#Walter Ritte

Two events will be held today to mark the 50th anniversary of a watershed moment that eventually led the U.S. military to stop bombing Kaho’olawe and put the island at the center of the Hawaiian rights movement.

The Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana observes the 50th Anniversary of the landing of the “Kahoʻolawe Nine” at Kūheʻeia on the island of Kahoʻolawe. The observance comes after a press conference on Jan. 4, 2026.

ʻĀina Momona has submitted a formal complaint to the State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) and the County of Maui regarding recent construction activities that have allegedly disturbed or threaten to disturb Mokuʻula, a sacred and historically significant site.

ʻĀina Momona, a Native Hawaiian organization focused on Indigenous stewardship and environmental justice, is calling on Hawaiian-serving organizations statewide to participate in a survey on regulatory barriers and support needs for land-based work.

Maui ocean conservationists have started a new speaker series exploring cultural stewardship and coastal resilience.

A coalition of ocean and cultural organizations announces the launch of “Cultures & Coastlines,” a new speaker series focused on exploring the intersection of cultural heritage and coastal stewardship. The series debuts with “A Conversation with Walter Ritte: The Past and Future of Aloha ʻĀina,” on May 20, 2025, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Maui Ocean Center’s Sphere Theater.

ʻĀina Momona will honor Native Hawaiian activist and community leader Walter Ritte with a birthday celebration and fundraiser on April 12 at Capitol Modern in Honolulu.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health issued a Stop Work Order for the Individual Wastewater System project at 4400 Oneone Road, which uncovered multiple human burials . This decision comes after persistent advocacy from the local community, cultural descendants, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to protect iwi kūpuna (ancestral remains) and ensure the integrity of cultural and environmental resources in the area.

The Hawai‘i State Department of Land and Natural Resources held a community listening session on Moloka‘i, where residents addressed pressing concerns related to environmental preservation, water management, and the protection of the island’s coral reef.

Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners will lead a statewide, one-day vigil on Friday, Sept. 1, to aid the emotional and spiritual healing of those on Maui who suffered devastating loss from wildfires that swept through Lahaina and other areas of the island. “There’s an urgent need for prayer, cleansing, and reflection so that together, we can help Maui and Hawai‘i heal,” Holt-Padilla said. “This vigil will help to create a space for grief and healing and the opportunity for Hawai‘i to be united.”

The State of Hawai‘i Commission on Water Resource Management has unanimously restored Moloka‘i’s Kawela Stream to flow levels not seen in over one hundred years, and recommended full restoration of the stream within one year.  

The Maui County Democratic Party’s selection body has narrowed the list of names for consideration to the Senate District 7 vacancy to: Lynn DeCoite, Yuki Lei Sugimura and Leo Caires.

The Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi has received six applications from interested members to fill the vacant Senate District 7 seat, which was previously held by Senator J. Kalani English until his retirement on May 1, 2021. The Senate District 7 seat represents Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, and Kaho‘olawe.

A recount of votes cast in the Primary Election race for the District 13 House seat, confirms incumbent Rep. Lynn DeCoite has defeated challenger and long-time Hawaiian Rights advocate Walter Ritte. Under the recount, DeCoite won by just 93 votes.  Saturday’s tally had DeCoite ahead by just 91 votes.

This brings the total deaths believed to be from human inflicted trauma on Molokaʻi to eight, since 2009.

The non-profit Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action or “HAPA” hosts E Hoʻolokahi Ka Lāhui 2017 this Sunday, July 23 from 2 to 6 p.m. at UHMC Pilina Building

The University of Hawaiʻi Maui College Hoʻoulu Lāhui Hawaiian Studies Program hosts an Indigenous Peoples’ Day gathering this afternoon.

More than 200 candidates are vying for 40 delegate spots to serve on the Native Hawaiian constitutional convention or ‘Aha. This includes 15 candidates vying for three seats on Maui, and three candidates vying for a single seat to represent Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi.

“What an amazing show of Maui speaking out. I was totally blown away by the energy of the massive crowd. For me it was about caring about our community’s health, our right to know what’s in the food we eat…”

The Coast Guard reopened the comment period for the interim rule that established a temporary security zone at Kaunakakai Harbor during visits of the Passenger Vessel Safari Explorer.