Free, honest, rigorous journalism matters. Maui and Hawai‘i matter. The future of media matters. There’s a place where these things converge.
That’s where MauiTimes lives.
We’ve come a long way in our 25-plus years. Thanks to founder Tommy Russo and a host of editors, reporters, designers, and various other staff, we’ve grown from a bootstrap operation to Maui’s only locally owned, island-wide newspaper to a modern news organization entering the non-profit space.
“The future of MauiTimes is strong,” said Executive Director Darris Hurst. “We’re moving forward with a new membership program, newsletter, and our always-popular Best of Maui edition.”
“I’ve served this company off and on as head of the editorial department for a decade-and-a-half,” said Managing Editor Jacob Shafer. “Never, for a moment, have I doubted we’re providing an essential service.”
Added Russo, “We’ve always been a forward-looking digital news company. It was my vision to build a meaningful outlet for journalism on Maui.”
From left to right: Executive Director Darris Hurst, Managing Editor Jacob Shafer, Founder Tommy Russo, and Calendar Editor Shan Kekahuna. (Photo by Sean M. Hower).
When we acquire non-profit status, we will be able to accept tax-deductible donations and advertising.
The pandemic pumped the brakes. But we have solid roots in the community and a steadfast mission.
Unfortunately, despite a loyal, committed readership and strong advertising support, we recently had to initiate a round of temporary layoffs and budget cuts. That’s the reality in today’s media landscape.
Our March edition will be distributed on time at hundreds of locations across Maui. We’re also ramping up our online presence through our website and social media and are relaunching our mailed edition, which reaches every home in the county, in late summer 2023.
That’s an expensive endeavor. We need support. Be an advertiser. Be a sponsor. Be a donor. Join us in our mission.
Maui, and Hawai‘i, are underserved media markets—from print to the airwaves to digital. With few quality outlets online, on the pages, on TV, or on the airwaves, local readers, listeners, and viewers are thirsting for information and engagement.
We serve the people of Maui. We address and inform them. We’ve won awards and accolades. Our next move is to pivot to a monthly print publication coupled with a daily digital component offering news, environmental, dining, arts, and sports coverage along with the island’s most comprehensive events calendar.
We can expand. If you believe in news, if you believe in free speech, if you believe in the First Amendment and the Fourth Estate, please support us.
Mahalo nui loa.
