September 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
Our hearts are with everyone impacted by the Maui wildfires. We will be holding an off-the-record Zoom conversation in partnership with AAJA National for any Hawai‘i journalists (you do not need to be a member of AAJA) who want to talk about the grief, stress and other emotions they have experienced while covering or processing the Maui wildfires.
This event is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 20, at 6 p.m. The group discussion will be facilitated by Dr. Emily Hugo, a California-based psychologist trained by the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma. Please RSVP here. The Zoom meeting link will be sent to attendees the day before the event. Space is limited to 25 participants.
Guidance on covering Lāhainā wildfire
‘Ahahui Haku Mo‘olelo (Hawaiian Journalist Association) and AAJA Hawai‘i urge journalists to exercise sensitivity and due diligence when framing their stories on the devastating Lāhainā wildfire. Read our guidance here.
Mahalo for attending our Aug. 3 pau hana
We hope you had a great time connecting with other journalists and media professionals at our pau hana and fundraiser at Honolulu Beerworks. Thanks to you, we raised $1,195. This includes a $500 donation from the Hawaii Publishers Association.
The Hawai‘i board greatly appreciates your support! This money will help us hold community and educational events, provide conference stipends, conduct our newsroom diversity survey, and more.
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 Sept. 31. 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 Bylines
Tech View: Grassroots tech efforts support Maui recovery
Ryan Ozawa writes about the ways the local tech community rallied to help Maui residents in their time of need.
Locals have been sounding the alarm for years about Lāhainā wildfire risk
Grist’s Anita Hofschneider reports on the ways that privatization of land and colonialism have led to the tragedy in Lāhainā.
How to Replace Important Documents and Access Financial Aid After a Disaster
Hawaii Business Magazine’s Noelle Fujii-Oride put together a list of important documents that residents and businesses impacted by the Maui wildfires should replace, what the replacement process is like, how long it’ll take and how much it’ll cost.
Kīhei schools remain vigilant after wildfires, careful to not miss flare-ups
Hawai‘i Public Radio’s Cassie Ordonio reports on the Kīhei Charter School community’s fire watch efforts after the devastating Lāhainā wildfire.
Maui County Knew Of Lāhainā’s Fire Risk For Years
Civil Beat’s Thomas Heaton reports on two reports that had warned for years of the risk for wildfires on the island.
HECO Kept The Power Flowing In Lāhainā Even As Poles Toppled
Civil Beat’s John Hill, with his colleague, reports on how the electric utility failed to shut down the power in Lāhainā ahead of the devastating fires.
In deadly Maui wildfires, communication failed. Chaos overtook Lāhainā along with the flames
AP’s Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, with her colleagues, reports on how Maui officials failed to activate emergency sirens that would have warned residents and visitors of the coming flames.
Darren Benitez, talented falsetto singer and entertainer, dies at age 57
KITV4’s Marisa Yamane reports on the death of Benitez, who died on Aug. 10.
Villa on Eaton Square GM Pays it Forward
Building Management Hawaii’s Chris Aguinaldo reports on Joshua Jay’s dedication to his responsibilities as the condominium’s GM and career journey.
Other Resources
Overcoming Challenges Interpreting Economic Trends and Data
A free Zoom seminar for journalists with Hawaiʻi economist Paul Brewbaker on Thursday, Sept. 14, 12 – 1 p.m. Sponsored by the Hawaii Publishers Association.
A misread of economic data by journalists and their editors can impact the public’s understanding of what is happening to Hawaiʻi and allow politicians to use that confusion to get re-elected for the wrong reasons.
The interactive Zoom will allow journalists to ask questions so they can be better equipped to report their stories.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82335857010?pwd=UXVzOGl4ci9JSkIxOGJ6aFZaYWVwZz09
Zoom meeting ID: 823 3585 7010 Passcode: 281302
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