Begun as a free bi-weekly newsprint magazine, Maui Time offered a combination of music, sports, arts and community features, as well as Maui's first true entertainment calendar.

Russo noted the lack of a strong community-based publication while traveling on Maui.

At the time he was completing degree studies at Chico State University building a strong sales background in print media during his employment with a local paper in Chico, California.

Within a year, the two Chico, California transplants moved to Maui to start an independent community publication.

Maui Time established a free and independent voice to represent the wide variety of views, opinions and lifestyles.