Lahaina’s Historical Rebuild Accelerates
By Taryn Kama
Two years after the devastating fires that swept through Lahaina, the Lahaina Restoration Foundation (LRF) has announced a major milestone in the town’s recovery: the completion of its Historic Building Restoration Master Plan.
The plan outlines the restoration and reconstruction of eight key historic landmarks— many dating to the 1800s, when Lahaina was the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
“This plan represents months of dedication and collaboration,” said Theo Morrison, LRF’s executive director. “These historic buildings are more than structures—they are enduring symbols of Lahaina’s inclusive, multi-generational history.”
Founded in 1962, LRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a long record of preservation. Before the fire, the foundation restored the Baldwin Home and Masters Reading Room in the 1960s, followed by the Kindergarten Building. During the 1980s and 1990s, it rehabilitated the Seamen’s Hospital, Plantation House, Old Lahaina Prison, Hale Aloha, Wo Hing Society Building, and Hale Pa‘i, and in 2010, the Pioneer Mill Smokestack. A Year in the Making
The Master Plan took nearly a year to complete, bringing together county officials, the Office of Recovery, Historic Hawai'i Foundation, LRF’s board and staff, and community members. After issuing a Request for Proposals, three preservation firms toured the sites before AECOM—a team of planners, architects, and preservation specialists— was selected to lead the project.
The resulting plan provides a clear roadmap for design, compliance, costs, and permitting— ensuring Lahaina’s restoration honors preservation standards while meeting contemporary needs.
Preserving Lahaina’s Historic Core
The plan focuses on eight prominent public buildings under LRF’s kuleana, either owned by LRF or leased from Maui County: Baldwin Home Museum, Masters Reading Room, Old Lahaina Courthouse, Old Lahaina Prison, Hale Aloha, Seamen’s Hospital, Plantation House and the Kindergarten Building.
Six of these date to the 19th century and hold deep cultural and historical resonance. “As public
buildings, they carry the memories and stories of our community,” Morrison said. “People remember festivals, weddings, school excursions, and even their ‘brushes with the law’ here.”
Honoring Hawaiian Identity
Although the buildings feature Western architectural styles, they are deeply rooted in Lahaina’s Hawaiian past. The Old Lahaina Courthouse was built under Kamehameha IV, while the Seamen’s Hospital and Old Lahaina Prison date to the reign of Kamehameha III.
Morrison said the buildings reflect Lahaina’s layered identity—where Hawaiian leadership intersected with international trade and culture. Restoring them ensures Lahaina’s Hawaiian heart remains central to the recovery.
Once rebuilt, the Old Lahaina Courthouse will again house the Lahaina Heritage Museum, featuring exhibits and interpretive panels. LRF also plans to revive its free weekly history tours, led by Hawaiian Cultural Director Kalapana Kollars.
The Kindergarten Building, formerly home to Village Galleries, will become a small theater
“This plan represents months of dedication and collaboration. These historic buildings are more than structures—they are enduring symbols of Lahaina’s inclusive, multi-generational history.”
screening E Ho'i Ka Nani i Moku'ula (Let the Glory Return to Moku'ula)—a 360-degree animated film about one of Hawai'i’s most sacred sites. The space will also host historical and educational programs.
Healing the Land and Community
Beyond restoring buildings, LRF continues to rehabilitate Lahaina’s parks and open spaces. Since the fires, LRF staff have cleared debris, repaired irrigation, and replanted native and canoe species. At Apuakehau, the former site of the King’s Kalo Patch, the foundation plans to replant kalo in 2025 and restart Hawaiian cultural classes.
“These acts of restoration—both physical and cultural—are vital to healing,” Morrison said. “They reconnect us with the 'āina and the stories that define Lahaina.”
Funding the Vision
Funding for the Master Plan comes from private foundations and community donations. FEMA is partnering on the rebuilding of five sites: Baldwin Home, Masters Reading Room, Old Lahaina Courthouse, Old Lahaina Prison, and Hale Aloha.
The County of Maui Office of Recovery has
Article Continues On Page 4. >
Workers check reinforcements on the historic Baldwin Home in Lahaina.
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Spreading Holiday Spirit And Merriment All Over Maui
Maui Madrigales Bring Renaissance Flair To Musical Performances
By Cindy Schumacher
The holidays, celebrated in numerous ways all over the world, are a joyful time. No matter the struggles we may face throughout the year, the Thanksgiving and Christmas season brings hope, thankfulness, and faith for a better future.
Maui resident Cameron Keyes, founder of the Maui Madrigales singing group and long-time Maui Santa Claus, is a firm believer that both music and Santa spread much joy, bringing bright smiles to many faces. For 29 years, Keyes has been a popular and beloved Santa on Maui.
Also, around that time, he founded the Maui Madrigales, a costumed a-capella singing group that performs throughout the island at different venues.
A madrigal is a Renaissance-style unaccompanied vocal music setting of poetry.
Each voice sings a different melody and reflects the emotions in the lyrics. Madrigales also focus on telling a story, providing an engaging performance that Renaissance musicians and audiences love.
“The individual singers must blend their parts with the other singers’ parts to complete the
whole fabric of the music,” Keyes explained. “This one-on-one unaccompanied singing is both fun and challenging. It is also a very intimate kind of performing, requiring subtle communication among the singers to establish tempo, dynamics, starting and stopping, and creating an emotional sense in the music.”
He added that when he first started he did not know it would become so popular.
“People love Renaissance and Baroque period music! We
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dress up and look like Christmas packages. What’s most fun is that entertainment and audience participation are a vital part of each concert. When everyone leaves with a smile on their face, we know our work was well done,” he said.
This year, however, the Madrigales have felt sadness from the passing of one of their most beloved members, Dr. Bill Kepler.
“We are really going to miss Bill,” Keyes shared. “He brought most of our singers together from the beginning of the group. He was the
“Making people happy through music, or being Santa for people and pets, is what it’s all about.”
rock of the Madrigale tenor section, and we all miss him dearly.”
As the holiday season begins, Keyes looks forward to bringing cheer and hope to the Maui community in his role as Santa. In fact, he has brought festive holiday cheer all through the years to locals and visitors around the island.
Keyes has also been Santa Paws at the Maui Humane Society.
“Making people happy through music, or being Santa for people and pets, is what it’s all about,” he added. “There is nothing greater than seeing the children’s faces light up when they know they are talking to Santa, and there is no better way to celebrate the holidays than giving joy. We can all make a difference!”
December Performances
Join the Madrigales on Dec. 17 at 5 p.m. at Hale Mahaolu, Kahului; Dec. 19 at 4 p.m. for the Kihei Walking Tour; and on Dec. 23 at 6 p.m. at Makena Golf and Beach Resort.
Check local listings for more performances or call Sandy at (808) 276-7458.
“The
Maui Madrigales dress up in festive costumes and sing a-capella.
Positive signs of recovery are emerging across Lahaina. The iconic Banyan tree—a living symbol of hope—is thriving once again. Plans for the new King Kamehameha III Elementary School are underway at a new site below the Lahaina Bypass. Fire debris from Olowalu to the Central Maui Landfill has been safely moved. New homes and affordable housing are being built, some are completed!
On Front Street, a thoughtful redesign is gaining support. The plan keeps the familiar two-lane roadway while expanding sidewalks and highlighting a cultural corridor that links Lahaina’s historic and sacred sites.
Restoration efforts are also reconnecting Lahaina with its deep cultural roots. The sacred island of Mokuula and its surrounding pond, Loko o Mokuhinia, are moving from vision to early planning, while the Lahaina Restoration Foundation completed detailed plans to preserve and rebuild historic structures.
Two new restaurants have opened at Lahaina Cannery.
After so much loss, it’s truly a time to be thankful — and hopeful!
Maui Pulse is published by Maui Promotions.
Publisher & Editor ~ Eric T. Richter
Associate Publisher ~ Taryn Kama
Chief Creative Officer ~ Shai Zen Domingo
Phone/Text: (808) 344-6195
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Address: Maui Promotions, 3666 L. Honoapiilani Rd. B-8 Lahaina, HI 96761
Master Plan Completed To Restore Buildings
Continued From Page 1.
provided a $1.8 million grant for design and permitting. Additional grants and settlements are pending, though funds must be carefully coordinated to avoid overlap.
Three properties—the Seamen’s Hospital, Plantation House, and Kindergarten Building—are ineligible for FEMA funding and will rely on community and foundation support.
How to Get Involved
Morrison encourages the public to join the effort by becoming an LRF member, attending the Benefit Lū'au on May 16, 2026, donating to the online auction beginning May 18, 2026, sponsoring a restoration project, volunteering, or donating historical artifacts lost in the fires.
Thousands of museum items were destroyed, and the foundation Y
welcomes the return of Lahaina artifacts held in private collections. The LRF’s annual meeting is Nov. 21 in Lahaina, it’s free and anyone can attend. The public can get involved, learn more or download the Master Plan at www. LahainaRestoration.org.
Theo Morrison, director of the Lahaina Restoration Foundation.
Paia Bay Coffee And Bar Captures Maui’s Essence For Casual Dining
By The Unknown Eater
Tucked away just off Hana Highway in the heart of Paia, Paia Bay Coffee and Bar offers a cozy and creative space that perfectly captures the laid-back Maui vibe. I recently visited for a late breakfast with a friend to celebrate a birthday and catch up, and the experience reminded me why this spot continues to be a local favorite.
We met around 10 a.m. on a sunny morning. The café was about one-third full, a relaxed mix of locals chatting over coffee and visitors savoring their first bites of island life.
During mornings at Paia Bay, you order at the counter when you arrive, and the friendly baristas keep things moving efficiently while still offering a warm smile and plenty of aloha.
The menu immediately caught my attention—a thoughtful blend of comfort food and island fusion. From chicken and waffles to acai bowls, eggs and kim chee rice, and even breakfast tacos, there’s something for every craving. The beverage list is equally impressive, ranging from juices and espresso drinks to a creative cocktail selection for those lingering into brunch.
We chose a cozy spot on the outer patio—one of the most charming aspects of Paia Bay Coffee. The seating feels like you’re outdoors but comfortably shaded under a large roof. The atmosphere strikes a rare balance between tropical hideaway and community hub.
I wasn’t quite in the mood for traditional breakfast fare, so I ordered the Kim Chee Fried Rice, a dish from their “favorites” menu that’s available all day, along
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with a side of sausage patty. My friend went with the Paia Bay Breakfast—scrambled eggs, toast, goat cheese, and mixed greens with a guava vinaigrette.
Our meals arrived quickly and beautifully plated. The kim chee rice was the standout— a satisfying combination of pork, vegetables, and subtle spice that hit the perfect balance between savory and tangy. The sausage patty was grilled and hearty, pairing well with the bold flavors of the rice. My friend’s breakfast looked equally inviting; the eggs were fluffy, the greens fresh, and the guava vinaigrette added a bright island twist.
Coffee, of course, is central to the experience here. My brewed coffee was rich and smooth, clearly made from high-quality beans. My friend’s POG (passion-orange-guava juice) was refreshing.
Paia Bay Coffee and Bar serves breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with lunch and dinner offered until 8 p.m. It’s a place that seamlessly transitions from morning café to evening hangout—perfect for a casual meeting, a solo coffee, or a relaxed meal with friends.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through Paia, this open air café captures the essence of Maui: fresh, friendly, and effortlessly cool.
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A Living Embodiment Of Aloha: Honoring Vene Chun
By Jonathan Yudis
Maui has recently lost a beautiful soul—a man whose presence carried the quiet strength of the ocean and the timeless wisdom of his ancestors.Vene was more than a friend, more than a teacher. He was a bridge between the old and the new, a living vessel of aloha whose life was devoted to preserving the heartbeat of Hawaiian culture. He deeply loved his children and family.
A proud graduate of Kamehameha Schools (Class of 1987), Vene dedicated his life to ensuring that the spirit, stories, and practices of Hawai‘i continue to thrive. His devotion to cultural preservation was not confined to classrooms or ceremonies—it was lived daily, through the way he moved through the world: with humility, laughter, generosity, and grace.
As a performer, Vene touched thousands of lives through his decade-long portrayal of the High Chief in ‘Ulalena – The Story of Our People. Each night, under the soft glow of stage lights, he embodied the spirit of his ancestors— commanding the stage with a presence that was both powerful and deeply human. For him, it was never just a performance. It was a sacred duty — a way to remind visitors and locals alike of the beauty, resilience, and depth of Hawaiian identity.
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Beyond the stage, Vene’s work in the community spoke even louder. Since 2007, he had been a guardian and builder of the historic Ko‘ie‘ie Fishpond in Kīhei, a symbol of sustainability and ancient wisdom. Through his hands, stones were not just placed but blessed—each one a connection between past and present, land and sea.
As founder of the Hawaiian Outrigger Experience (HOE), Vene invited people from all walks of life to paddle together— to feel the ocean’s rhythm and understand the ancient ways of voyaging that have long defined the Hawaiian people. Through HOE, he taught that every stroke of the paddle is an act of unity—that to move forward, we must move as one.
Vene’s influence extended from the sea to the forest. As a Cultural Advisor for the Waokele Reforestation Project in West Maui, he guided the planting of native trees with reverence, helping restore balance to the land he so deeply loved. And in his role with Pa Ku‘i A Holo, a Hawaiian martial arts school, he embodied discipline and compassion, teaching that true strength comes from harmony—not conflict.
I had the privilege to act with Vene in films like Kuleana and the TV show Moku Moku, where his humor and fun energy lit up the screen. When I was directing The Ali‘i’s Seed, he was the perfect choice to play the revered Ali‘i, or leader. Most significantly, we collaborated with TheAlohaBlessing, where he shared his mana‘o and aloha with countless families across the islands. In his own words, Vene once said, “Aloha is a way of life. It’s unconditional love. When we say aloha, we are greeting each other with the presence of breath, and this is a gift.”
Even in his final chapter, as he faced pancreatic cancer with quiet courage, Vene continued to embody aloha. His smile remained bright, his words remained kind, and his spirit — unbreakable.Vene’s legacy lives in the people he touched, the land he restored, and the stories he helped keep alive. Like the voyagers he so admired, he has now set sail on a great journey beyond the horizon — leaving behind calm seas, clear skies, and a lasting reminder of what it means to live with purpose, love, and aloha.
He kehau ho‘oma‘ema‘e ke aloha — Love is a cleansing dew.
Jonathan Yudis with Vene Chun.
Nov. 7 & Nov. 8
HAWAIIAN AIRLINES MADE IN MAUI COUNTY FESTIVAL returns to the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Find unique Maui-made products, and enjoy food and entertainment! Fri., Nov. 7, Buyers Preview and Exclusive Shopping Day, 1:30-6 pm; Big Shopping Day, Sat., Nov. 8, 8am-4:30 pm. More info: www. madeinmauicountyfestival.com.
Nov. 7-23
STEEL MAGNOLIAS at the ProArts Playhouse in Kihei. Witness the play that inspired the Oscar-winning film and captured the hearts of millions. In Chinquapin, Louisiana everybody who is anybody gets their hair done at Truvy’s beauty shop—where the air is thick with clouds of hairspray and witty banter. Over the buzz of blow dryers, six Southern spitfires gather each week to gossip and support each other, come rain or shine. For tickets and times, visit proartsmaui.org.
Nov. 12
JEFF PETERSON is featured at George Kahumoku’s Slack Key Show. Napili Kai Beach
Events Calendar
Resort. 6:30pm Tickets: www. Slackkeyshow.com or 808-669-3858
Nov. 13
KING YELLOWMAN. Dancehall Legend Live! Get ready to wine, skank and vibe with the one and only King of Dancehall. Yellowman brings the real reggae energy straight from Jamaica to Maui! Da Playground Maui, Maalaea. Doors, 6pm, Show 7pm. Info.: daplaygroundmaui.com
Nov. 14
AMY HĀNAIALI`I – KINOHI ~ The BEGINNING, The ORIGIN with Hālau Nā Kīpu`upu’u & Kumu Hula Micah Kamohoali`i 7:30pm at the MACC, Kahului. Amy Hānaiali`i’s performance delves deep into her ancestral roots in Hawai`i, while also recounting the lineage and stories of her English, Ojibwe, and Norwegian heritage and the paths they took. She invites you to explore the interconnectedness of our backgrounds while unlocking those ancestral memories that have shaped our present and future. Through her journey, we are invited to reflect on our own ancestral ties and the legacies that define us. More info.: mauiarts.org.
Nov. 15
LIGHTWAVE ENERGY HEALING TRAINING ~ “Technology from the Stars” Sat., Nov. 15. Pre-Registration Required: soulvoyageadventures.com (808) 264-0972
Nov 15 & Dec 6
HAMMOCK YOGA & SOUND HEALING + Temple Spa Mini Retreat with Heather & Donny Regal, 2-6pm, Saturdays, Nov. 15 & Dec. 6. Two hours Spa + 2 class $50-$100. Pre Registration Required BlackSwanTemple.org 808-269-4333
Nov. 15
THE 52ND MAUI COUNTY SENIOR FAIR will be held 10 am – 2pm Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Queen Ka`ahumanu Center in Kahului. Find information on health, housing, home care, financial management and fraud prevention for kupuna, their families and caregivers; senior clubs selling food and other items to raise funds for their activities; and entertainment. Free admission! Info. www. mauicountyadrc.org.
Nov. 17
MAKALI’I - THEATRICAL POLYNESIAN REVUE. Step into Makali‘i, a spellbinding Polynesian performance that weaves together dance, song, fire, and legend in a journey across the Pacific. Ongoing Mondays, Doors, 2pm, Show, 2:30pm in Maalaea. Info.: daplaygroundmaui.com.
Nov. 19
BROTHER NOLAND is featured at George Kahumoku’s Slack Key Show. Napili Kai Beach Resort. 6:30pm Tickets: www.Slackkeyshow.com or 808-669-3858
Nov. 21-Dec.7
A 1940s RADIO CHRISTMAS CAROL at the Iao Theatre in Wailuku. An entertaining excursion into the mayhem and madness of a live radio show.
Escalating foibles and acting missteps propel the show to a simultaneously comedic and heart-wrenching dramatic climax. Tickets/info.: mauionstage.com .
Nov. 21
ANNUAL MEETING, Lahaina Restoration Foundation. 5:307:30pm, Lahainaluna High School Cafeteria in Lahaina. 5:30-7:30pm, Fri., Nov. 21. The community is invited to come together, enjoy a complimentary dinner in good company, and hear updates on LRF’s ongoing recovery and restoration efforts in Lahaina. Free and open to all. RSVP Preferred: Reserve online at www.lahainarestoration.org
Nov. 22
MYSTIC HOLISTIC WELLNESS
FAIR & Crystal Sale. Noon-5pm at Temple of Peace, 575 Haiku Rd. Holistic Healing, Readings, snacks and more! Info.: Judy, text/call (808) 269-7762.
Nov. 22 & Dec. 20
YIN YOGA SOUND HEALING ~ Saturdays with Lydee. 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Lumeria Maui Wellness Retreat. Cacao. Yin Yoga. Chakra clearing with crystals, and healing sound bath. Crystals are provided and available for purchase. For more info: 808-757-1111. $55
Maui chocolatier LEN GONZALES will showcase his delicious Galleon Chocolates at the Made in Maui Festival Nov. 7 and 8.
STEEL MAGNOLIAS, called both hilarious and deeply moving, is on stage at the ProArts Playhouse through Nov 23.
Nov. 26
ANTHONY PFLUKE is featured at the Slack Key Show at Napili Kai Beach Resort. 6:30pm Tickets: www.Slackkeyshow.com or 808669-3858
Nov. 30
KRISHNA DAS & Friends host their Thanksgiving Sunday Maui Satsang / Kirtan at the Napili Kai Beach Resort beginning at 4:30pm. An afternoon of chanting, singing, dancing, talk story, meditation & laughs. More info. www.krishnadas.com
Dec. 6 & 7
REIKI TRAINING . Empower Your Healing Ability. Facilitated by Jenna Keck, Reiki Master. 408-6214102. Info./register online www. LifestyleReiki.com
Dec. 13
MANIFESTING YOUR DESTINY ~ “Mission of the Soul” Sat., Dec. 13. Pre-Registration Required: soulvoyageadventures.com (808) 264-0972
Dec. 17
NATHAN AWEAU is featured at George Kahumoku’s Slack Key Show. Napili Kai Beach Resort. 6:30pm Tickets: www. Slackkeyshow.com or 808-669-3858
Dec. 24
HERB OHTA JR. AND JON YAMASATO are featured at George Kahumoku’s Slack Key Show. Napili Kai Beach Resort. 6:30pm Tickets: www.Slackkeyshow.com or 808-669-3858
Dec. 31
DA TREE PORTAGEE is featured at George Kahumoku’s Slack Key Show. Napili Kai Beach Resort. 6:30pm Tickets: www.Slackkeyshow.com or 808-669-3858
ONGOING EVENTS
GEORGE KAHUMOKU’S SLACK KEY SHOW: Every Wednesday. Napili Kai Beach Resort November Guests: Led Kaapana, Jeff Peterson, Brother Noland, and Anthony Pfluke George Kahumoku’s Slack Key Show: Every Wednesday. Napili Kai Beach Resort. December Guests: Led Kaapana, Nathan Aweau, Herb Ohta Jr. & Jon Yamasato, Da Tree Portagee, Tickets: www. SlackKeyShow.com/showschedule or 808-669-3858
COMPLIMENTARY MONTHLY REIKI SHARE for people touched by cancer - by Reiki with Jenna in partnership with Maui Cancer Resources Angels on Assignment. Reserve: 408-621-4102 Jenna@lifestylereiki.com
FIND EVENTS, meet new people and join the LGBTQIA+ community! Brunches, hiking, live entertainment. yearly festival and much more. Aloha Maui Pride on FB or visit AlohaMauiPride.org.
CELTIC MUSIC TWICE EVERY SUNDAY Hamish’s ‘Maui Celtic Radio Show’ 8-10am & 5-7pm on KAKU 88.5fm Maui. No signal?online at https://www.akaku.org/ kaku-88-5-fm/
Curtain Call For The Maui Film Festival
By Barry Wurst II
THelp Us Grow! Support our advertisers and tell them you saw their ad in the Maui Pulse!
FREE LIVE MUSIC most nights at South Maui Gardens, Kihei. Enjoy food from 10-plus food trucks, special events and more, all in a laid-back, family friendly atmosphere. Visit southmauigardens.com.
Maui Pulse calendar listings are 40 cents a word. Send before Fri., Dec. 26 to be included in our Jan. edition to MauiPulse@aol.com.
he recent announcement of the Maui Film Festival officially retiring was a sad moment for Maui film buffs, who cherished the decades of moviegoing at the annual fest.
Beginning in 1997 and created by Barry Rivers, the starry event took place in Kahului at the Castle Theater, before expanding to the spectacular outdoor Celestial Cinema in Wailea. Honored guests included Helen Hunt, Pierce Brosnan, Adam Driver and Jessica Chastain, to name just a few. Showcased films included “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” (2002) and “Hustle and Flow” (2005) before they broke out and the MFF provided premieres for locally made indies.
Rick Chatenever, the former entertainment and features editor for The Maui News, covered the Maui Film Festival from its inception and conducted live Celestial Cinema interviews with its honorees beginning in 2015.
“After launching a successful weekly Wednesday film series in Castle Theater at the MACC,” said Chatenever, “Barry and Stella Rivers expanded it to Wailea in 2000. Mastering the challenge of outdoor projection and working with the folks at Dolby labs, they created the festival’s signature, the Celestial Cinema, on what was the Wailea Blue and Emerald Golf Course the rest of the year.”
“The Celestial Cinema could seat thousands of film fans on beach chairs and blankets,” said Chatenever.
“The outdoor venue was a sublime screening room, a place for audiences to surrender to movie magic. At the same time, the festival was bringing exotic images of Maui to the film industry and the world beyond.”
Writer/director Brian Kohne, whose Maui-made drama, “Kuleana” (2017) premiered at the MFF, reflected on Rivers’ achievements.
“The Maui Film Festival routinely brought so many films to our island that we would not have gotten to see otherwise,” said Kohne. “Aside from the majesty of Celestial Cinema, I miss their Wednesday night screenings at the MACC, as well as the winter program that showcased Oscar contenders before they’d hit the multiplexes. Barry is a remarkable curator of cinema, a visionary, and the Rivers family poured their heart and soul into the festival, while playing a vital role in that magical chapter of Maui’s history.”
Kohne, who is now the Maui Film Commissioner, recently announced the Wailuku Film Festival, which is scheduled for June 2026.
“A filmmaker-centric event, the Wailuku Film Festival will enjoy a humble beginning in 2026,” said Kohne, “and no doubt take on a life of its own in the years that follow. As an extension of the Maui Film Office’s commitment to educating artists into industry, our mission extends far beyond screening compelling work and bringing our little town to life. We aim to gather makers from in and outside of Hawaii and provide young island creatives life-changing opportunities.”
The Wailuku Film Festival awaits film fans in the coming year. For now, we can remember when that dreamy voice at the Celestial Cinema would encourage us to gaze at the stars, into the galaxy and on the screen before us.
Stella and Barry Rivers at one of the first film festivals held in Wailea.
Forgive Your Miseries And See Your Place In
By Elena Lissone
Hi, it’s Elena, your self-esteem educator. Let’s explore the reality of the NEED for forgiveness.
I’m not talking about just forgiving the person, but also forgiving the way it went down, the challenge of working it through, and lastly. but most importantly, forgiving our part in whatever it was, that transpired.
Humans make mistakes. I am sure that a lot of self-love (self esteem) is very tied to forgiveness. I don’t think it is possible to heal personal trauma without a measure of forgiveness. Of course there will be resentments and feelings of failure about this and that. And I’m sure we all want to heal these past or recent experiences that led us to harden our hearts.
It’s tricky stuff. Just when you say “I’ve got this, I’ve got this” something comes along to knock that down and you say “I don’t got this”. It’s okay, and not a personal failure because the recognition of this is what really matters. “Wow, I thought I forgave that. Nah, I guess I’m not done working it through yet.”
As the witch in The Wizard of Oz said “all in good time my little pretty, all in good time”. Yep, I glean from it all, even the witchy woman.
Most of us go around saying there’s still so much
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• Exhaustion
left to do. I’m going to turn that around a little and say, there’s still so much left to learn.
Like the different paths in the woods, we choose one and see how it turns out.
And we find out there aren’t many shortcuts. When we gently let go of a deep need for perfection (perceived successes) a calmness finds its way through. We can dissolve judgments, a wanting to be agreed with, a yearning to be accepted, and so forth. Then comes the overwhelming realization we get from our conscious selves. We are bound up together by the human condition!
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There is no one I know that has not prayed to just get through the day, or the miserable situation, or whatever is standing in our way, so we can once again feel contentment.
One little tweak that has helped, is when we can forgive the miseries, and see our place in all of it. The blame game falls away and we are empowered by acknowledging the sum total of the parts of the cards we are dealt.
Just think, there is no perfection—but in your mind. And we learn to love the beauty in the differences we may have. That in itself is healing on a deeply personal level.
There is a final part to this forgiveness business. Most of the time, you have the right to NOT deal with whoever or whatever might have thrust you into a dark place. And the best way to deal with it is to discover within yourself the possibility of letting go of the blinding desire to solve everything.
Hey, life is full of choices. I made that choice and it’s amazing, the tranquility it brought. Scientific studies have already shown us the power of forgiveness for self healing.We probably exhibit more compassion to others than we can muster up for ourselves. Here’s to a holiday season filled with amazing aloha, and wondrous insights. A hui hou darlings.
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Co-op In Kipahulu Champions Eco-Friendly Bamboo Products
By Taryn Kama
In the quiet, green expanses of Kipahulu, Whispering Winds stands as a model of community-driven sustainability—a cooperative that provides jobs, promotes regenerative agriculture, and strengthens local connections to the land.
Re-forested in 2004, the land became home to a group of dedicated individuals who saw both possibility and responsibility in stewarding Maui’s natural resources. In 2009, several employees came together to form a co-op, purchasing the business assets from the original owner who wanted those living on the land to care for it long-term.
Today, Whispering Winds operates a nursery, produces bamboo timber, builds bamboo structures, and grows food for the local market. Its mission is to model sustainable, regenerative living through renewable building materials, organic farming, and cooperative enterprise.
“We planted our first clumping bamboo in 2003,” says Rich Von Wellsheim, head of the building department, “and started harvesting by 2008. That’s when we began developing bamboo into a full product line.”
The company now produces bamboo products ranging from agricultural building kits to fencing and tractor sheds—all made from locally grown bamboo. Nearly 99 percent of its business stays on Maui, serving residents, farmers, and builders across the island. Their treatment process enhances bamboo’s natural resistance to pests and mold, making it a durable, eco-friendly material that could help make Hawai’i’s construction industry more sustainable. Waste is minimal — only about a five-gallon bucket per structure ends up in the landfill.
Among those who have partnered with Whispering Winds is Gerry Ross, co-owner of Kupa’a Farms, who first visited the young bamboo operation nearly two decades ago. “We couldn’t wait until they finally had their first harvest of treated timber bamboo to use for a project,” Ross recalls.
As a farmer, Ross says supporting local suppliers is a natural extension of the farm-to-table philosophy. “Buying local construction materials for
farm buildings was a natural direction to go,” he says. “It was important to support a local construction operation rather than putting money into wood imported from out of state—and to keep as much of our buying power in the local community.”
Over the years, Kupa’a Farms has collaborated with Whispering Winds (WW) to build five bamboo structures —including a tractor shed, tool shed, carport, nursery, and food processing space.
“We’ve had nothing but positive outcomes working with WW,” says Ross. “They’ve always upgraded their construction approaches to minimize their CO₂ footprint and decrease costs to the client. We even eliminated cement footings and now use locally harvested kiawe posts for support.”
The results have been transformative. “Our tractor is protected from the sun, our tools are organized, and our nursery provides a perfect space for raising vegetable starts,” Ross adds. “Our farm would definitely be less efficient and less successful if we hadn’t invested in these great structures.”
This sense of purpose extends to daily life. Employees share weekly lunches, work side-byside outdoors, and live with a shared commitment to the land.
The co-op model is central to Whispering Winds’ success. Three employee-owners live on the land alongside their 10-member team, and every employee has the opportunity to buy in and become a member.
“When employees are also owners, they’re more invested in the outcome,” says VonWellsheim. “It builds motivation, pride, and real community.”
Beyond bamboo, Whispering Winds cultivates 20 acres of farmland, growing mango, durian, star fruit, turmeric, ginger, taro, and more. Their crops are sold in Kula at ‘Okoa Farms, supporting local food networks while modeling self-sufficiency. The co-op also operates a nursery selling clumping bamboo varieties to growers and landscapers across Maui.
Whispering Winds invests in education as well, offering bamboo building and permaculture workshops that teach sustainable design and land stewardship.
“Being outside, building with materials we grow ourselves—it’s incredibly rewarding,” says manager and vice president Ryan Zucco.
For Whispering Winds, sustainability is more than a practice—it’s a philosophy rooted in Ola Honua, meaning “life-giving earth.” As a place, a project, and a community, Whispering Winds continues to demonstrate that when people work together with respect for the land and one another, they can build not just homes and farms, but a thriving future for Maui.
Ryan Zucco and Rich Von Wellsheim have a large stock of bamboo on hand for creative construction projects.
Rev. Dr.
Cindy Paulos
Award-Winning Creative Producer Exudes Positivity
By Cindy Schumacher
One article does not have enough room to speak of all the contributions to the Maui community and beyond which the Rev. Dr. Cindy Paulos has made, and is still making.
She is a music producer, author, poet, lyricist, composer, artist, and longtime radio announcer on multiple stations for KAOI radio in Maui, who recently hosted the longest running talk show on Maui for more than 35 years. During those years, she has also created and produced numerous CDs that have been submitted for Grammy considerations. Her CD, Practicing Aloha, won the Hawai’i Music Award in the Inspirational Category, and was nominated for a Hoku by the Hawai’i Academy of Recording Arts.
Paulos’ newest album, Circle of Love, is a fusion of soaring soundscapes, cinematic grandeur, and heartfelt storytelling. A review from Libretto reads, “That’s what this album represents. It’s born from tragedy, from a moment of being brought to your knees. Paulos suffered a stroke, robbing her of the ability to read—the very skill she had depended on as a writer.”
Keola Beamer, Hawai’ian slack-key guitarist known for his hit Honolulu City Lights, and who has collaborated numerous times with Paulos,
noted, “With her tireless efforts to keep the public informed, combined with her love of community, music, and culture, Paulos is a wonderful credit to Hawai’i’s artistic community. It has been refreshing to know that there are influential people working in the media who are committed to promoting peace and harmony on our island and in the world. She walks her talk by creating beautiful spoken words as well as sung albums and books that share the concept of aloha. Her radio programs have touched millions of lives on Maui and around the world resulting in a continuous flow of positive energy, advocating for love and compassionate thinking.”
Paulos was named a UNESCO Cross-Cultural & Peace Crafters Award Laureate by the United Nations. The virtual award ceremony, held during the commemoration of the 2020 International Day for Peace, honored artists, scientists and social-justice activists from around the world. Plus, in 2021 she also was awarded the Gandhi Peace Award,
She authored a book and CD titled, The Christmas Gift: When Heaven Merges with Earth. In the book, she brings the light and spirit of Christmas into the hearts of all people and all faiths. “The meaning of the holiday is a human one of experiences, tolerance, kindness and love,” she said. “The gift of Christmas transforms lives. ... My hope with this book was that it would inspire others to see that love merges heaven and earth.”
Paulos, who is currently editing her autobiography with the assistance of special software, looks at the world and hears words, looks up at the stars and sees poetry. Her words spread much needed love and kindness into our world, especially at Christmas, a time of promise and Yuletide hope for peace on earth and goodwill to all.
Paulos added, “There is great significance in all the elements represented in the Christmas story and the deeper meaning of them. The Christmas Gift conveys the mystical perspective of the timeless story ... If we go within and find the symbolism and the true gift of Christmas, we realize it is a celebration, a time for giving and not simply a day on which we exchange gifts. It is a day we think about others—a selfless time, when we forgive, take stock of what’s important, and become better versions our ourselves.”
Her work is found at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and cindypaulos.com.
Food Security For Maui Begins With A Few Small Steps
By Jayanti Nand of Natureworks Nursery
On Maui we depend heavily on food that comes from somewhere else. I’ve seen how quickly a storm, a shipping delay, or rising fuel prices can leave our island vulnerable. Over the years I’ve come to believe that real food security doesn’t begin with large government programs or big farms, it begins right at home, with the small choices each of us makes to grow a little of what we eat.
Food security can look as simple as planting a single fruit tree, starting a small vegetable patch, or keeping a few herbs on the lanai. These small steps add up. One healthy citrus or mango tree can produce fruit for decades. When many households take even that first small step, the impact on our island’s resilience is huge.
People often tell me they’d like to grow more of their own food but feel they don’t have enough space or time. I always remind them it’s not about size or perfection.
“Start with what you actually love to eat,” I tell them. “One tree that you care for properly will feed you and inspire you to keep going.” That’s how a simple idea begins to spread. I’ve watched families plant a single papaya tree or a row of bananas, only to discover the joy of harvesting their own fruit.
Soon they are planting more, trading fruit with neighbors, or even starting a small orchard. Food security grows one success at a time! What excites me most is how this work builds community. When you share extra fruit with neighbors or swap seedlings at a volunteer day, you are doing more than feeding people, you are weaving stronger connections.
At NatureWorks Nursery we see this ripple effect all the time: a new mango variety grafted into a backyard, a community that comes together to plant for the next generation.
Each planting strengthens the genetic diversity of our island’s fruit trees and keeps valuable food sources close to home.
Creating this kind of abundance does not require a perfect plan, but it does require steady care. Choosing varieties that match your microclimate, planting at the right season, and keeping up with basic maintenance turns a single tree into a reliable source of food year after year.
I have dedicated my life to trees because I believe they are one of the most powerful tools we have for food security. Every time a family plants a fruit tree, they are taking an important step toward independence and resilience, not just for themselves, but for Maui as a whole. Food security truly starts at home.
Whether it is one tree or a whole orchard, the simple act of planting and tending what you love to eat nourishes both the people and the ‘āina, and ensures that the island’s future is fed from within!
Jayanti planting a tree in a Maui backyard.
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MYSTIC HOLISTIC WELLNESS FAIR & Crystal Sale Nov. 22. Vendor opportunities! Call Judy, (808) 269-7762.
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