Executive Message

Aloha Kakou!

As Executive Director, I welcome you to the 2010 Miss Maui and Miss `Ulalena Scholarship Program’s new website, compliments of one of our major sponsors, Paul Hayashi.  Paul is also responsible for the beautiful photos of our contestants and now, Paul has created the awesome video for all to enjoy. 

This year’s theme is "Na Ho'omau 'O Ilina" translated meaning -- "The Legacy Continues....”   As we celebrate the 38th Anniversary of Miss Maui and the 3rd Annual Miss `Ulalena, I am extremely proud of Maui’s own 12 beautiful, talented and intelligent, young women, who aren’t here for a crown and banner, but more importantly to achieve and strive in becoming great scholars, future leaders and ambassadors of our beautiful islands.  This year’s contestants have shown their true beauty and Aloha with one another showing support, encouragement, maturity, humbleness, love and most of all, respect and a close bond as true sisters.  I am honored to work with a beautiful group of young ladies who in my eyes all possess the qualities of a beautiful and true Miss Hawai'i.  It’s an exciting time for everyone, knowing that among these group of young women, there are two who will be chosen for the honored titles of Miss Maui and Miss `Ulalena. 

In 2009 we have all seen and experienced the challenges of the economic recession which has affected our local island businesses and sponsors.  Today, we continue to feel the effects of these times, but as island folks do, we pull together with the continued support the returning sponsors of our scholarship program.  We are also blessed to have new sponsors join us this year.  As Executive Director I am grateful and thankful for each and every sponsor of our Miss Maui and Miss`Ulalena Scholarship program. Who, without your help and support could not be at the caliber you see today.  

In our last season of the 2009 Miss Maui Scholarship Program, we had the extraordinary opportunity of having six of Maui’s finest young ladies represent Maui County in the Miss Hawaii Scholarship Pageant.  We were extremely honored to have Miss Maui 2009 Cierra Rauch, the only neighbor island representative advance into the Top 10 Semi-Finals of Miss Hawaii.  Cierra made all of Maui extremely proud!!  As Miss Maui, Cierra had the opportunity to have her other pageant sisters with her.  Miss 'Ulalena Marissa Petsas, Miss Valley Isle Ashley Jardine, and three new title sisters, Miss Haleakala Malia Avila, Miss Silversword Natasha Thorell and Miss Lokelani Erika Daniels. All our young women showed their best in the 2009 Miss Hawaii Scholarship Pageant.  This feat will always be at the top of our memories of such accomplishments for Maui’s young women - one in which we will never forget.   Sadly, due to our economic times, the organization has decided to allow only two winners for 2010.  Once we see improvements in our economy and with hopes of securing additional sponsorship to support our scholarship program, we’ll be able to bring back the additional titles in an effort of granting more scholarships to Maui’s young women, not to mention the wonderful opportunity to compete in the Miss Hawaii Scholarship Program.   

Good luck and best wishes to our 2009 title holder -  Miss Silversword 2009 Natasha Thorell, is now the new Miss Aloha Maui 2010 and has secured a second opportunity to compete in the 2010 Miss Hawai'i Scholarship Pageant, along with our two new winners Miss Maui and Miss 'Ulalena 2010.  

Our 2009 Miss 'Ulalena - Marissa Petsas, after competing in the 2009 Miss Hawaii Scholarship Pageant, competed in the 2010 Miss Hawaii USA Pageant in October of this year and placed 3^rd runner-up.  She was the only neighbor island contestant who succeeded in placing in the Top Five.  Marissa made the people of Maui very proud! Marissa was offered the opportunity of modeling in various fashion shows and has been blessed to travel to Tokyo, Japan. She will be working for Disney Tokyo as a professional Polynesian dancer.  Marissa will be unable to join us to crown the new 2010 Miss 'Ulalena as she is starting this new chapter of life and career in Japan.  All of Maui wishes Marissa the best and may God Bless and protect you while you’re away from our islands living in Japan.  Enjoy your youthful years, and we hope you’ll soon be back to continue competition in the Miss Maui, Miss Hawaii and Miss America Scholarship Program.  You have represented the title of Miss 'Ulalena with grace and beauty, and you’ll always be part of the Miss 'Ulalena Legacy. 

We proudly announce our recent collaboration with Q103.7 FM radio and radio personality Da Big Hawaii "Kilakila" as our newest sponsor to support our awesome organization.  KilaKila has been designated Master of Ceremonies, along with Hawaii's best Comedian and DJ -- Augie-T along with the beautiful former Miss Hawai'i 2008 - Nicole Fox.  Together these three will bring the house down during the evening of our pageant. 

To each and every one of our sponsors, without your assistance we would not be as successful an organization as we’ve become.  We are honored by your continued commitment and the people of Maui are proud to have you associated with our scholarship program, this beautiful legacy for years to come.  I look forward to your continued support of Maui’s future shining stars, our 12 beautiful young women representing our Valley Isle.  Your support allows these young women the bright opportunity of making their dreams come true. 

To my committee members, your tireless, ceaseless work, dedication and commitment does not go unnoticed, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for always making it all worthwhile. You each possess a special and unique talent that is truly worthy and appreciated, if not for your willing and giving hearts, we would not be able to achieve the goals we’ve set for this amazing program. You are all beautiful gems!  

To Maui’s own, our 12 beautiful and talented young women -- my wish for each of you is that you give your absolute best (and I know you will), coupled with Faith, Love and the Light of God within you.  Remember to always stand strong, speak up for all you believe in, continue your path of education of becoming Maui’s bright future scholars and leaders, always aiming high for your goals and dreams.  I am extremely proud of each of you!!  Looking forward, I am excited to be able to work and train with our future 2010 Miss Maui and Miss 'Ulalena.  I excitedly await the day of one of you becoming Maui’s first in capturing both the Miss Hawai'i and Miss America titles!  Dreams do come true!  Want it, work hard for it, and one day that golden crown could be yours!  Ladies, one of you will earn and be crowned our 2010 Miss Maui or Miss 'Ulalena…. pray, focus and give it your BEST! 

Lastly, our faithful people of Maui, we look forward to seeing you at our 2010 Miss Maui and Miss 'Ulalena Scholarship Pageant scheduled for Sunday, January 31, 2010, at 7:00 pm in the Maui Theatre of `Ulalena in Lahaina.  Each year, the night of the pageant becomes a sold out performance.  We encourage you to get your tickets early because you certainly won’t want to miss such a beautiful and memorable evening.  For your convenience, the following outlets are able to serve you with your ticket purchase: Kahului - SOLID Clothing Co. in Queen Ka'ahumanu Shopping Center, 2nd floor), Kihei - Elly's Formal Wear & Bridal at their New location in the Sugar Beach Resort Center, in Lahaina - The Maui Theatre of `ULALENA.  Tickets are: Pre-sale $30.00 / at the Door $35.00.  Doors open at 5:30pm and Shows Start at 7:00 pm.  Get your Tickets Now!!! For more information please call: Ph. 463.2560 or email me at missmauihawaii@yahoo.com .  SEE YOU AT THE PAGEANT! 

A'hui hou kakou malama pono me ke'akua ho'omaika'i 'ia 'oe,

'Iolani Chun

Executive Director