Maui News

UH Maui College launches program to support Lahaina’s long-term revitalization

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  • The University of Wisconsin Stevens Point team helps with water sampling at Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge following a fish die off. UHMC Water Quality Lab. PC: Courtesy University of Hawaiʻi Maui College
  • MSF Recipient Juleen Flory observes Water Quality Lab’s Crystal Henkel complete Total Coliform/ E. coli test. UHMC Water Quality Lab. PC: Courtesy University of Hawaiʻi Maui College
  • MSF Recipient Charles Shull collects well water for DBCP testing. UHMC Water Quality Lab. PC: Courtesy University of Hawaiʻi Maui College
  • MSF Recipient Gregory Masessa deploys sensor on Maui’s west coast. UHMC Water Quality Lab. PC: Courtesy University of Hawaiʻi Maui College
  • UHMC Kahului campus. PC: Courtesy University of Hawaiʻi Maui College
  • UHMC sign. PC: Courtesy University of Hawaiʻi Maui College

The University of Hawaiʻi Maui College is proud to announce the launch of the 2025 Maui Strong Fellowship Program, an initiative aimed at engaging UHMC students and any interested Maui residents in projects critical to Maui’s long-term care and post-fire recovery. 

Funded by the Maui Strong Fund of the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, the fellowship offers awards of up to $10,000 per year for all those who engage in critical project activities. Fellows play a vital role in addressing the challenges of post-fire recovery, sustainable development, and environmental restoration on Maui.

The program is now in its second year of a three-year grant. Following the success of the 2024 cohort, UHMC is excited to welcome the 2025 cohort and continue building workforce-ready professionals dedicated to Maui’s future.

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“As we look at Maui’s resiliency and the State’s ability to recover from disasters, we know that programs like this are making a stronger and more resilient Hawai‘i,” says Hawaiʻi Community Foundation Senior Program Officer Kēhau Meyer. “We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with UH Maui College, who work so deeply for and with the community.”

This year, candidates may contribute to one of two impactful programs at UHMC

  • The Hulihia Center for Sustainable Systems and the Water Quality Laboratory. Complete details are included on the application documents. Links are below. (Note: Puʻuhonua Kauluwehi is also part of the program but all of its 2025 Fellowship spots are filled.) The Maui Strong Fellowship encourages applicants to design projects that align with their personal interests and career goals while also contributing to Maui’s long-term recovery. Fellowship activities may include:
  • Research and development of sustainable solutions.
  • Collaboration with community partners to address environmental and social challenges.
  • Projects rooted in Native Hawaiian values and practices to support community wellbeing.

“Immediately following the wildfires of August 2023, our college committed to being part of the revitalization of our Island in both the short and long term,” says UH Maui College Chancellor Lui Hokoana. “Partnering with the HCF Maui Strong Fund on these important initiatives is both an honor and a fulfillment of the promise we made to be of service.”

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Applications are now open to UHMC students and Maui residents. Selected fellows will work on projects to be completed by November 30, 2025. Individuals with creative insights, a passion for community impact, and diverse perspectives are encouraged to apply. The first application deadline is Monday, Feb. 10.

Hulihia application: 2025 Hulihia Maui Strong Fellowship Application
Hulihia contact: hulihia@hawaii.edu
Water Quality Laboratory application: 2025 Water Quality Laboratory Maui Strong
Fellowship Application

Water Quality Laboratory contact: chenkel@hawaii.edu

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