Dedicated to connecting with the local community, Maleko McDonnell has spent over 25 years making a positive impact through his work in broadcasting and community service. Widely recognized as the morning news anchor for “Good Morning Hawaii” on KITV4-ABC (Lilly, Allen Media Group), Maleko covered local community issues during his nearly decade-long tenure. His news feature, “Moving Forward,” shed light on the resilient efforts of small business owners and entrepreneurs navigating the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In March 2020, Maleko co-produced the “Living Room Live — #AlohaTogether” COVID-19 telethon concert fundraiser, bringing together a diverse array of local and international recording artists, celebrities, and public figures to spread messages of hope and deliver powerful performances. This successful event raised over $100,000 in donations to secure vital Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers and first responders in Hawaii.
For close to twenty years, Maleko entertained audiences as the host of “Maleko’s Room” on Star 101.9-FM radio in Honolulu, consistently ranking among the top afternoon drive programs in the region. Throughout his career, he played a pivotal role in providing live coverage during critical statewide emergencies, including the early morning earthquake in 2006 and the ensuing island-wide power outage. Maleko also delivered crucial updates during other emergencies, such as Oahu’s power grid failure in 2008.