MEO Selects Finalists for 2021 ‘Imi Pono Contest

Maui Economic Opportunity has selected the finalists for the 2021 ‘Imi Pono: The Greatest Challenge media contest for intermediate and high school students – with winners to be announced in a virtual ceremony beginning at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 30.

There were 21 finalists, who submitted art, photography and video public awareness campaign entries around the theme: “The Four Ws — Wear Your Mask, Wash Your Hands, Watch Your Distance and Worldwide Vaccination.”

The finalists include:

High School Division:  Jasmyne Imamoto, Mikaela Tirona, and Maria King.

Intermediate School Division: Lincoln Livermore, Teija Wada, Mahie Miyagawa, Angie Pustelnik, Kaiolohia Kang, Pounamu Ka‘imikaua, Milly Rojas, Mary Joy Velasquez, Daniel Mauliola, Sophia Mitrovich, John Hoopai-Boteilho, Tehani Yamamoto, Myla Tuitele, Shalev Sabag, Giselle Ganoot, Azariah Borrero, Kalena Mariani and Allie Kennedy, and Ashton Garzon.

The virtual ceremony will be live-streamed and can be viewed via Zoom (ID 83215154524; Passcode pUS1H5t9) and on the Maui Economic Opportunity Facebook page. Winners will be announced and prizes awarded. All finalist entries will be showcased during the hour-long event.

The second annual ‘Imi Pono challenge is sponsored by the Maui County Council and county Office of Economic Development and produced by MEO’s Youth Services and Business Development Center and the Maui Chamber of Commerce.

This is the second ‘Imi Pono challenge, the brainchild of Maui County Council Chairwoman Alice Lee. ‘Imi Pono means “to search for the right way.”