The Maui News sold to local nonprofit, shifting business model

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Maui News announced that it is moving to a nonprofit model beginning Friday.

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The Valley Isle newspaper will be sold to Maui Nui Media and Creativity Collaborative, a local nonprofit interested in continuing to serve the Maui community.

Maui Nui Media and Creativity Collaborative is led by Maui residents Axel Beers, Alika Seki, Anuhea Yagi and Lance Collins, and also includes the newspaper’s general manager, Jenni DeFouw.

Maui News General Manager Jenni DeFouw said, “It’s a passion project, and it’s all about the community, keeping the newspaper in the community. It’ll take the community’s support, but we’re excited to share in that with everyone.”

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Defouw also said that the paper has been working in collaboration with the nonprofit for months leading up to the ownership change.

The paper says that not much will change for readers. Maui News will also continue under the same name.

There are no layoffs planned during the transition, and the paper will continue all current relationships as the only printer on Maui.

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