More than 300 community members gathered for Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) recent Ke Alahele Education Benefit, helping raise vital funds for local science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education programs while celebrating Maui County’s next generation of innovators and exceptional educators.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the Daniel K. Inouye Innovation (DKII) Awards, which recognize student STEM projects designed to serve the community. Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen joined Tiare Martin, executive director of the Vanguard Maui High Performance Computing Center and chair of MEDB’s board, and Leslie Wilkins, MEDB president and CEO, to present the awards.
The 2026 DKII Award went to Maui High School students Naiomi Ibarra and Toby Naumov for “Above the Flood: Kaʻonoʻulu Gulch Mapping Project,” an innovative effort to address riverbank erosion in Kīhei. Using a drone equipped with visible-light and infrared cameras, the team identified where erosion along the gulch was concentrated and most severe. Their goal was to give local agencies more precise data to guide river management and flood-prevention efforts in an area where flooding has repeatedly damaged roads, land, and homes. The project demonstrates how engineering and technology can help communities better understand risk and protect vulnerable areas.
Maui High School students, Naiomi Ibarra and Toby Naumov were awarded the 2026 Daniel K. Inouye Innovation Award
Georgia Baetge of Lānaʻi High and Elementary School received an Honorable Mention for “Soil DNA and Native Medicinal Plants Analysis on Soil Health in Lānaʻi.” Her research examined how introducing native Hawaiian medicinal plants and canoe plants affects soil microbial diversity. By comparing microbial communities before and after planting, Baetge explored whether native plants could increase soil diversity and activity. Because healthy soil is essential to agriculture and ecosystem restoration, her work could ultimately provide valuable insights for farmers and land stewards in her small island community.
Georgia Baetge of Lānaʻi High and Elementary School received an Honorable Mention 2026 Daniel K. Inouye Award
The evening also honored two outstanding Maui County educators with the Czechowicz Award. Sean Yannell of King Kekaulike High School and Iolani Kuoha of Molokai Intermediate School each received $5,000 in recognition of their achievements in education. Unlike classroom grants, the awards are intended for the teachers themselves—an opportunity to celebrate and invest directly in the educators who inspire their students every day.
All honorees will receive monetary prizes recognizing their hard work and accomplishments. Proceeds from the Ke Alahele Education Benefit will also support the Ke Alahele Education Fund grant program, expanding opportunities for STEM learning across Maui County.
A big mahalo to this year’s event sponsors: 99.9 Kiss FM, Akakū Maui Community Media, Alpha Inc., ALTRES, American Savings Bank, Bank of Hawai’i, Bayer Hawaii, Brown and Caldwell, Cades Schutte, ECM, Inc., Elite Lending, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, EO Solutions, First Hawaiian Bank, First Insurance Company of Hawaii Charitable Foundation, Genica Mae Aban Galapon, Hale Mahaolu, Haleakala Ranch Company, Hawaiian Telcom, HEMIC Foundation, HMSA, Kaiser Permanente, Lipoa, Maui’s Innovation Community, Lt. Col. Thornton , Maui Oil Company, Munekiyo Hiraga, No Ka Oi Energy LLC, NSF Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, Okumura Foundation, Otomo Engineering, Inc., Pacific Media Group, Pa’ia Sugar Mill, Privateer, ProService Hawaii, Roy H. and Lorraine M. Okumura Foundation, Ryan Fukushima, Shaun Moore , SR Partners LLC, The ‘Enehana Project, The Maui News, UH John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Wailea Beach Resort, Wailkuku Village People.
To learn more and/or make a donation, visit www.medbpathways.org.
Sean Yannell of King Kekaulike High School was honored as an outstanding educator with the Czechowicz Award 2026
Iolani Kuoha of Molokai Intermediate School was honored as an outstanding educator with the Czechowicz Award 2026
About Maui Economic Development Board, Inc. (MEDB):
MEDB is a non-profit organization committed to promoting and supporting a sustainable and diversified economy in Maui County. Through its focus on business development, education, and community engagement, MEDB aims to create economic opportunities that enhance residents’ quality of life while preserving the culture and environment of the Hawaiian Islands.