October 2023 Newsletter

Here you’ll find chapter updates, member bylines, and announcements and resources from AAJA National and other journalism organizations.

If you have a story or career update you want to share, please let us know at hawaii@aaja.org.

 

Chapter Updates

Mental Wellness Event – Maui Wildfires
Mahalo to everyone who attended our Sept. 20 mental wellness event. The off-the-record discussion was facilitated by Dr. Emily Hugo, a psychologist trained by the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma. We hope it gave you a chance to connect with others and find support in our local community.

Upcoming Chapter Elections
Election season is upon us! AAJA Hawai‘i members will vote for next year’s leaders later this month. Only dues-paying members will be eligible to vote. An additional email will be sent out for the election at the end of this month.

All board positions are open. With the exception of the National Board Representative, all positions are for one-year terms. Please email hawaii@aaja.org if you are interested in running for an open seat. We are especially looking for candidates for President, Treasurer and Secretary.

Current candidates include:

• Wes Nakama, National Board Representative
  Cassie Ordonio, Board Member
  Diane Lee, Board Member

Hawai‘i Newsroom Diversity Survey
Due to the Maui wildfires, AAJA Hawai‘i is extending the deadline to participate in its Hawai‘i Media Newsroom Diversity Survey until Nov. 15. Please feel free to share the link with fellow Hawai‘i journalists! We are hoping all major newsrooms in the state participate in this survey.

Member News

Congratulations to member Chris Aguinaldo on his new role with the state Department of Education!

Member Bylines

Bringing normalcy back to Lahaina residents’ lives starts with a simple haircut
Hawai‘i Public Radio’s Cassie Ordonio reports on how a group of Lahaina barbers, some of whom lost their homes, are offering free haircuts to those impacted by the August wildfires.

The American Dream: How Servco became one of the most successful companies in Hawai‘i
KITV4’s Marisa Yamane reports on the Fukunaga family’s history and legacy in Hawai‘i.

John Hill: Hawai‘i Agencies Flout The Law By Ignoring Maui Fire Records Requests
Civil Beat’s John Hill writes about how some of the organization’s requests for information about the Maui fires have not even been acknowledged, even past the 20 business day deadline.

Maui’s price freeze extended for essential commodities and services
Hawai‘i Public Radio’s Jason Ubay reports on the goods and services still subject to a price freeze that was implemented for Maui in August.

Hawai‘i economists say Lahaina locals could be priced out of rebuilt town without zoning changes
AP’s Jennifer Kelleher reports on an economic forecast prepared by the University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization.

Before and after: Many Lahaina landmarks, historic sites lost in Maui fire
Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s Diane Lee writes about the landmarks and historic sites that were lost in the August Lahaina wildfire.

The Debrief: Why ‘deeply affordable housing’ could help solve Hawai‘i’s homeless crisis
Hawaii News Now’s Emily Cristobal speaks with state Sen. Joy San Buenaventura and state Rep. John Mizuno about the lack of deeply affordable housing.

Fast-Growing And Fire-Resistant Grasses Are Flourishing In Hawai‘i
Civil Beat’s Thomas Heaton reports on the ramifications of 200 years of importing and encouraging numerous species of grass to grow in the Islands.

The Goal: Tourism That Regenerates Hawai‘i, Not Degrades It
Hawaii Business Magazine’s Noelle Fujii-Oride reports on how Kaua‘i communities are leading the state’s transition to a regenerative tourism model.

Job Openings

Honolulu Civil Beat is hiring for a social media producer with at least three years of experience in journalism, marketing, social media content creation, or graphic design. The anticipated salary range for this role is between $65,000 – $75,000. More info here.

KHON2 is looking for a news anchor/reporter with at least five years’ experience in news reporting or anchoring. More info here.

Resources

What is the proper spelling and pronunciation: Lahaina or Lāhainā? Read the Hawaii Business Magazine story here.