Earlier this month Akakū Maui Community Media hosted a video screening and panel discussion about the circular economy on Maui at its Akakū Upstairs June salon titled, “Sunflowers, Sustainability & Self Sufficiency”. Panelists Bob and Kelly King, founders of Pacific Biodiesel, along with Autumn Ness, co-founder and president of Maui Hub, were inspiring and thought-provoking as they described to the live audience how their operations are contributing to Maui’s circular economy. A surprise guest, four-time Grammy Award winner George Kahumoku Jr began the evening with an acoustic performance of his original song “Sunflowers,” inspired by the Sunflower Farm Music Fest benefit event held at the King’s Maui Sunflower Farm on Earth Day.

According to Akakū, “This was truly an informative conversation and screening on the current status of the ‘circular economy’ on Maui and throughout Hawai’i with a focus on renewable energy, food sustainability and regenerative farming.” Akakū Upstairs is a community outreach program designed to bring Maui Nui together to share, learn, and be inspired by local stories, elevating community and conversation.

The presentation was broadcast on Akakū Channel 55.  Watch it here as a video on demand or on the station’s free mobile app, MauiStream.

Grammy award winner George Kahumoku Jr. performed his original song “Sunflowers” to open the June 15th presentation. Applauding from the panel are from left to right: Autumn Ness, Bob King and Kelly King.