Maui Community Continues to Build Resilience Through Partnerships

Partnership and collaboration are essential pillars of the Maui community. By working together—local families, businesses, nonprofits, cultural leaders, and government organizations—Maui strengthens its resilience and honors its commitment to caring for one another. These partnerships bring diverse perspectives to the table, foster innovative solutions to shared challenges, and provide mutual support. In the aftermath of the 2023 wildfires, Maui continues to grow stronger through this collective effort.

The wildfires also brought significant shifts to the Maui County Tobacco-Free Coalition,which saw a decrease in membership. Today, the coalition remains a small but dedicated group of about 15 members, including representatives from Lana‘i and Molokai. Despite its reduced size, the support and passion demonstrated by members have been truly extraordinary. 

Every year, HIPHI hosts the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai‘i Stakeholders Meeting. This year’s gathering was held on October 22, 2025, at YWCA Fuller Hall on O‘ahu and featured an Alaka‘i Awards ceremony, which recognizes individuals and organizations that demonstrate excellence and innovation in tobacco prevention and control, serve as exemplars and role models, and have no connection to the tobacco industry.

As the Maui County Tobacco-Free Coalition Coordinator, it was an honor to attend the meeting alongside representatives from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui (BGCM). Alyssa Nava-Vergara, Community Engagement & Outreach Liaison, and Iokepa “Kepa” Nae‘ole, Program Services Coordinator, accepted BGCM’s award for Outstanding Community Partner. 

This summer, over 90 teens across Maui participated in a powerful tobacco prevention initiative blending education, creativity, and civic engagement. BGCM youth learned evidence-based lessons, created compelling prevention messages, and taught 36 young athletes from Hawaiian Canoe Club about the dangers of vaping. They also stood alongside community leaders and public health advocates at the signing of Maui County’s efforts to end the sale of flavored tobacco. As active partners with the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai‘i, BGCM continues to fuel a growing youth-led movement dedicated to a healthier, tobacco-free Maui Nui. 

With Kepa and Alyssa actively engaged in the Maui County Coalition, numerous youth-centered ideas and activities have come to life. BGCM also supports the coalition by offering its One Stop Resource Center (OSRC) for meetings and engaging in additional community coalitions, including the Maui Coalition for Drug-Free Youth. The OSRC serves as a versatile space for youth programs, community events, and even overnight stays for youth from neighboring islands. 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui exemplify what true partnership looks like — consistent, generous, and deeply rooted in community well-being. We are grateful for BGCM and all of our partners who dedicate their time, service, and passion to creating a healthier Hawai‘i.