Kipuni Aloha no Maui Vigil
Motion Graphics
Kipuni Aloha no Maui was a statewide, day-long vigil held on September 1, 2023, in solemn remembrance of the lives and communities affected by the devastating Maui wildfires. Centered around Native Hawaiian healing protocols and interfaith ceremonies, the vigil offered space for collective grief, reflection, and spiritual renewal. Ceremonies were held at sunrise, noon, and sunset and broadcast live from Maui, Moloka‘i, O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, and Hawai‘i Island, uniting the state in aloha and support for Maui.
Contributions
Designed all motion graphics and broadcast visuals, setting the emotional tone for the day’s programming
Collaborated with a local musician to develop original music used throughout the livestream, ensuring the sound aligned with the cultural and emotional intent of the vigil
Worked cross-island with visual and production teams to align the event’s look, feel, and spiritual integrity
Broadcast Reach & Media Partners
This vigil was produced by the Hawai‘i Executive Collaborative, a partnership among four community media stations: ʻŌlelo, Akakū Maui, Nā Leo TV, and Hōʻike Kaua‘i. The livestream aired on television and online via a broad coalition of partners including:
KAKU 88.5 FM, Maui Stream, Hawai‘i News Now, KITV4, KHON2
HONOLULU Magazine, and other statewide and island-specific media outlets
The broadcast’s purpose was not only to mourn, but to heal, and to reaffirm the value of community, resilience, and shared aloha.
Recognition: ACM West "Best of Show" Award
At the 2024 ACM West WAVE Awards in Fresno, California, Kipuni Aloha no Maui received the event’s highest honor: Best of Show. Judges praised the production as a “unanimous” selection for how it embodied the mission of community media:
“It tied all the islands together... one of the best collaborative efforts I’ve ever seen.”
Reflection
This project was one of the most meaningful and humbling experiences of my creative career. Through music and motion design, I was honored to contribute to a shared space of healing and remembrance. It reinforced my belief that art and media, when grounded in culture and care, can bring people together when it matters most.