15pm.

808-446-6099; Activityauthority.com MAUI SCUBA DIVING - Whether you’re an experienced PADI certified diver, looking to get certified, or just want to experience scuba for the day, there are many options available with Maui Scuba Diving. Lāhainā and Kā‘anapali. $99. Available Mon-Fri: 8:30-11am.

808-446-6099; Activityauthority.com HALEAKALĀ 5-LINE ADVENTURE TOUR Experience five thrilling ziplines that will send you across canyons and through gorgeous landscapes on the slopes of Haleakalā. Space is limited. Contact for times and days available. $129.95. 808-878-8400; Skylinehawaii.com

An excellent opportunity to learn about various occupations in industries ranging from business and computer science, to journalism and non-profit services. This is a FREE Virtual Event, register online. Ncccfema.videoshowcase.net; Eventbrite.com

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

NEXT LEVEL INTERMEDIATE JEWELRY: LEVEL 2 - Mon until Oct. 11. The course expands beyond basic skills of soldering, sawing and filing. Work on your own endeavor or the guided project. Members: $240; Non-Members $289. 9am-12pm. Hui No‘eau Visual Art (2841 Baldwin Ave., Makawao); 808-572-6560; Huinoeau.com LEI PO‘O MAKING - Ongoing Mon and Wed. Learn to weave a basic Ti leaf lei and how it expresses love. Lei making is open to keiki and adults. 2:30-3:30pm. The Shops at Wailea (3750 Wailea Alanui Dr.); 808-891-6770; Theshopsatwailea.com

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

THE 22ND ADVANCED MAUI OPTICAL AND SPACE SURVEILLANCE TECHNOLOGIES CONFERENCE - Until Sep. 17. The (AMOS) Conference is the premier technical conference in the nation for space situational awareness.

Conference is hybrid with in-person and virtually options. Register online. Wailea Beach Resort Marriott (3700 Wailea Alanui Dr.,); Amostech.com GLASSBLOWING WITH RYAN STAUB - Ongoing Tue, Thu and Sat. Learn the ancient art of glassblowing with a skilled instructor. Book online. $200+. Moana Glass (140 Hobron Ave., Ste M-1, Kahului); 808-763-6338; Info@moanaglass.com; Moanaglass.com COCONUT HUSKING - Ongoing Tue. See demonstrations of traditional and modern methods in husking a coconut. 2:30-3:30pm.

The Shops at Wailea (3750 Wailea Alanui Dr.); 808-891-6770; Theshopsatwailea.com

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

WORKSHOPS & CLASSES

BEGINNING JEWELRY: LEVEL 1 - Wed until Oct. 13. Create your own wearable works of art, including pendants, bracelets, earrings and rings! Members: $240; Non-Members $288.

5-8pm. Hui No‘eau Visual Art (2841 Baldwin Ave., Makawao); 808-572-6560; Huinoeau.com THE GAME OF REAL ESTATE INVESTING Wed until Nov. 24. Minimize the risk of investing in real estate by education and avoid the potholes and money pits. 6:45-9pm. Emerald Plaza (118 Kupuohi St., Lāhainā); Eventbrite.com

CAREER EVENT - University of Hawai‘i Maui College Students & Graduates - And Sep. 19.

COCONUT FROND WEAVING - Ongoing Thu. Make your own keepsake perfect for both

KĀ‘ANAPALI 8-LINE ADVENTURE - Zip at thrilling speeds up to 150 ft above the ground and marvel at the ocean and unmatched views of the rugged West Maui Mountains. Contact for times and days available. $169.95. 808-8788400; Skylinehawaii.com

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

Find great new employees For as little as $99/month,

place your opening in print & online Contact doug@mauitimes.org or call 808-228-5659

MAUI COUNTY EVENTS

Top Picks

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

Lei Making Workshop Lei Po‘o Wili Style Spend the afternoon creating beautiful Ti leaf lei with instructor Rose Bailey. You’ll finish the class with a handmade lei to wear or share. Supplies and greens will be included. $35-40. 2-4pm. Hui No‘eau Visual Arts (2841 Baldwin Ave., Makawao); 808-572-6560; Huinoeau.com Photo courtesy of Huinoeau.com

adults and children. 4:30-5:30pm. The Shops at Wailea (3750 Wailea Alanui Dr.); 808-891-6770; Theshopsatwailea.com INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED CERAMICS EXPLORATIONS: (LEVEL 2+) - Thu until Oct. 28.

Expert teaching artist Bob Flint will be available for individualized assistance with ceramics—answering questions and troubleshooting problems.

Prerequisite: Beginning Ceramics or equivalent experience. $305. 5-8pm. Hui No‘eau Visual Art (2841 Baldwin Ave., Makawao); 808-572-6560; Huinoeau.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

Maui Sound and Healing Meditation Free yourself from anxieties —or at least try—with this healing sound meditation. Go on an auditory journey with a variety of musical instruments and ancient sound healing practices. $75+. 10-11am. Mon, Tue and Thu until Nov. 4. Book online, location will be sent with reservation. Ask about kama‘aina rates.

Private Sound Healing Studio (Makawao); Eventbrite.com Photo courtesy Facebook.com/Rasa-Priya

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

Localicious Recipe Contest Here’s a fun cooking competition for kids to submit an original recipe incorporating a locally grown, raised or caught product. Bonus points for using fresh Dole pineapple fruit!

Top six finalists will be invited to cook live in front of three celebrity chef judges.

Submit original recipe by Sep 30. Go online for details.

Hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com/recipecontest Photo courtesy of Hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com

THURSDAY, SEPTMEMBER 30

Brenton Keith’s Magic Show Be awed and amazed by Brenton Keith and his Bag O’ Tricks!

With high-energy comedy and magic, lots of laughs are guaranteed. From two to 102, the show is entertaining for all ages.

Kids: $5; Adults: $10. 5-8pm. Mulligan’s on the Blue (100 Kaukahi St., Kīhei); 808-874-1131; Mulligansontheblue.com Photo courtesy of Facebook.com/brentonkeith

HANDMADE DINNERWARE AND KITCHEN ODDS & ENDS (LEVEL 2) - Fri until Oct. 29.

Students will continue to produce kitchenware and work on specialized items. Prerequisites: Students MUST be able to center and throw a cylinder with ease and consistency. Members: $305; Non-Members $368. 5-8pm. Hui No‘eau Visual Art (2841 Baldwin Ave., Makawao); 808572-6560; Huinoeau.com ROLL AND RELEASE WORKSHOP - Learn how to help reduce back and neck tension using therapy balls. This workshop will help you restore overall muscular and mental mobility through breathwork. $99. 12-2pm. Body in Balance at Emerald Plaza (118 Kupuohi St., Lāhainā); 808-661-1116; Bodybalancemaui.com

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

ASHIATSU “BAREFOOT” MASSAGE TRAINING IN MAUI! - Until Sep. 22. In this introductory class, therapists will have lots of “feet on” time. Emphasis during the three-day course will be on body mechanics, barefoot application, marketing and bar construction. Tuition: $750; Kama‘aina: $675. 6pm. Ashiatsu Maui Massage & Wellness (26 Baldwin Ave., Ste B., Pa‘ia); 808-344-1006; Ashiatsumaui.com

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

SPINNER RING WORKSHOP (LEVEL 2) - In this intermediate workshop, students will make a “spinner ring” using skills of soldering, sawing, filing, forming, texturing, patina and polishing.

Prerequisite can be viewed online. Members: $85; Non-Members $100. 1-5pm. Hui No‘eau Visual Art (2841 Baldwin Ave., Makawao); Huinoeau.com

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1

Cabaret & Cocktails presents Burlesque Noir Delve into your dark desires with spies, detectives and Femme Fatals with the performers of Maui Burlesque. Join them for their first LIVE show since the pandemic.

Kids: $5; Adults: $10. 5-8pm. Mulligan’s on the Blue (100 Kaukahi St., Kīhei); 808-874-1131; Mulligansontheblue.com Photo courtesy of Facebook.com/brentonkeith

FREESTYLE IKEBANA - Students will learn the basics of the Japanese style of flower arranging. The class will practice manipulating various plants and learn ways to enhance arrangements using proportion, texture and color. Instructor will provide flowers for students.

Go online for supply list. Members: $35; NonMembers $42. 12-2pm. Hui No‘eau Visual Art (2841 Baldwin Ave., Makawao); 808-572-6560; Huinoeau.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

2nd ANNUAL MAUI SUICIDE PREVENTION MINI CONFERENCE - “Embracing Cultural and Social Protective Factors in Suicide Prevention” presented by the E Ola Hou Prevent Suicide Maui County Task Force and Mental Health America of Hawaii. 9am-1pm. Registration coming soon. For more information call: 808-242-6461

Ongoing! Contact for schedule

AERIAL YOGA HAMMOCK - Take your yoga practice to new heights! Aerial yoga uses the silk swing to support the body to attain optimal alignment in yoga asana. All levels welcome.

Various days and times available. Call or go online for full schedule. Body in Balance at Emerald Plaza (118 Kupuohi St., Lāhainā); 808661-1116; Bodybalancemaui.com FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY - Explore the limits of your active range of motion. Get your entire musculoskeletal system working in better harmony and with less pain. Various days and times available. Call or go online for full schedule. Body in Balance at Emerald Plaza (118 Kupuohi St., Lāhainā); 808-661-1116; Bodybalancemaui.com

FALL KEIKI CAMPS

KEIKI & JUNIOR BALLET - Plies, pirouettes and plenty of fun! Each class is set in a series to allow the children to grow as a group. Preregistration is required. Please inquire about age restrictions. Sunday: Sep. 12- Dec. 12.

See class times and pieces online. Body in Balance at Emerald Plaza (142 Kupuohi St. F2., Lāhainā); 808-661-1116; Bodybalancemaui.com CREATIVE CRITTERS WITH JESSICA NELSON - This is for budding actors interested in exploring drama, dance, music, singing, visual arts and creative play. Presented in a supportive, nurturing environment, youngsters are provided an opportunity to sing, dance, and play instruments. Age 5-9. Mondays: Sep. 13- Nov. 15, 3-4pm. $135. Discounts for 2 or more. Imua Discovery Garden (2471 Main St., Wailuku); Mauionstage.com YOUTH ACTING LAB WITH TINA KAILIPONI - Students explore movement, vocalization, character development and ensemble-building. (Age 9-12). Mondays: Sep. 13- Nov. 15, 4:15-5:15pm. $135. (Discounts for 2 or more).

Imua Discovery Garden (2471 Main St., Wailuku); Mauionstage.com VERTICAL BASKETBALL - Work on basketball skills while having fun with friends. (Age 6-15). Monday: Sep. 13-Nov. 8, 3-5pm. Vertical Sports Maui (Hope Chapel, 300 E Welakahao Rd., Kīhei); Verticalsportsmaui.com TEEN ACTING LAB WITH MICHAEL PULLIAM - Students explore movement, vocaliza

78,000+ Circulation

We reach everyone in Maui County (Maui-Lani’i-Moloka’i) TO ADVERTISE CONTACT

• 51,000 copies mailed to every home, condo, and apartment.

SARAH@MAUITIMES.ORG

• 21,000 additional copies distributed FREE at 240 high-trafic locations,

808-283-0110

• 6,000 copies mailed to every business

especially those frequented by visitors, like restaurants, hotels, clubs, & museums.

SEPTEMBER ISSUE 2021

41

MAUI COUNTY EVENTS

Top Picks

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2

Lahaina Arts Society Art Festival Talk story while shopping through unique paintings, jewelry, ceramics, photography and prints from Maui fine artist members of the LAS. Ongoing Sat-Sun, 9am-4pm. Lahaina Cannery Mall (1221 HI-30, Lāhainā); 808-661-0111; Lahainaarts.com Photo courtesy of Lahainaarts.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6

Jump Your Heart Out Bounce with friends and family at the Ultimate Air Trampoline Park.

Available daily, contact for times. $22-$40. Kama‘aina: $17-$35.

Ultimate Air Trampoline Park (21 La‘a St., Wailuku); 808-214-JUMP; Ultimateairmaui.com Photo courtesy Facebook/Ultimateairmaui

FRIDAY OCTOBER 8

Papa Hula Put on your hula skirt and learn the art of the Hawaiian hula!

Fun for all ages, Papa Hula is a celebration of the Hawaiian way of life. Learn the meaning of the dances and an overview of the music and instruments. Free.

4pm. Shops of Wailea (3750 Wailea Alanui Dr.); 808-891-6770; Theshopsatwailea.com Photo courtesy Theshopsatwailea.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8

2nd Friday Local Artist Showcase Come Down the Hatch to explore the creative endeavors of Maui’s artistic community on the 2nd Friday of every month.

This week’s featured artist is Rachel Zimmerman, showcasing her photography.

5:30-10pm. Down the Hatch (658 Front St., Lāhainā); 808-661-4900; Dthmaui.com Photo courtesy Rachaelzimmerman.com

SATURDAY OCTOBER 9

Kahumoku Farm Tour On the cliffs of Kahakuloa, join Hawai‘i’s “Renaissance Man,” Uncle George to learn the cultural significance of farming and ancient Polynesian canoe plants at his farm. Begin to understand how to utilize the moon calendar for optimal planting and enjoy Kahumoku’s Grammy-winning songs. $250. 8am. Location provided after registration.

Calendly.com/kahumokufarmtours.com Photo courtesy Facebook/GeorgeKahumokuJrFanPage

Got an event open to the public?

Deadline for October edition: Friday, September 24th, 2021

Email details in fewer than 100 words to Shan@mauitimes.org

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SEPTEMBER ISSUE 2021

tion, character development and ensemblebuilding. Through workshop exercises, students develop acting skills to create truthful characters. (Ages 13-18). Tuesdays: Sep. 14Nov. 16, 3:30-5pm. $200. (Discounts for 2 or more). Imua Discovery Garden (2471 Main St., Wailuku); Mauionstage.com CAMP KALUANUI - Camp offers a diverse visual arts curriculum geared to exercise imaginations, keep the body active and develop individual self-expression and creativity—while having fun at the same time! (Ages 6-10).

Monday-Friday: Oct. 11-15, 9am-2pm. Tuition: Members: $275; Non-Members: $337. Supply Fee: $30. Hui No‘eau Visual Art, (2841 Baldwin Ave., Makawao); 808-572-6560; Huinoeau.com

MAUI LIVE MUSIC CENTRAL

MAUI COFFEE ATTIC - Mon, Francios Kei, 10am; Tue, Francious Kei, 10am; Wed, David Fraser, 8:30am; Geri Valdriz and Friends, 11am. (59 Kanoa St., Wailuku); 808-250-9555; Mauicoffeeattic.com

SOUTH

MAUI BREWING CO. - Sun, Kekai Enomoto, 6:30-8:30pm; Mon, Aaron Boothe or Johnny Ringo, 6:30-8:30pm; Tue, Jason Arcilla or Jason Tepora, 6:30-8:30pm; Wed, Brian Santana, 6:30-8:30pm; Thu, Marc Dumalanta, 6:30-8:30pm; Fri, Peter Hamilton & Josh Smith, 6:30-8:30pm; Sat, Jason Arcila or Damien Awai, 6:30-8:30pm. (605 Lipoa Pkwy., Kīhei); 808-201-2337; Mauibrewingco.com MONKEYPOD KITCHEN - Sun, Kanoa, 122pm; Mon, Live Guest Artist, 12-2pm; Tue, Mike Stills, 12-2pm; Wed, Brian Haia, 122pm; Thu, Wailau Ryder, 12-2pm; Fri, Damien Awai, 12-2pm; Sat, Elua, 12-2pm. (10 Wailea Gateway Pl.); 808-891-2322; Monkeypodkitchen.com MULLIGANS ON THE BLUE - Sun, Murray Thorne, 6-8pm; Fri, Karrie O’neill, 6-8pm; Sat, Tempa & Naor Duo, 6-8pm. (100 Kaukahi St., Wailea): 808-874-1131; Mulligansontheblue.com PITA PARADISE - Sun, Benoit Jazzworks, 6-8:30pm. (Wailea Gateway Center, 34 Wailea Gateway Pl.); 808-879-7177; Pitaparadisehawaii.com

WHAT ALES YOU - Tue, Patrick & Cody, 7-9pm; Gracie Welton, 7-9pm; Thu, Alex Calma, 6:30-8:30pm; Fri, Pete Sebastian & Jeff Hornbeck, 6:30-9:30pm; Sat, Natalie Nicole & Andrea Walls, 6:30-8:30pm. (Kīhei Kalama Village, 1913 S. Kīhei Rd.); 808-214-6581; Whatalesyoukihei.com

WEST

DOWN THE HATCH - Tue, Brant Quick, 8-10pm; Wed, Tripp Wilson, 8-10pm. (658 Front St., Lāhainā); 808-661-4900; DTHmaui.com MALA TAVERN - Sun, Peter D., 2-4pm; Mon, Ashley Toth, 2-4pm; Tue, Jason Tepora, 2-4pm; Wed, Shawn McLaughlin, 2-4pm; Thu, Alex Calma, 2-4pm; Fri, Natasha Porreca, 2-4pm; Sat, Tripp Wilson, 2-4pm. (1307 Front St., Lāhainā); 808-667-9394; Malatavern.com THE WESTIN NANEA OCEAN VILLAS INU POOL BAR - Mon, Tue, Wed, and Sun, Live Music, 3:30-5:30pm. (45 Kai Malina Pkwy., Kā‘anapali); 808-662-6300; Westinvacationclub.com

UPCOUNTY

ALOHA ʻAINA BBQ - Thu, Randall Rospond, 5-8pm. (Pe‘ahi Farmstand, 2250 Hāna Hwy.); 808-437-7754; Alohaainabbq.com

DUE TO COVID 19 EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE CONTACT VENUE OR COORDINATOR DIRECTLY FOR MOST ACCURATE INFORMATION

SOUTH SHORE TIKI LOUNGE - Sun, Aaron Boothe, 4-6pm; Mon, Randall Rospond, 4-6pm; Tue, Natalie Nicole, 4-6pm; Wed: Jamie Gallo 4-6pm; Thu, Jeff Bowen 4-6pm; Fri, Tyler Lewis 4-6pm; Sat, Tom Conway 4-6pm. (Kīhei Kalama Village, 1913 S. Kīhei Rd.); 808-8746444; Southshoretiki.com

Find great new employees For as little as $99/month,

place your opening in print & online Contact doug@mauitimes.org or call #808-xxx-xxx

INSIDE ‘PARADISE CITY’ (Continued from Page 33) CROSSWORD PUZZLE | Answers Page 46

definitely audition for it and see what happens.”

Acain, who grew up on Oahu behind Diamond Head Studios, had a long career working on Hawaii-set projects from the ‘70s to ‘90s. Since moving to Maui in 2003, she has been active in getting actors trained and prepared for job opportunities.

Her former knowledge of Giovanni’s talent was a major reason she pushed to get him the audition.

“He’s an amazing, young actor,” Acain said, “I knew there was something special about him when he was in grade school, because he was the only kid in Scott Roger’s acting class when I organized Scott to teach a workshop on Maui.”

which younger roles are Giovanni’s niche. “I’m actually short for my age, I’m 5’1. If the characters are younger, that’s a great thing for me.”

Working alongside veteran actors provided Giovanni an opportunity to observe advanced film artistry and to take part in production with incredible talent.

“Stephen Dorff was super chill, very professional, he had lots of questions about the scenes, why am I doing this, what’s my motive—very inspiring to watch. He and John really delved into their characters. Bruce Willis, I worked with one day—I talked to him a little bit—very nice, quiet, kept to himself a lot.”

Local film legend Branscombe

The real story isn’t the plot of Paradise City, but how an 18-year-old from Haiku managed to grab the coveted role—the first of many stops on a creative journey that started on Maui.

There were enormous demands and requirements for the role Giovanni tried out for. “The young teen I had to choose had to have confidence and training in film, had to stand strong in scenes with John Travolta, and knowing Micah, I thought he would be the perfect teen to play this role,” Acain said.

From Giovanni’s perspective, the audition was a whirlwind experience: “I did the best I could with what I was given. I found out they wanted me for the movie! It was really fast; it was all meant to be.”

So how was meeting John Travolta, Micah’s on-screen Dad, for the first time?

“I saw him and thought, ‘Summer Lovin’! Travolta is a household name, the epitome of a celebrity,” Giovanni said. “He was so nice to work with. I’m so grateful for this experience.”

Describing his role Giovanni said, “My character is Travolta’s son.

Honestly, there’s not a ton of content on him, even I’m not super in depth as to who he is,” Giovanni admitted. “He’s quiet, observant, doesn’t know what’s going on, but suspects what is up.” The character is also 14,

Richmond was also on set. “To see Branscombe and Travolta in the same scene—like a Hawaii kid’s dream,” Giovanni said. “A lot of the crew was local, it was like a dream come true, going back to my roots, filming a movie on locations I grew up playing around, like the Westin, King Kamehameha Golf Course. It was amazing, making a new connection with this community that I miss so much.”

While post-production on Paradise City is ongoing, Giovanni is still actively pursuing roles, sharpening his acting abilities, and working towards the next gig. He also is focusing on his first album. “I’m working on my craft, bettering my music, and acting skills. I think I have to finish up Paradise City, there’s some unfinished scenes.”

Giovanni’s parting advice to actors circles back to his training on Maui.

“There’s so much talent on Maui— put yourself out there, keep going, the best actors are still taking acting classes,” Giovanni said. “Acting is all about what you bring to the table—there’s always a new way to say a line, take the risk. It’s worked for me. You only live once.”

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13 Like times that are the most expensive 18 Veterans Day mo.

48 Modest reply to a compliment

22 Daffy Duck, notably

49 Biol. or chem.

24 Indian flatbread

15 Walled city of Spain

50 Oklahoma’s state tree

25 Low-ranking sailor

16 Sports event in which athletes

53 With 21-Across, artist known

27 What you need some wiggle

14 Cookie that has been deemed kosher since 1997

try to avoid being touched 17 Porky’s significant other

to 39-Across pigments back and forth onto canvases

19 Gillette razor handle

56 Melodic passage

20 Make wise through

60 Removal from danger,

experience 21 See 53-Across 23 Exceedingly 26 Letters at a bar 27 Signal that a reply is coming in a messaging app 30 Accept responsibility for 31 Terrific 34 Diatribe trigger

informally railway terminal 64 Long ride?

65 Suffered a wipeout 66 Leaning to the right: Abbr.

67 Org. for Lt. Columbo

away from home?

33 Like an oboe’s sound 35 Dreamboat of a guy 36 Weep 37 Greeting in Rio 40 “Be ___” (motto for Wikipedia contributors)

68 Jetés, e.g.

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69 One leaning to the right

47 Highly decorated 48 “That’s cool, daddy-o!”

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Santini”

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SEPTEMBER ISSUE 2021

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NEWS AND EVENTS

CHARLEY’S SALOON DOORS SWING CLOSED FOR THE LAST TIME BY DAN COLLINS

A victim of the pandemic, and of a charming but long-decaying building, Charley’s Saloon in Paʻia is closing its doors for good. An old fashioned watering hole and honkey tonk with swinging saloon doors and a small stage at the back, Charley’s has a storied past.

It all started with a dog. Jim Fuller loved his great dane and

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named him Charley P. Woofer.

When Fuller was considering a name for the fresh fruit juice stand he was opening on Front Street in Lahaina in 1969, Charley’s seemed a natural choice.

Three years later, Fuller relocated Charley’s to the sleepy town of Paia on the island’s hippy-heavy North Shore, where it evolved into a full-scale restau-

rant and saloon.

As the town slowly transitioned from plantation camp to surfer colony, and eventually into the bustling tourist town it is today, Charley P. Woofer’s Saloon remained pretty much the same.

The kitchen became known for dishing up hearty breakfasts to hungry surfers that were up early for dawn patrol and the rustic

saloon evoked a sense of history that suited the growing town.

Live music became a mainstay.

Charley’s stage, occupied by a pool table during the week, was cleared to make room for the plethora of local musical talent drawn to Maui. Outlaw country music legend Willie Nelson made the establishment notorious, choosing it as his preferred

TRIBUTE new,” Herman said.

Herman grew up around Charley’s and was cautious about making stark changes to the be-

failed to produce an agreement.

Employees were warned of a pending closure, but somehow the doors remained open.

Charley’s during its closing sale.

loved watering hole. He decided to make incremental improvements, increasing the number of nights featuring live music, and adding more photos of surfers and celebrities to the walls.

When the sushi restaurant next

Photo Credit: Dan Collins

venue to perform while on the island. One morning Nelson showed up for breakfast and he and Fuller became fast friends.

Fuller filled the saloon to capacity for intimate performances by the likes of Nelson, Neil Young, Kris Kristofferson, David Crosby, and Leon Russel. Those short on cash could stand in the parking lot and watch through the open windows that surrounded the small, poorly-lit stage.

The windows always remained open because it was just too hot to shut them.

Nelson’s son, Lukas Nelson, grew up on Charley’s stage, cutting his teeth with buddies Marty Dread and Vince Esquire. Willie K. was a regular draw. More recently, artists like G. Love and Quest Love have found an island home at the old saloon.

Charley’s dealt with hard times, too. On Christmas morning in 2007, an electrical fire caused extensive damage to the bar area, forcing its closure for several months. The business’s future was in question. Fuller managed to forge ahead, reopening and continuing his live music tradition.

The Saloon had already achieved legendary status when Fuller, after 42 years of ownership, handed the keys—and a long-term lease—over to his friend Jonathan Herman in 2011.

“Jim is a longtime family friend. I’ve been around those guys playing cards for a lot of my life,” Herman said. “I happened to be in the room when Jim announced to some of his closest friends that he was planning to sell Charley’s and was considering an offer from somebody who was planning to totally change it.”

That news sparked a regular weekly conversation between the two—usually over drinks at Mama’s Fish House—about what Charley’s meant to so many over the years and how, just maybe, its character could be retained.

Maybe even enhanced.

“At the end of it, we came to an arrangement that allowed me to buy Charley’s with the intention of honoring the history and the legacy that he had built, but then trying to build something

COVID-19 started another battle. Charley’s closed its doors on March 17, 2020, due to mandatory pandemic restrictions imposed by the state and county. Herman was forced to lay off about 45 employees.

“Everybody’s got a story about a connection to Charley’s, whether they met a lover there, or worked there and it saved their life...” door closed, he added a sushi bar to the front room.

“There’s an emotional attachment to Charley’s at every level,” Herman asserted. “Everybody’s got a story about a connection to Charley’s, whether they met a lover there, or worked there and it saved their life, or provided for them so that they could be on Maui.”

Rumors of Charley’s demise surfaced again in 2019, when serious structural issues beneath the floorboards were discovered and negotiations with the landowners over the needed repairs

“Charley’s doesn’t exist without our family—the crew,” Herman said. “Many of them have been there for more than 20 years and all of them put their heart into their jobs, which is rare these days.”

As the pandemic wore on, Herman declined to reopen until he felt that he could do so safely, posting on social media, “Charley’s will remain closed during this initial round of re-openings.

We will continue to analyze employee safety, community safety and our ability to effectively serve the public while maintain-

ing mandated restrictions. These items, along with our guests’ willingness to come out and the timeline as set by the virus, will dictate our return.”

But in the end, failed negotiations with their landowners over long-needed repairs to the building shuttered the saloon. Citing cracks in the walls and a sinking stage, Herman said, “There’s no way I can keep spending money on building a business when, literally, the building is falling down around us.”

“Charley’s was our community gathering place. It was the place on the North Shore where we came to smile and to talk, to laugh and to listen to music, and to dance and to love,” he continued. “And to lose that, on the tail end of Covid, I knew would be heartbreaking for the island as a whole. To be at the helm when that happens is really difficult.

But I know in my heart that I spent every ounce of energy and ingenuity trying to make it happen.”

The iconic Charley’s brand could be saved by a new building. “Knowing that the building was coming down, I had already been looking for the past year for a place to move Charley’s to,” Herman said.

His parameters are simple. “It needs to be able to hold 200 people. We need to be able to dance.

We need to be able to make music past 10:00 p.m. and we need to have the parking to handle it.

If anybody has a recommendation, I’m open to it. So far I have not found that spot on Maui.”

Herman already moved years of valuable memorabilia and artwork. He’s keeping it in a safe place, in hopes of reviving life into Charley P. Woofer’s legacy.

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ANSWERS Into each life a little rain must fall

CHESSQUIZ A V I A

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A C D R O Y N I S O P A L

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P S I I L A P I G P O L S O I W N S A O P B B L E B O A R I L E D B U A R D D I N E I T A P S

I D I G I T S E A L P U P

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jacob@mauitimes.org

1. … Be6! (or … Bg4) 2..

Rxa8 Bd5ch (gets the White rook, and a winning endgame).

We Welcome Letters-to-the-Editor 200 Words or Less

C r ossword 46

SEPTEMBER ISSUE 2021

KenKen® is a registered trademark of KenKen Puzzle LLC. ©2021 KenKen Puzzle LLC. All rights reserved. Dist. by Andrews McMeel. www.kenken.com KenKen® is a registered trademark of KenKen Puzzle LLC. ©2021 KenKen Puzzle LLC. All rights reserved. Dist. by Andrews McMeel. www.kenken.com 8-29-21

PUZZLES MINI-DIAGONAL SUDOKU X

DIAGONAL SUDOKU X 3

2

It’s back...

but we need your cheers and jeers!

While MauiTime was on hiatus, we’re guessing your gripes, swipes, cheers and jeers built up like steam in a boiling kettle.

Someone cut you off on the Pali? Did some nice young wahine help you change your tire?

Complete the grid so that every row, coloumn, diagonal and 3x2 box contain the numbers 1 to 6.

Complete the grid so that every row, coloumn, diagonal and 3x3 box contain the numbers 1 to 9.

We want to hear it all, the nice and the nasty, the good, the bad and the ugly.

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Check out some classic Eh Brah on page 5.

GOT MOVES? Try Chance ‘Em

KenKen, a logic puzzle, is named after the Japanese word for cleverness.

1. Each grid with digits so as not to repeat a number in any row or column.

2. The digits within each heavily outlined box, called a cage, will produce the target number using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as indicated by the operation in the upper lefthand corner.

3. The order placement is flexible, so long as numbers in each cage can use the indicated operation to reach the target number.

4. Grids with just one square are freebees. Just write the number in the left hand corner in the box.

T5. he easier 4x4 grid uses the numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 once in each column and row. The harder 6x6 grid uses the numbers 1 to 6.

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A Constellation, A Gathering, A Mixture All things Huihui

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SEPTEMBER ISSUE 2021