Maui Pulse, May, 2024 edition

Lahaina: Restoring An Ancient Site

By Jill Engledow

Editor's Note: This story is a

One of the most significant archaeological sites in Hawai‘i—Moku‘ula—was for years the kingdom’s capital, where historic documents like the Mahele (the great land division of the 1840s) and Hawai‘i’s constitution were drafted. Moku‘ula was the focal point of a royal neighborhood in the area that now includes 505 Front Street, Kamehameha Iki Park, and the parking lot, tennis courts and abandoned softball field of Malu Ulu o Lele Park.

Before 19th century sugar planters diverted mountain waters to irrigate cane fields, many streams and freshwater springs kept the area cool and green. Those springs created a large loko, or freshwater fishpond, called Loko o Mokuhinia. It was named for a daughter of one of Hawai‘i‘s greatest rulers, the fifteenth-century unifier of Maui, King Pi‘ilani, who lived near the pond’s edge. Kihawahine Mokuhinia was transformed upon her death into a mo‘o, or sacred lizard, a powerful guardian spirit who made the pond her primary home.

The worship of Kihawahine and the power she represented descended through the Pi‘ilani royal line to the divine chiefess Keopuolani. When conqueror Kamehameha I claimed this sacred princess as his wife in the 1790s, he also acquired Kihawahine. The area around Mokuhinia remained a headquarters for the royal family for decades.

It was particularly important from 1837 to1845, when Lahaina served as the capital of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i during the reign of Kauikeaouli (Kamehameha III), son of Kamehameha I and Keopuolani.

With his sister Nahi‘ena‘ena, Kauikeaouli struggled to navigate the turbulent transition between ancient Hawaiian ways and those of newcomers who brought Western culture and religion.

In Hawaiian culture, the royal brother and sister were perfect mates, destined to produce children whose mana, or divine power, would be magnified by their parents’ merging. Missionaries who arrived in 1820 were horrified by this ancient custom and fought to keep them apart. But when Nahi‘ena‘ena died after bearing a short-lived child (possibly her brother’s), Kauikeaouli went into mourning.

He turned the house his sister had been building on Moku‘ula into a shrine and sought refuge there from the change that surrounded him.

In what visitors described as “a large chamber elegantly furnished,” he placed three coffins draped with scarlet velvet, containing the bodies of his mother, his sister and her child. But Honolulu’s great harbor was becoming a center of commerce, and in 1845 the capital moved to that growing town.

By the late 1800s, Mokuhinia was essentially abandoned. With stream water diverted for sugarcane, the lake became a stagnant, mosquito-breeding swamp.

In 1914, Lahaina businessmen filled the swamp with harbor dredgings and dirt. Before the Friends of Moku‘ula began campaigning to restore the lost island and the pond that once surrounded it, almost no one remembered it existed.

years, is located near 505 Front Street

The Friends grew out of Ka‘anapali Beach Hotel’s Project Po‘okela, a pioneer program begun in 1986 and taught by Hawaiian scholar Dr. George Kanahele. Po‘okela’s purpose was to teach the hotel’s employees about Hawaiian culture and history. Their studies led them to rediscover the sacred area that had been home to Maui chiefs for centuries, and to work toward its restoration.

The Friends (Editor’s Note: the organization dissolved in 2017) envisioned a heritage/ education center: the pond restored and the island uncovered, accessible only for ceremonial use but visible to everyone, a living reminder of the royal history of Lahaina.

Led by founding Executive Director Akoni Akana, the Friends lobbied for funding of a 1993 archaeological excavation that unearthed, among other things, a wooden pier where it’s believed chiefs boarded canoes to cross the pond. A second archaeological study in 1999 recommended careful excavation to find the boundaries of the island, thought to encompass part of the ball field and an adjacent parking lot.

Visit online: www.mokuula.com

Jill Engledow is the author of “The Story of Lahaina” and other books about Maui history. Jillengledow.com.

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See related article on page 4.

Pre-fire Lahaina coastline: Moku‘ula , buried for many

historical recap of one of Lahaina's sacred sites..

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Recognizing Our Community

One Man’s Vision Helps Thousands

By Cindy Schumacher

With a leap of faith, Kekuhaupio “Keku” Akana, a 25-year Maui Police Department veteran who had retired as deputy chief, realized his vision for a community carevan ministry.

A long-time member of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Wailuku, he became the founder and first president of “A Cup of Cold Water” (ACCW), the organization that now operates the ACCW care van.

In October 2013, the four Episcopal churches on Maui, Holy Innocents in Lahaina, St. John’s Kula, Trinity-by-the-Sea in Kihei, and Good Shepherd, moved on the initiative of this one man to serve the growing unsheltered population on the island.

Through the years, the then Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa presented a proclamation declaring January 21, 2017, “Keku Akana Appreciation Day” for Akana being a visionary and driving force behind ACCW Characteristically, Akana continued to serve the people of Maui in other ways as well, until more recently when Mayor Richard Bissen announced Akana’s retirement as County of Maui Managing Director on December 31, 2023.

The ACCW ministry began with a rotating team of volunteers working to improve the situation of the unhoused in the community.

“Our most important program measure is that we offer nourishment and hope to our fellow citizens and neighbors,” said Akana. “We realize these simple acts of ‘no-strings-attached aloha’ are more necessary than ever. We cannot help everyone, but we can help someone. We are not here to solve poverty. We are here to comfort while we look for ways to minimize the effects of poverty and restore human dignity.”

Currently, the all-volunteer outreach ministry includes participants from various groups and clergy, Hongwanji missions, medical practitioners, businesses,

and students, besides individuals with no particular affiliation.

ACCW makes three van runs a week, visiting Central, West and South Maui. With the growing number of items being handed out on every run, maintaining supplies has become a large effort. In addition to bottled water and food pantry items plus peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, the van delivers clothing, rubber slippers, tarps, towels, first aid, hygiene items, and more.

“We began offering items to the keiki also, such as reading books, coloring books, crayons, shoes and clothes,” Akana noted. “Our goal is to continue to provide hope and comfort where there is need and to serve unselfishly to benefit others. It’s about giving and sharing and acknowledging that there are people who need help. It’s a joy for us to be able to help. The joy of someone caring fills the clients’ hearts and minds, not just their stomachs.”

The tasks are varied, including van drivers and riders, storage and distribution room organizers, administrators and others ACCW is a shining example of how dedicated people can bring compassion into the public arena to serve the common good. Also, ACCW volunteers help clients locate and maintain partnerships with other Maui County support organizations.

“We must continue to work together in collective community as a result of the great need to feed our houseless in Lahaina and throughout the island,” he said “This model on Maui is a truly all-volunteer representation which places its mission in spiritual gratitude and the spreading of responsibilities.”

Committed volunteers are from all walks of life and faiths. The ACCW objective helps fill a gap in direct services to the houseless

population and help support some of the existing direct-contact street outreach programs and services, both faith-based and secular.

“We made a concentrated effort to avoid any duplication of services to the target population.”

In 2017, Akana turned over the reins to Kihei resident Paula Baldwin who became the first woman ACCW president.

“Becoming the president of an all-volunteer homeless outreach ministry with more than 70 volunteers and plenty of moving parts is no easy feat,” said Akana.

“Baldwin is a visible miracle, a woman of great strength, grit, and tenacity. She answered a call at a time in life when most women, or men, are content with a slow pace, a ‘me’ calendar, and an ‘I’ lifestyle.”

Baldwin recalled, “It gave me great joy to use my organizational skills, join committed friends, and watch ACCW continue to grow as a life-giving project—life-giving for those we serve and life-giving for us. We are all one community, serving and being served. I have always found that helping those in need brings more happiness to our own lives. ACCW offers hope, some healing, and help as we arrive on time at the same place each week with the cold water, snacks, freshly-made peanut-butter and jelly sandwiches, the slippers needed right then, the new t-shirt needed for someone to go to a job interview, and the sweater to make it through another cold night.”

By 2019, ACCW made almost 10,000 homeless service contacts through their weekly mission runs to Central, South, and West Maui. Van drivers and riders, storage and distribution room organizers, administrators, donors, and other volunteers, are a shining example of how dedicated people bring

compassion into the public arena to serve those in need.

Deb Lynch, the second ACCW woman president, was also the first woman van driver. “In 2020, right after I became President, the pandemic interrupted people’s lives and the van runs,” Lynch reminisced. “COVID 19 was hard on our mission, but it didn’t stop the love and caring that so many gave ACCW to support its work. We continued to offer water, nutrition, hygiene, masks, and comfort to Maui’s neediest citizens, along with offering spiritual food, hope and referrals for those who desire it. ACCW also supplied other ongoing outreach programs, such as Maui Mental Health Kokua, Hale Kaukau, and the Salvation Army, with perishable food items, hygiene and first aid.”

The current ACCW president Cathy Paxton-Haines concluded, “The year 2023 along with the wildfires has brought changes and challenges. The number of those whom ACCW serves is growing. I hope we can continue to attract more volunteers and funds in order to continue serving the unsheltered on Maui.”

Presently, the ACCW servers the West Side in Lahaina on Tuesdays, Central Maui on Thursdays, and Kihei in South Maui on Saturdays. Sometimes they do a Wednesday medical van run to Paia.

“Looking towards the future, I am excited about what we can do together. This is an incredibly important ministry. We constantly need a cadre of goodwill messengers to keep the wheels turning,” she said.

For more information on volunteering contact Cathy PaxtonHaines at (808) 283-1952 or email cathyphaines@gmail.com.

“We are not here to solve poverty. We are here to comfort while we look for ways to minimize the effects of poverty and restore human dignity.”

One of the early Volunteer Outreach Teams with a new van.

Keku Akana is a visionary who took a leap of faith.

A New Vision For Lahaina

Aloha and welcome to Maui Pulse May, 2024 edition!

We are excited to bring you news and information to serve the people of Maui including residents and visitors of all economic backgrounds. Our mission is to dish up what from our viewpoint what is “the real Maui,” not filtered by the moneyed interests or attempts to hide our island’s problems from the visitors, but the interests of the people. That is not to say the moneyed interests never it get right, so this edition also includes good news from Hawaii’s governor Josh Green and an acknowledgement of our hardworking Mayor Richard Bissen.

For Lahaina, it is enlightening to know that as our historical city is rebuilt, it will be also reinvented to reflect the upcoming governor’s executive order to honor its cultural past as the seat of the Kingdom of Hawaii.

This is not to diminish the whaling industry and missionary influence, but as a complement. Amidst all the negativity surrounding the ongoing housing crisis, there is a silver lining and hope for the future of Lahaina.Enjoy the edition, and see how Maui Pulse is evolving! - Eric T. Richter

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Address: Maui Promotions, 3666 L. Honoapiilani Rd. B-8 Lahaina, HI 96761

Governor Josh Green To Use His Executive Powers To Restore Historical Site

Hawaii governor Josh Green announced in early April he was prepared to use his executive powers to restore a natural spring-fed pond in Lahaina known as Mokuhinia, along with its associated culturally significant sandbar island, Moku‘ula.

“We’re going to take unilateral action to restore this sacred space to the community,” Green said in a recent interview with the Civil Beat non-profit news organization.

In consultation with Maui Mayor Richard Bissen, Hawaiian cultural leaders, and local stakeholders, he also intends to create a cultural corridor highlighting other locations in Lahaina, tracing its history as an important center of the Hawaiian Kingdom, where legal actions were decided and royalty lived.

According to the Civil Beat story, as a result of the Lahaina wildfire, pumps burned and failed that diverted water from underground springs, with water now bubbling up once again, perhaps a sign the future for Lahaina may be tied to its past as a lowland forest.

Efforts to restore the 17 acres with sacred sites near Front Street buried beneath soil and coral have faltered over the years, but now, with the governor’s help, Mokuhinia, along Moku‘ula may soon be resurrected.

Check www.civilbeat.org/2024/04/hawaii-governor-will-takeunilateral-action-to-restore-historic-wetland-in-lahaina/ for full story.

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Governor Josh Green

Update: Lahaina Fire Investigations

By Paul Deslauriers

The Maui Community Investigation, a local grassroots organization, has become the repository for videos, data, analysis, and testimonies on the Lahaina fire from last August. This information is organized into categories that distinguished over 30 anomalies. Experts we interviewed agreed that this was more than an urban-interface fire ignited by light grass and brush.

Some of the facts are disturbing. We have posted photos of unexplainable circumstances in the way that some trees burned, some vehicles had strange incineration, many offshore vessels caught fire, and how the fire took unusual paths. In addition, strange cloud formations appeared, and wind cyclones and high winds targeted Lahaina.

Our organization poses this question, “Can we trust the official government investigation being conducted by the Fire Safety Research Institute affiliated with Underwriter’s Laboratory, an organization we believe fabricated data for the 9/11/2001 New York tower collapse, and which is a member of the World Economic Forum?”

The Institute released the first phase of its report on April 17 which you can read in full at www.fsri.org.

You can help our community reveal the facts and expose the truth at MauiCommunityInvestigation.com where you can explore our investigation, and will be prompted to sign our petition.

Paul Deslauriers is an organization development consultant and director of the Maui Community Investigation.

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Pickleball Community Growing On Maui

By Taryn Kama

When Ken Lau, 80, wants to hang out with his family, stay in shape, and meet new people, he turns to the game of pickleball.

Formerly a beach volleyball player for 25 years, he now enjoys pickleball, playing five days a week for the last five years. His wife, Becky, also plays.

“For one thing, it’s a lot of fun, and most of my family plays. I like meeting people, and you don’t have to be too fit—but that depends on your standard,” Lau says with a laugh.

And he’s not the oldest. Karl Jacobs, 85, has him beat: “I feel like it keeps me active, sharpens my reflexes, and prevents me from feeling old,” he said.

Pickleball, once a niche sport, has rapidly gained popularity across the United States, including on Maui, captivating players of all ages and skill levels.

It’s a fast-paced paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It has seen a remarkable surge in participation, with enthusiasts flocking to courts in clubs, parks, recreation centers, and retirement communities.

According to the 2023 Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s (SFIA) Topline Participation Report, pickleball continued to be America’s fastest-growing sport for the third year in a row. According to the report, pickleball now boasts a total of 8.9 million players.

“It’s become one of the most popular activities that we have at the country club. A lot of tennis members are trying it out. It’s

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surprising how many people who’ve never played tennis are giving it a shot. Everyone is loving it,” said Marnie Jenkins, Membership and Marketing Coordinator at the Maui Country Club.

“It’s a fabulous way to get exercise, and it’s a little less strenuous than tennis. We’re trying to figure out ways to expand pickleball. In fact, we just hired a Pickleball professional, James Thorp, who is ranked in the national pickleball circuit,” she added.

One of the key factors driving the popularity of pickleball is its accessibility. Unlike some traditional sports, pickleball requires minimal equipment and can be played on smaller courts, making it suitable for players of varying ages and physical abilities.

The sport has been so popular that local players are looking to expand the number of places to play. In most places, pickleballers share the courts with tennis players, but there is a need for more courts on Maui.

“We don’t have enough facilities. We want the county to address the issue,” said player Suki Antonios.

“I went to the Upcountry County Council budget meeting and shared the need for more community facilities for pickleball. I suggested the resurfacing of dilapidated tennis courts everywhere,” said Shawn Moreland, pickleball player, and advocate. “Anywhere there is a tennis court that is not being maintained, we can repurpose some of those tennis courts for pickleball. That would be the most cost-effective option,” she said.

— Taryn Kama is a Maui-based writer.

Pickleball advocate Shawn Moreland

Maui Pride Festival 2024 Celebrates “Ohana” and Inclusivity

By Taryn Kama

The spirit of “Ohana” is set to shine brightly as the Maui Pride Festival 2024, themed around the concept of family and inclusivity, kicks off with a series of vibrant events across the island.

In sponsorship with the Maui AIDS Foundation, Aloha Maui Pride is gearing up for this year’s Pride Festival, promising an array of festivities that celebrate diversity and unity within the LGBTQ+ community.

Originally slated for October, the Pride Week was rescheduled to June due to wildfires, aligning with the traditional Pride Month. Jim Doran, a spokesperson for Aloha Maui Pride, explained, “October has been significant for us as it coincides with Gay History Month and National Coming Out Day on October 11th. However, with the shift to June, we’re embracing the spirit of Pride Month.”

Highlighting the lineup is the Pride Festival scheduled for Saturday, June 8, which marks a first as it takes place on Market Street in Wailuku. Doran expressed gratitude to the Maui Police Department for their support in making this venue possible, hinting at a potential future “home” for the festival.

Malou der Kinderen, one of the organizers, shared details about the festival, describing it as a fun-filled set of activities and events. “We will have market stands, a big show, and food trucks. It’s about creating a space for people to come together, connect, and celebrate,” der Kinderen added.

Kimberly Stephan-Tate emphasized the inclusive nature of the festival, stating, “Everyone is welcome, regardless of their identity. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, we invite you to join us.”

Stephan-Tate said they are encouraging local businesses to join the celebration by decorating their stores with rainbow colors or finding

other creative ways to support the event. “We want to see how creative the community can get,” Stephan-Tate remarked.

She also mentioned that Aloha Maui Pride was a different organization before COVID struck. Now, they are emphasizing getting more young people or individuals who are truly indigenous to Hawai’i to participate.

“Under new management, we invite you to take a chance on us and experience this new event. The feedback will shape our future direction,” she said.

The Pride Week festivities extend beyond the main festival, offering a diverse range of events including a Pacific Whale Foundation Boat Party, Hike, Youth and Family Night, and much more:

- June 1: Pacific Whale Foundation Pride Boat Party at Maalaea Harbor, 5-7pm

- June 2: Pride Brunch at NALU’s with Opening Blessing, 8-10:30am

- June 5: Pride Proclamation by the Mayor at the County Building (time to be announced)

- June 7: Youth and Family Night at Kalama Park Pavilion, featuring activities like bouncy houses, crafts, tie-dye shirts, and skating

- June 8: Pride Hike at Waihe’e Coastal Trail, 8:30-11am, followed by the Pride Festival on Market Street in Wailuku from 4-8pm, featuring family-friendly main stage performances, and culminating in the Pride After Party at Da Playground at Maalaea Harbor Shops from 8pm12am

- June 9: Casual Pride BBQ at Kamaole 3 Beach Park

For more information and updates, visit alohamauipride.org. As Maui prepares to embrace diversity and celebrate love in all its forms, the Pride Festival 2024 promises to be a joyous celebration of unity, acceptance, and the spirit of ‘Ohana’.

— Taryn Kama is a Maui-based writer.

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May 2-5

Mana’o Radio Brings NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL to Hawaii! Experience the magic of this iconic festival straight from your radio at 91.7 FM or through the KMNO app, ensuring you never miss a beat!

May 8-9

LADIES NIGHT - Every Wednesday night premiering May 8; 9 pm at da Playground Maui at Maalaea Harbor Shops, Ladies get in free! Tickets: daPlaygroundMaui.com.

May 10

FAST FREDDY’S BLUES SHOWCASE SERIES Friday, May 10th at 7:30 pm!; with Special Guests TBA. Fast Freddy and Blue Lava Blues Band are back at ProArts Kihei in bringing the blues every other month! Presented by the Maui Jazz and Blues Festival. Tickets: proartsmaui.org

May 11

BOTAS Y BAILE - Latin Night 9 pm, Sat., May 11 at da Playground Maui in Maalaea, Tickets: daPlaygroundMaui. com

May 17

ARTIST 2 ARTIST - HENRY KAPONO & JERRY SANTOS with Special Guest Maui Artist JOSH KAHULA; Friday, May 17, 2024; 7:30 pm; McCoy Studio Theater, MACC. Info./tickets: mauiarts.org .

MAY 18

BLISS UP MINI RETREAT MAY 18 1- 4 pm. Psychedelic breathwork, Ecstatic Dance, Sound Healing, Journaling. www.BlissUpRetreat.com

MAY 18

MAUI BREWERS FESTIVAL fundraiser returns Saturday, May 18 to the MACC. This is one of their signature fundraisers. Enjoy many local and rare beers, as well as a wide variety of food offerings from more than a dozen of Maui’s finest chefs, caterers and other food vendors. Info and tickets: mauiarts.org.

Events Calendar

May 18

MIXED PLATE MUSIC FEST -

Tommy Castro, Kanekoa, Guest Gretchen Rhodes, Saturday, May 18, 5 - 8 pm at South Maui Gardens, Kihei. Multiple Blues Music Award winner Tommy Castro and the Painkillers return to Maui for the 1st time since headlining 2018 Willie K Blues Fest. Tickets: eventbrite. com

May 18

EVOLUTION DANCE ACADEMYSpring Recital “In the Spotlight”. Sat, May 18 at 2 pm; Sat., May 18 at 5:30 pm; Sun, May 19 at 2pm. Historic Iao Theatre. Info./ tickets: mauionstage.com

May 18

RODEO EVENT - MAUI ACTRA - 8-5, Sat., May 18, Oskie Rice Event Center, 231 Olinda Road, Makawao. oskiericeeventcenter.com

May 19

CROCE PLAYS CROCE Sun., May 19, 7:30 pm; Castle Theater. MACC. Multi-faceted singer/ songwriter A.J. Croce makes his Maui debut in concert with his band. The concert is in celebration of two of his father Jim Croce’s legendary albums, “Life and Times” and “I Got A Name” in addition to songs from “You Don’t Mess Around With Jim.” Tickets: mauiarts.org.

May 25

YIN YOGA SOUND HEALING ~ Saturdays with Lydee. May 25th, June 22nd, July25th - 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: 808757-1111. $55 per event.

May 26

MAUI CLASSICAL MUSIC FESTIVAL ~ Fri, May 24 at 7pm, Sun, May 26 at 4pm. Historic Iao Theatre. Info./tickets: mauionstage.com. Visit www. mauiclassicalmusicfestival.com.

Maui Pulse May, 2024

Tommy Castro and the Painkillers perform Saturday, May 18 at South Maui Gardens.

A.J. Croce and his band make their Maui debut Sunday, May 19 at the Castle Theater, MACC.

Events Calendar

May 31

MOMENTUM DANCE MAUI- Spring Showcase. Fri, May 31 at 7 pm; Sat, Jun 1 at 3 pm and at 7 pm; Sun, Jun 2 at 3 pm and 6:30 pm. Historic Iao Theatre. Info./tickets: mauionstage.com

June 1-9

MAUI PRIDE 2024 SCHEDULE: June 1-9. Join events to help celebrate Maui’s LGBTQIA+ community!

• Sat., June 1 Pacific Whale Foundation PRIDE Boat Party ($75 on alohamauipride.org), Maalaea Harbor, 5-7pm.

• Sun., June 2 PRIDE Brunch at NALU’s in Kihei with Opening Blessing, 8-10:30 am.

• Wed., June 5 PRIDE Proclamation by Mayor, County Building, time tba.

• Fri., June 7 Youth and Family Night Kalama Park Pavillion, 4- 8 pm Bouncy House, Crafts, Tye Dye Shirts, Skating.

• Sat., June 8 PRIDE Hike, Waihee Coastal Trail, 8:30-11am. Meet at Queen Kaahumanu Starbucks to car pool.

• Sat., June 8 PRIDE FESTIVAL. Market Street in Wailuku, 4-8 pm Family Friendly Main Stage Performance.

• Sat, June 8 PRIDE After Party at da Playground, Maalaea Harbor Shops, 8 pm-12 am.

• Sun., June 9 - Casual PRIDE BBQ, Kamaole 3 Beach Park, 11- 4. Updates at alohamauipride.org.

June 20

SUMMER SOLSTICE & SOUND BATH/GROUP ENERGY

HEALING: Thurs., June 20; 6:30 to 8 pm. Private Haiku Oceanfront Location (Limited seats; reserve spot in advance); Watch the sun set in the outdoors; bathe in sound, frequency & moonlight. Soothe your soul while receiving relaxing, hands-on energy work. Info. & tickets: GoGetitEnergyHealing.com.

June 29

BEGINNING SPONTANEOUS PAINTING with Lalenya Vann, at Hui NoEau Art Center, Makawao. Let your inner 5 year old go wild with color, just for Fun! All ages, safe, no experience needed! For more information and to Register:www.Canvas.HuiNoeau.com/ classes, 808-572-6560, or 808-757-8761.

ONGOING EVENTS

OUTDOOR SPIRITUAL EXPLORATIONS. Activate - ExploreTransform your Body, Mind & Spirit. www.soulvoyageadventures. com

DREAM SHARING CIRCLES and Trance Drum Journeys with www.ActiveDreamingMaui.com. Guided by Lalénya Vann, learn to interpret your own dreams, and travel to other realities with a drum journey, for transformational healing , intuitive revelations and soul guidance. Weekly and monthly events upcountry. 808757-8761.

Summer Movie Preview 2024

By Barry Wurst II

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (opens May 10)The Gist: Another prequel/ sequel with those damn dirty apes!

Popcorn Value: The prior three “Apes” were fantastic. However: There’s no Caesar or even James Franco in this one. The last one tied everything up perfectly. Is this a new beginning or a one-time-too-many franchise killer?

The Strangers: Chapter One (May 17th)

The Gist: Renny Harlin directs the first in this three-part horror prequel.

Popcorn Value: One of the rare slasher movie franchises with a simple, terrifying premise.

However: They made this prequel a three-parter?! That’s insane.

Furiosa (opens May 24)

The Gist: “Mad Max” part 5, starring Anya-Taylor Joy

Popcorn Value: Writer/director George Miller remains a force of nature, even at 79-years old!

However: “Mad Max: Fury Road” is an extremely hard act to follow.

Deadpool & Wolverine (June 26)

The Gist: Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine (who died in 2017) joins Ryan Reynolds in the third “Deadpool.” Expect lots of fourth-wall breaking jokes.

Popcorn Value: An easy pick for the biggest hit of the summer.

However: the Disney acquisition of both franchises may neuter them both. If its PG-13, expect an outcry from both fanbases.

Inside Out 2 (June 14)

The Gist: More feelings from the Pixar gang.

Popcorn Value: The original was wonderful and remains an undisputed Pixar classic.

However: Aside from “Toy Story 2” and “Monsters University,” the Pixar sequels have not worked out.

Horizon: An American Saga- Chapter One (opens June 28 and August 16)

The Gist: Kevin Costner stars, directs and co-authors this two-part epic western.

Popcorn Value: As long as Costner’s movies don’t take place in water or involve postage, he’s an authority at shaping exciting, crowd pleasing westerns.

However: If Part 1 doesn’t open big, Costner has a huge problem.

A Quiet Place: Day One (June 28)

The Gist: a prequel to cinema’s quietest horror film.

Popcorn Value: Any movie that inspires audiences to willingly shut up deserves to be a hit. Star Lupita Nyongo makes any film a must see.

However: Franchise mastermind John Krasinski isn’t on board this time.

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (opens July 3)

The Gist: Eddie Murphy belatedly gives us “Beverly Hills Cop IV.”

Popcorn Value: Eddie and the nostalgia factor gives it an edge over the competing “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.”

However: the Netflix streaming release may dilute the enthusiasm and the potential audience. Y

Sip up! Maui Brewers’ Festival returns to the MACC May 18.

Community Heroes

Rotary International Helps Maui Wildfire Relief

By Cindy Schumacher

More than 1.4 million Rotarians from over 200 countries around the world collected $3.2 million dollars to help with Maui’s Wildfire Relief Fund.

Recently, all the Rotary Clubs on Maui were invited to gather at Lahainaluna High School’s Hale Pa’ina Dining Facility to welcome Maui Mayor Richard T. Bissen, Jr., the Rotary International President Gordon McInally, and his wife Heather McInally. Mayor Bissen acknowledged the extraordinary work that Rotary District 5000 has done to help meet the needs of people harmed by the fires, in Lahaina and Upcountry.

“Your model of ‘service above self’ has transformed aloha into action in the aftermath of the August 2023 wildfires,” said the mayor. “Your response efforts, handing out hundreds of food and gas gift cards, and helping with internet connectivity, keiki supplies and so much more in financial help, has been outstanding.”

The Rotary Clubs plan to use the remaining funds for long-term projects such as rebuilding, and a memorial park.

Chaos To Carefree: Spring Spacing

Find What You Need, Keep What You Want

by Gylian Solay

With the coming of Spring, the idea of Spring Cleaning pops up! I like to think of it as “Spring Spacing.”

It’s nice to hunker down during Maui’s so-called winter: sometimes it’s the rainy season and cooler, especially upcountry. And sometimes, our natural body rhythms are in sync with nature’s changing seasons, even on Maui.

Days are shorter, making darkness more evident. A time we may feel like hibernating, to do some deep inner exploration. Luckily, living here, we may experience the dimmer edge of winter being shorter, as it morphs into a “Light Bright Spring.”

Buds that have been hibernating and getting nourished, spring forth. Everything is blooming and opening up; look for the jacarandas Upcountry. The air is clear and alive with birds chirping.

The beloved Lahaina Banyan Tree is showing its determination to survive, sprouting small branches of new leaf growth!

As spring is determined to sprout and blossom, feel yourself blossoming too, opening to new possibilities. Just like a slight turn on a kaleidoscope, new patterns and vistas open up. Rearrange your spaces—be it at home, work, or in a new place—to create a different feeling, a new feeling. Add something, take away something. Move something from one place to another.

Find a cherished knick-knack or photo, something you haven’t used in a while. Showcase it and enjoy seeing it and its presence. In the process, you may decide to reduce what you have…donate it to families who lost everything and are rebuilding after the fires, give it as a gift to someone, or put it away to showcase at another time. Maybe you are downsizing or moving?

“Spring Spacing” is like recycling and shopping in your “own home.” For those of you creating a new space or a new home, who and what you cherish the most will be your guides. It’s an opportunity to be judicious, adding what lifts your spirit, creating a lifeforce of gratitude for being alive, and honoring those precious lives and mementos that will always remain in your heart. Mission Possible!

Gylian Solay brings her skills to organizing homes: from hoarding, extreme cluttering, messy, Zen, and everything in-between, to packing and moving households large and small. To learn more, go to: gyliansolay.com/why-chaos-to-carefree For further info: gylian@ youremergentself.net or call 808-344-8068.

SATURDAY MAY 18, 1-4 pm

Gordon McInally and Mayor Bissen

Photo by Tony Krieg

By Elena Lissone

Community Viewpoint

“You are Good Enough”

loha, this is your self-esteem guru, Elena, letting you know that you are good enough. In fact, you are more than good enough. You are competent and amazing! This reality can cause you great joy or it can be confusing to acknowledge.

After facilitating self-esteem and image workshops, I have learned that most of us have had a lifetime of criticism leading to personal self-loathing, which we always hide so well that we can’t even recognize it ourselves.

After years of being told that we should be this and we should do that, and we should be more and we should be less, we have become confused as to right paths of action. After all, people have been shoving their truths down our throats for so long, that we don’t even remember the simple truth that we are so awesome to have overcome obstacles and miseries galore.

How about those gut feelings that we were told are wrong, when they do such wonderful service in helping us to acknowledge our own authentic and personal truths.

Yep, we’ve bought everyone else’s package and don’t even know that those are their realities, which don’t always suit our ways of looking at life.

Are we screwed up? Are we quirky? You bet and we will celebrate all of it while we continue to wonder how to navigate a world

of higher-ups, invalidators, control freaks, and all the personal agendas that have been hoisted upon us.

Survival is not necessarily built on acceptance, but rather it is built on the fortitude and solace that being okay with ourselves brings.

Sure we strive to be kind and have compassion, but I can tell you this, service and sacrifice done to our own detriment will never satisfy our souls.

Have we been used and abused? Of course, damage has been done and hopefully we have learned from it all. Now it’s time to get on with things like friendships, that are non-judgmental and not critical. We have stepped out of our adolescence and reactivity so that we can actually look at the reality that is and what we have worked so hard to become. Not that these efforts ever really stop. We slide backwards, risk moving forward some, so that we can continue to grow into who we are meant to become.

This can be an arduous process like ripping off our personas or we can simply view it as taken off the veils. And I don’t just mean taking off the veils that we show to others, but the veils that we project onto our own conscious screens.

True self-esteem is garnered through nonreactivity because we don’t like those yucky feelings of not getting it “right”

I am here to tell you that you don’t have to get it right every time. We grow more from

our mistakes and lapses of good judgment then from our pats on the back for our perceived successes.

A true test for what is success is when we can laugh at ourselves and somehow embrace the ridiculousness life brings.

When we can do it for ourselves, we can learn to do it for others. And there is joy to this so that even after the tears and angst over our failures, we can console ourselves and know that next time, maybe we’ll do it better. And that my friends, is what building self esteem looks like.

Tune in next time, you wonderful cosmic travelers, and know you are loved.

Y

“Survival is not necessarily built on acceptance, but rather it is built on the fortitude and solace that being okay with ourselves brings.”

Elena Lissone

Tree at Hui Noeau Visual Arts Center graces Maui. Photo Courtesy of Anastasia Sudofsky.

Outdoors

Nature Is An Amazing Gift Of Healing

By Enrique Diaz

Nature is an amazing gift! The sun, wind, water, plants, and stars help us in so many ways! With the increase of technology, people are spending more time indoors becoming less connected with each other and the world around them.

In 2024 many adults and children are sadly more stressed, frustrated, overweight, isolated, sick, depressed, and sleep-deprived. Laura Dabney M.D. a psychiatrist for over 20 years states that, “anxiety and depression, both of these things go up when you’re stuck inside; even if you’re choosing to be stuck inside.”

So, the best and often free solution is to get outdoors by choosing simple activities like gardening, hiking, swimming, surfing, paddling, meditation, fishing, picnics, hanging out at the beach or in the forests. Here on Maui, the list is endless!

There are so many healing benefits to spending time outdoors. It is proven to help lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, improve confidence, enhance self-esteem, increase natural vitamin ‘D’ from the sun, boost memory, expand creativity, and more. A combination of the outdoors and meditation can provide even more health benefits and has been shown to help with issues such as anxiety, asthma, cancer, chronic pain, clarity, depression, heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome, sleep disorders, and tension headaches.

“By embracing nature’s flowing rhythm— that we are all a part of— it can help heal and reconnect you to yourself. “

Nature is always communicating to help us be present and co-create the world we desire. Like the joyful song of birds, the sun’s energizing effect rising over Hāleakala, the gliding feeling of riding a wave, the stars twinkling lights, and even the Humpback Whales splash as they breach in the ocean.

All of these outdoor experiences can help heal our body, mind, and spirit—something a lot of us need right now.

If you find yourself spending too much time indoors, I encourage you to step away from technology and go submerge yourself in nature, alone or with friends and family.

By embracing nature’s flowing rhythm— that we are all a part of— it can help heal and reconnect you to yourself.

As the owner of Soulvoyage Adventures and as a Spiritual Awakening Adventure Guide I offer Outdoor Spiritual Group Explorations by helping people to experience the power and beauty of nature in a whole way.

My work facilitates the healing and transformation of mind, body and spirit through heart-opening, mind-expanding, adventurous experiences and cosmic activations helping renew the passion and

life force energy within people. For the past eight years I’ve taught classes and workshops on Maui at different outdoor locations, yoga studios, and Unity Church of Maui.

For more information visit: www. soulvoyageadventures.com for upcoming explorations.

YOGA, AERIAL YOGA, SOUND HEALING, COACHING, PRIESTESS MENTORSHIP & EGYPT PILGRIMAGES BLACKSWANTEMPLE.ORG 808.269.4333

Rents on Maui are out of control! Now is the time to take action to prevent skyrocketing prices. Maui Tenants & Workers Association, a project of Hawaii Worker’s Center would like to see legislation to create rent stabilization/control measures that go beyond the current moratorium. You deserve secure housing! Please join us as we keep this initiative alive by send your contact info (name and phone #) to mauitenantsandworkers@ gmail.com and also by joining our Facebook Page, Maui Tenants Association. We will keep you posted regarding progress and opportunities to volunteer and testify.

Email MauiPulse.aol.com for details on the June Edition of Maui Pulse

Or email MauiVision@aol.com for details on the Aug. edition of Maui Vision Magazine

Enrique Diaz out on an adventure.

Remembering Ram Dass

By Jonathan Yudis

Are you here now? Yes, I am… as a matter of fact, we all are. Thanks to Ram Dass, many of us on Maui and around the world are aware of a simple yet profound spiritual anthem which he authored: Be Here Now.

Born Richard Alpert in April of 1931, Ram Dass lived and spent many years on our beloved island of Maui, until the death of his body in December of 2019. I had the honor, privilege and joy of listening to him, learning from him, meditating with him, and laughing with him.

I remember sitting on the stairs of a packed house in Maui Meadows filled with his friends and those who loved and admired him, and quietly chanting one of his favorite mantras (or sacred sayings) in unison: ‘I am loving awareness.’

Like many others, I was introduced to him from his groundbreaking and seminal spiritual classic book: ‘Be Here Now.’ I then connected much deeper with him upon listening to his multi-hour audio program titled ‘Spiritual Awakening.’

And finally, after being touched and inspired by him, I met him in person at a lecture, and recognized that he was indeed the same person I’d been guided by all along.

Over the years, there were many gatherings and kirtans (or devotional chanting sessions) with him and Krishna Das such as those on the North shore or at the Makawao Union Church. He would always greet everyone that he met and look at them eye to eye, offering them a heartfelt gesture or smile.

He spent the duration of his life meeting and connecting with people and offering to help and share with  them in whatever ways he could.

He always spoke with loving reverence towards his spiritual guru, Neem Karoli Baba. When Ram Dass asked him how he could become enlightened, he was told: Serve People. He later founded the Seva Foundation which has been serving people for nearly 50 years!

Jonathan Yudis and Ram Dass

“Now he lives on within each of us, whispering in our hearts and saying: ‘I am loving awareness.’ ”

His life is an incredible example of how our words, actions, and lives matter, and how they can make a difference in this world.

He was both a psychologist and meditator, and spent years focused on the life within his breath. He was an advocate of aging gracefully, and rewrote the book of his life after suffering from a stroke in his elder years.

He said that he got ‘stroked’ by the Divine, in order to learn new lessons and go deeper in the later years of his life. Perhaps the most amazing transformation of his life was from that of an esteemed professor at Harvard University, to becoming an early pioneer and advocate of psychedelics, to that of a humble spiritual devotee and teacher, who ultimately inspired the lives of millions through his books, lectures, and long life of service.

Since we recently celebrated the anniversary of his birth, I’ve been remembering him and his wonderous life. Now he lives on within each of us, whispering in our hearts and saying: ‘I am loving awareness.’

Thank you for gracing us with your presence Ram Dass. Thank you for your honesty, and storytelling. Thank you for your love and compassion.

Shone Edel, NHC

By Vanessa Fimbres

The Hawaiian Islands are a magical mysterious creation and it attracts multitudes of visitors from all over the world.

Hidden from the many visitors, developers and paradise seekers, exists a Kingdom that under the “Divine Right of Kings” in perpetuity, has never voluntarily abdicated nor relinquished Its independent Inherent Indigenous Sovereign status.

Unknown to most, remains a Royal King, His Majesty Akahi Nui, is confirmed and documented as the only legal, proper and authorized monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii, being the literal and natural descendant of Queen Liliuokalani, the last active living monarch of the Kingdom of Hawai’i.

His Royal Majesty Akahi Nui, in establishing his Ancestry and having exercised his lineal rights as King over a period of years, and being legally unopposed in his assertion and exercise of his independent Inherent Indigenous Sovereign Rights has established himself and his nation to the world; His Majesty welcomes you to the Hawaiian Islands, the Hawaiian Kingdom and wishes all who visit here the grand spirit of Aloha, that you might connect with the sacredness of the islands and that you continue to carry that loving spirit with you.

Vanessa Fimbres is special counsel to the Kingdom of Hawaii. Visit the soon-to-be updated website, HRMAKAHINUI.COM or email KoHConnects@gmail.com to be added to our email list or inquire about volunteering.

Classified Listings

CHAOS TO CAREFREE with Gylian Solay, MS:  Professional Organizer. “Find What You Need” and “Keep What You Want.” With over 40 yrs Organizing experience, Gylian assists you in your home, office, and life…”Together we focus on Who YOU are and How YOU live” to make the space comfortably YOURS!  Spaces vary from: hoarding, extreme cluttering, messy, Zen, and everything in-between; combining households, downsizing, packing, and moving households large and small.  My clients are always amazed at how I’m able to find ways to create spaces that help them “Find it..and Keep it.” So, if you’re looking for “Ways and Spaces” for your possessions, Contact me for further info: 808 344 8068, gylian@youremergentself. net;   https://gyliansolay.com/whychaos-to-carefree

RV ELKRIDGE TRAILER 5th wheel asking $67k obo financing thru Lightstream.com. Used only as storage last 2-3 years. Propane Refrig, Onan Generator, Full kitchen microwave. 2 televisions. Rocking chairs. Dinette. Tinted windows. Legal in residential zones, fully equipped and self contained for off grid. Tax write offs if rent to fire victims. Delivery, power wash and maintenance included at time of sale. Empty and ready to move now. Call Malia, 808 419 4234

OUTDOOR SPIRITUAL EXPLORATIONS. Activate - Explore - Transform your Body, Mind & Spirit. www. soulvoyageadventures.com

DREAM SHARING

CIRCLES and Trance Drum Journeys with www. ActiveDreamingMaui.com. Guided by Lalénya Vann, learn to interpret your own dreams, and travel to other realities with a drum journey, for transformational healing , intuitive revelations and soul guidance. Weekly and monthly events upcountry. 808757-8761.

EVOLUTIONARY

ASTROLOGER, SOUL WHISPERER UnWind the Soul (UWS) Detox Healings. Guided Meditation Journeys. Seer. Juliet Butters Doty. 29 years in business. Healing Sanctuary UpCountry. 808-359-8676 juliet@ unwindthesoul.com

JUDY’S ANGELIC CRYSTAL JOURNEYS. Come, receive a “reboot” to your immune system, rebalance your chakras and nervous system, relax and rejuvenate while your frequency is uplifted by a personal “crystal layout.” Enjoy reflexology on ears, hands and divine foot massage, along with “lymphatic combing” with the gua-sha tool and integrate it all with full body Reiki treatment. “Inner Child Card” reading confirms your inner guidance. 90 min. sessions in Haiku by donation. Call Judy Levy 808.269.7762

CLASSIFIED LISTINGS run

40 cents a word. Send your listing to MauiPulse@aol.com before May 20 to be included in the June edition.