Participants Sharing the “Aloha” include (from left): front row — Terani Richmond, Kathy Collins and Branscombe Richmond; back row — Ray Fite and Brad Starks. PHOTO BY LEIOHU RICHMOND.

KAHULUI – Brilliant Minds Media Inc. on May 26 announced the official launch of their Love Aloha Campaign “ALOHA” video. Visit vimeo.com/398194248 to see it.

Brilliant Minds Media contracted Branscombe Richmond to produce this celebrity-driven, six-minute video as part of their nonprofit organization’s “Love Aloha Campaign.”

The video features many local celebrities from various backgrounds – actors, chefs, media personalities, cultural practitioners and Maui County residents – all encouraging the aloha spirit.

Richmond, an internationally known actor who has worked in the entertainment industry for more than 47 years and now lives in Kula, felt compelled to do this project.

“We originally created this video pre-COVID-19. Our goal was to encourage more visitors to vacation on Maui and feel more welcomed. Local residents would also be reminded what it means to share the aloha and to appreciate everyone’s differences as we all come together. While COVID-19 changed everyone’s lives, including our tourism industry, the essence of what it means to teach, share and perpetuate the meaning of aloha has not changed – it is at the heart and spirit of Hawaii,” Richmond said.

Among those featured in the video are Henry Kapono, Sista Robi Kahakalua, Amy Hill, Hawaiian Style Band, Wailele Lu’au, Henry Aarona, Ehu (The horse), Samson Kalani Pe’a, Ka’o Mattos, Kalekoa Kaeo, Aunty Gordean Bailey, Halau Wehiwehi, Leilehua Na Haumana, Richard Bissen, Kathy Collins, Ricky Guild, Frank B. Shaner, Sam Kuailani, Marvin Moniz, Ryan and Gabbi, Bethany Laqueretabua, Scotty Tangatailoa, Kianna Niles, Desmond Sula, Jane Arruda, Saimone Mamao, Poimana Melekiola, Edward Juan, Kaeo Blas, Brittney Latayada, Pomai Tampon, Cheyenne Jarnesky, Brian Garraway, Reneece Moore, Odysseus Taylor, Cyris and Talei Schaefer, Stefan Schaefer, Peahi (The Pua’a), Chenta Laury, Eric Gilliom, Clifford Naeole, Francis Koahou, Gary Green, Spencer Stolsig, Kysen Canto-Masoe, Teiana Canto-Masoe, Keyden Canto-Masoe, Tiare Canto-Masoe, Kaniala Masoe, Kahuna Ha’i Olelo Mamo Kahu and Laki Pomakai Kaahumanu.

Music was provided by David Kawika Kahiapo and Kana’i Aupuni.

“This video was truly a labor of love,” said Richmond. “A big mahalo goes to all those featured in this video; to Maui County Councilmember Tasha Kama, who provided the funding from her county budget; and to Luana Mahi, who helped provide administrative and marketing support. We also thank everyone who decides to share this video. Together, we can continue to share the message of aloha.”

Brilliant Minds Media Inc. is a non-profit organization created to promote and educate a deeper appreciation of cultural commonalities and differences through various forms of media and the arts. For information, e-mail brilliantmindsmediamaui@gmail.com or call (808) 878-3652.

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