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Over the past 50 years, several thousand such volunteers with the nonprofit Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana, or PKO, have braved uninhabited Kahoʻolawe’s harsh elements. They work carefully within posts that indicate the ground beneath them has been swept for unexploded ordnance, or UXO.
50 Years On Kahoʻolawe: Inside The Journey To Rescue Hawaiʻi's Target Island
The goal isn't just to heal the environment, activists say. It's to forge an island where Hawaiians can reclaim their culture.
www.civilbeat.org
January 26, 2026 at 3:06 PM
The Hawaiʻi State Foundation on Culture and the Arts will be granting $25,000 to a qualifying organization.

The grant is open to nonprofit veteran and military service organizations, community service organizations, cultural organizations and arts organizations incorporated in the State of Hawaiʻi.
$25,000 grant available for nonprofit art, culture programs supporting Hawaiʻi veterans | Kauai Now
The Hawaiʻi State Foundation on Culture and the Arts will select the grantee with the federal funding part of the America 250 celebration.
kauainownews.com
January 24, 2026 at 7:17 PM
Volunteers from hundreds of Hawaiʻi Lions clubs and youth LEO clubs will staff 10 locations across the state, including four on the Big Island. The sites are: KTA Super Stores in Hilo, Kona Shopping Center, Waikōloa Village and Waimea. The event runs on Saturday, Jan. 24 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Hawaiʻi Lions holding 17th annual eyeglasses, hearing aids and new food drive | Big Island Now
The program encourages residents to comb through dresser drawers and closets and donate any unused eyewear and hearing aids, which will be sorted, cleaned and donated to people in need.
bigislandnow.com
January 24, 2026 at 6:55 PM
“Girls in Policy” provides a structured pathway for delegates to learn how the legislative process works, track active bills and share their voices through testimony and direct engagement with elected officials. Delegates will also connect with mentors and guest speakers from government, nonprofi...
Girl Scouts of Hawaiʻi launches program to build next generation of civic leaders | Big Island Now
Girl Scouts of Hawaiʻi is launching "Girls in Policy," a new, innovative program designed to strengthen girls' civic engagement, leadership and advocacy skills during the 2026 Hawaiʻi Legislative Sess...
bigislandnow.com
January 24, 2026 at 6:50 PM
Fire ants have been present on nearby land since at least 2024 but until last week the highly invasive species had never been spotted inside the refuge, which is owned and managed by the nonprofit Hawaiʻi Land Trust. As a leader of ecological restoration work there, Fisher did not want to think ...
Fire Ant Invasion On Maui Has Reached A Tipping Point
The population of tiny stinging ants has surged despite efforts to control the invasive species. Experts fear devastating consequences if the infestation spirals out of control.
www.civilbeat.org
January 22, 2026 at 5:18 PM
The alarms went off at the Maui Humane Society in Puunene around 4 a.m. Wednesday.

An alleged thief drove through the shelter’s gates, shattered the doors and windows, and pulled out the wires of the newly-upgraded surveillance system.

The thief left with cash from the front office.
Maui Humane Society hit by thieves
An alleged thief drove through the shelter’s gates, shattered the doors and windows, and pulled out the wires of the newly-upgraded surveillance system.
www.hawaiinewsnow.com
January 22, 2026 at 1:58 PM
Azeka Shopping Center is proud to welcome Angel Hands Charity as its newest nonprofit partner, now operating next to Bank of Hawaii at Azeka Makai. The organization brings a powerful mission to the center: providing foster youth, students experiencing houselessness, and families facing financial ...
Azeka Shopping Center opens doors to Angel Hands Charity | Maui Now
Azeka Shopping Center is proud to welcome Angel Hands Charity as its newest nonprofit partner, now operating next to Bank of Hawaii at Azeka Makai. The organization brings a powerful mission to the ce...
mauinow.com
January 21, 2026 at 3:29 AM
John Gleeson was a shipyard laborer during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 and later enlisted in the U.S. Army.

He moved to Honolulu in 1972, and in 1999 co-founded the nonprofit Pacific Aviation Museum, now the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum on Ford Island, and served as its director for sever...
Beloved WWII veteran and Pearl Harbor figure dies at 102
John Gleeson co-founded the nonprofit Pacific Aviation Museum, now the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, and served as its director for several years.
www.hawaiinewsnow.com
January 17, 2026 at 4:17 PM
Bishop Museum is offering an updated Botany Checklist of native and non-native plants of the islands — alive and extinct — as a free resource to the public.

The checklist of native and naturalized vascular plants in Hawaiʻi — compiled by botany researchers and technicians from the museum’s Natur...
Bishop Museum offers new Botany Checklist mapping history of Hawaiʻi’s flora | Kauai Now
The free, downloadable resource from Bishop Museum contains updated information about species — alive and extinct — from each of the main Hawaiian Islands.
kauainownews.com
January 11, 2026 at 9:13 PM
The Maluhia Maui Rotary Club will host Pacific Whale Foundation Development Director Kagan Jenkins at its upcoming meeting in Kīhei.

The meeting will take place Tuesday, Jan. 13, at 5:30 p.m. at Island Health in Rainbow Mall.

Jenkins will discuss the mission and impact of Pacific Whale Foundation
Maluhia Maui Rotary to host PWF speaker Kagan Jenkins on Tuesday | Maui Now
The Maluhia Maui Rotary Club will host Pacific Whale Foundation Development Director Kagan Jenkins at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday in Kīhei.
mauinow.com
January 11, 2026 at 9:11 PM
AARP Hawaiʻi invites local eligible nonprofit organizations and governments to apply for the 2025 AARP Community Challenge grant program, now through March 4 at 12 p.m.

Now in its ninth year, the program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of ...
AARP accepting 2026 Community Challenge grant applications | Maui Now
AARP Community Challenge grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and more.
mauinow.com
January 11, 2026 at 9:05 PM
Blood Bank of Hawai‘i will be in Hilo on Jan. 13, 14 and 15, giving the community an opportunity to donate blood and make a difference, especially now when the blood bank reports there is an urgent need for O-negative blood.
Blood Bank of Hawai‘i to host blood drive in Hilo 3 days next week | Big Island Now
Hilo residents and those from surrounding areas are encouraged to make donating blood their 2026 New Year’s resolution and make a difference, especially now when the blood bank is in urgent need of O-...
bigislandnow.com
January 11, 2026 at 8:36 PM
In April 2022, the nonprofit organization Mālama O Puna began efforts to control the growing feral pig population, which is prevalent in some Puna subdivisions. The animals have caused significant damage to farms and gardens while in search of food.
How to solve the wild pig problem in Puna? Leaders promote eating them in local cuisine | Big Island Now
Community leaders in Puna are promoting the safe use of wild pig meat in more cuisine as a way to solve issues posed by the invasive species and to enhance food security across the island.
bigislandnow.com
January 11, 2026 at 8:15 PM
Sentry is donating $1 million to three Maui-based nonprofit organizations in recognition of their vital contributions to community well-being, environmental restoration, and the island’s continuing recovery.
Sentry donates $1M to Maui nonprofits: Beneficiaries include Maui United Way, Maui Food Bank and Aloha Pu‘u Kukui | Maui Now
Sentry is donating $1 million to three Maui-based nonprofit organizations in recognition of their vital contributions to community well-being, environmental restoration, and the island’s continuing re...
mauinow.com
January 7, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Maui Food Bank has appointed Justin George as its new Major Gifts Director, strengthening the organization’s leadership team at a critical time for food security across Maui County.
Maui Food Bank welcomes Justin George as Major Gifts Director | Maui Now
Maui Food Bank has appointed Justin George as its new Major Gifts Director, strengthening the organization’s leadership team at a critical time for food security across Maui County.
mauinow.com
January 7, 2026 at 1:13 AM
Business Development Center Director David Daly was named Maui Economic Opportunity Employee of the Year at the nonprofit’s holiday gathering Dec. 19.

Daly was nominated by longtime receptionist Kai Oliver, who said he is “always warm and friendly” with clients and “an excellent listener.”
BDC Director David Daly named MEO Employee of the Year | Maui Now
Business Development Center Director David Daly was named Maui Economic Opportunity Employee of the Year at the nonprofit’s holiday gathering Dec. 19.
mauinow.com
January 4, 2026 at 4:01 PM
With New Year’s celebrations approaching this week, the Maui Humane Society is urging pet owners to take proactive steps to protect their animals from the stress of fireworks.

According to the society, one-in-five pets go missing after being startled by the sound of fireworks or other loud noises.
Maui Humane Society urges precautions for pets exposed to New Year’s Eve fireworks | Maui Now
With New Year’s celebrations approaching this week, the Maui Humane Society is urging pet owners to take proactive steps to protect their animals from the stress of fireworks.
mauinow.com
January 1, 2026 at 3:56 AM
Brandy Shimabukuro, director of communications and marketing for the Hawaiian Humane Society, says:

“We get flooded with an influx of animals that have gotten loose from their homes. In the aftermath of New Year’s Eve, we can see anywhere from 80 to 130 just in the two to three days after.”
How to keep your pets safe and secure on New Year’s Eve
Fireworks can be terrifying for pets, and the Hawaiian Humane Society says planning ahead can make all the difference this New Year’s Eve.
www.hawaiinewsnow.com
December 31, 2025 at 3:22 AM
Security experts warn the holiday season is an opportune time for criminals looking to exploit the goodwill of internet users.

If you’re looking to donate to local charities, experts say be careful.

Scammers can take advantage of you through fake nonprofit websites, imposter crowdfunding campaigns
Donating safely: How to protect yourself and nonprofits from scammers
Experts say criminals are using fake nonprofit websites, imposter crowdfunding campaigns, phishing emails, and social media posts to exploit the goodwill of internet users.
www.hawaiinewsnow.com
December 29, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Volunteering with children can instill confidence in youngsters, teach social and problem-solving skills and provide unique ways for families to bond.

But often nonprofit organizations seek helpers who are at least 18 years old. There are opportunities, if you persist.
Volunteering with children can build character and create lasting family memories
Volunteering with children can build confidence and teach social and problem-solving skills. It also provides unique ways for families to bond.
apnews.com
December 28, 2025 at 9:24 PM
One photograph shows a mustachioed man wearing a suit and a homburg hat, standing on the palace steps facing the Christmas tree. Someone used a red pen to draw lines around this person.

"We would like to know the identity of this man. Someone must have highlighted him for a reason” - Adam Jansen.
Photos recall early Oʻahu Christmas tradition as archivists search for mystery man | Maui Now
Over a century ago, three malihini (newcomers) organized a gift giveaway for thousands of Oʻahu's underprivileged children that would, for seven years, become a beloved island tradition. It was called...
mauinow.com
December 27, 2025 at 1:15 AM
KaiAloha Supply recently supported keiki-focused nonprofits through its third annual Holiday Keiki Toy Drive, dedicating over $9,000 in toy budgets to 10 organizations on Maui and Oʻahu, the company announced this week.

The Maui-based clothing brand allocated $1,000 to each of its nine physical ...
KaiAloha Supply donates $9K to keiki-focused nonprofits on Maui and Oʻahu | Maui Now
KaiAloha Supply recently supported keiki-focused nonprofits through its third annual Holiday Keiki Toy Drive, dedicating over $9,000 in toy budgets to 10 organizations on Maui and Oʻahu, the company a...
mauinow.com
December 27, 2025 at 1:02 AM
On Dec. 12, the Hawaiʻi Police Department’s Kona Community Policing Section collected more than $8,200 in monetary donations and gathered over 2,300 pounds of nonperishable food during a Fill a Cruiser event at Costco.

All donations were distributed to Hawaiʻi Island families and individuals in ...
Hawaiʻi police celebrate a successful community charity event after the holidays | Big Island Now
Hawaiʻi Police Department donated $8,200 and 2,300 pounds of food to the Hawaiʻi Island Food Basket after a successful Fill a Cruiser food drive this holiday season.
bigislandnow.com
December 27, 2025 at 12:49 AM
Blood Bank of Hawaii partnered with Dave & Buster’s, in the Ala Moana Center, Friday for a blood drive.

After giving blood, each donor received an unlimited play card, which they could immediately use to play games and win tickets and prizes.

It kicked off at 9 a.m. and went until 3 p.m.
Donors play for free at Dave & Buster’s blood drive
Due to holiday travel and school breaks, Blood Bank of Hawaii says they typically experience a drop in donations around the holidays.
www.hawaiinewsnow.com
December 26, 2025 at 11:55 PM
Eighty-three volunteers gathered at Saint Theresa’s Church in Kihei on Christmas Day to serve hot meals to those in need, continuing a tradition that has fed Maui’s hungry for more than three decades.

The Hale Kau Kau program served nearly 400 people on Christmas, part of a mission that began in...
Church volunteers on Maui serve nearly 400 meals during Christmas tradition
Eighty-three volunteers gathered at Saint Theresa's Church in Kihei on Christmas Day to serve hot meals to those in need, continuing a tradition that has fed Maui's hungry for more than three decades.
www.hawaiinewsnow.com
December 26, 2025 at 12:59 PM