Maleko McDonnell serves as the Communications Manager for United Public Workers Hawaii, AFSCME LOCAL 646 (UPW) and is responsible for overseeing all internal and external communications, media relations, and marketing efforts for the union. With a membership of over 13,000, UPW represents workers for the State of Hawaii and its Counties.
- Experienced Broadcaster
For over 25 years, Maleko McDonnell has been building a local audience through community service and professionalism, most recently as a morning news anchor for “Good Morning Hawaii” on KITV4-ABC (Lilly, Allen Media Group). He focused on the community service beat and was recognized for his news feature, “Moving Forward,” which highlighted the innovative ways small business owners and entrepreneurs kept their businesses alive under the difficult economic pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In March 2020, Maleko co-produced the “Living Room Live — #AlohaTogether” COVID-19 telethon concert fundraiser. Local and international recording artists, celebrities, and public figures joined the broadcast to deliver messages of hope and inspiring performances. The series raised more than $100,000 in donations to purchase Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers and first responders in Hawaii.
Maleko’s irregular radio personality was the host of “Maleko’s Room” on Star 101.9-FM radio for nearly two decades. The program was consistently rated among the top afternoon drive programs in Honolulu. Serval cornerstone moments in his career were during several critical statewide emergencies. In 2006, he was the first to air with live coverage during an early morning earthquake and the consequent daylong island-wide power outage. Similarly, when Oahu’s power grid failed again in 2008, Maleko was on air again, broadcasting updates throughout the crisis.
- Influential Communicator
Maleko McDonnell serves as the Communications Manager for United Public Workers Hawaii, AFSCME LOCAL 646 (UPW) and is responsible for overseeing all internal and external communications, media relations, and marketing efforts for the union. With a membership of over 13,000, UPW represents workers for the State of Hawaii and its Counties.
His career-spanning background in marketing and communications began as the Marketing and Promotions Director for iHeartMedia at Star 101.9-FM in the early 2000’s. He was responsible for designing dynamic and exciting promotional events and creating and executing innovative digital marketing campaigns. He has also managed the digital properties of iHeartRadio Honolulu, including websites and social media, for over a decade.
Later, as the head of Marketing and Communications for Events International, Maleko conceived and executed creative marketing strategies and experiential campaigns for several high-profile corporate clients and small businesses in Hawaii.
A verified social media influencer, Maleko continues his role as podcast producer on the iHeartRadio network, corporate event emcee, and the official race announcer and voice of the Honolulu Marathon Association as well as co-producer of the renowned “Le Dîner en Blanc – Honolulu.”
- Public Speaker
Maleko McDonnell is a local communications professional who has made a name for himself in broadcasting in Hawaii. He is a public speaker, event host, race announcer, and auctioneer. He serves as the official announcer for sporting events like the Honolulu Marathon, Hapalua Half-Marathon, and King’s Runner 10K, motivating thousands of runners with his distinctive broadcast voice. He has also announced the Tin Man Triathlon, Honolulu Triathlon, Lanikai Triathlon, and Waikiki Roughwater Swim. In addition to sporting events, Maleko also served as the host for Miss Hawaii (Miss America), Miss Hawaii USA (Miss USA), and Miss Teen Hawaii USA.
In addition to his professional work, Maleko is committed to giving back to his community through charitable endeavors. He frequently serves as an emcee or auctioneer at events to support organizations, including the American Heart Association, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Hawaii Land Trust, Hawaii Food and Wine Festival, Institute for Human Services, and Aloha United Way. Over the span of his career, Maleko has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to support these charities and their efforts to better Hawaii.
- Winning Talent
Maleko McDonnell has been a notable figure in Hawaii’s broadcasting industry for over 25 years. As a journalist, he served as a News Anchor for Good Morning Hawaii on KITV4 Island News in Honolulu, Hawaii. During his assignment, the show was extended to four and a half hours daily, broadcasting from 4:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. on KITV4, KIKU-TV, and Hawaii TV, delivering nearly 70 hours of weekly live news coverage.
Maleko confidently and compassionately delivered unscripted breaking news, local headlines, and global crises, keeping viewers informed and engaged, especially during statewide emergencies such as hurricanes and tsunami warnings.
In addition to his work in television, Maleko spent 20 years in radio as a host, producer, and podcaster. He was a leading producer on the iHeartRadio Podcast Network, creating feature shows for the network and other industry platforms. The “Maleko & Flash Podcast” premiered in 2009 and was a consistent favorite, repeatedly ranked among the top 3 shows on iHeartRadio in Honolulu. In 2006, Maleko was voted as the Best Radio Personality by readers in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin’s People’s Choice awards. His afternoon drive program “Maleko’s Room” frequently topped records in ratings and revenue between 2006 and 2016.
Maleko is also an award-winning actor and passionate advocate for community theatre. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Manoa Valley Theatre. He most recently appeared on stage in the highly acclaimed MVT production “Shipment Day” and the Off-Broadway sensation “Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding.” He won Po’okela Awards for Outstanding Male Performance in Manoa Valley Theatre’s “The Odd Couple” production and “Peter and the Starcatcher.”