New MANA Magazine to Cover Hawaiian Culture, Current Affairs

HONOLULU, Jan. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- MANA Magazine, which will be devoted exclusively to Hawaiian culture and current affairs, will launch in April 2012. The bi-monthly magazine will explore hard-hitting issues facing native Hawaiians, as well as highlight Hawaiian heritage, language, art, music and people.

Published by a jointly owned subsidiary of The Kalaimoku Group and PacificBasin Communications, MANA will adhere to professional journalism standards as it delves into topics such as governance, education, health, income and more.

"MANA provides a valued independent voice not tied to any organization or viewpoint," says co-owner and co-publisher John Aeto. "We hope to inspire serious exchange, sharing contrasting opinions and ideas on these and other hard-hitting issues," he says.

Stories will cover the range and diversity of Hawaiian voices wherever they live, including globe trotting Hawaiians.

The Kalaimoku Group is a Honolulu-based, native Hawaiian-owned business development firm founded by Aeto and Cedric Duarte. Both have extensive experience in Hawaiian community affairs and the media.

PacificBasin Communications is Hawai'i's largest, locally owned media company, publishing 10 magazines including HONOLULU Magazine. HONOLULU is Hawai'i's oldest magazine, commissioned under a royal charter from King Kalakaua in 1888 under the name Paradise of the Pacific. MANA emulates these royal roots as a voice for the native Hawaiian community.

"MANA hopes to reach active, engaged Hawaiians everywhere – in Hawai'i, on the Mainland and around the world," says Scott Schumaker, PacificBasin Communications president. "It offers a platform for all those who care deeply about the Hawaiian community and the important role it plays in making Hawai'i, Hawai'i.

"Our owner, Duane Kurisu, built PacificBasin to ensure the integrity of local journalism and continued cultivation of home-grown perspectives. His investment in MANA speaks to his commitment to growing our community's capacity to speak with all Hawai'i audiences."

Schumaker is co-publisher of MANA, with Aeto. Kurisu is the owner of aio Group, a locally owned family of businesses specializing in media, printing, technology, sports and food.

An advisory board for MANA is being recruited. The magazine is taking nominations to ensure community-based content and a statewide scope. Nominations are being accepted via email: [email protected].

To subscribe to MANA Magazine and its newsletter, visit: www.mymanamagazine.com.

SOURCE MANA Magazine