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Since the age of three, California-born and Hawaii-raised Loretta Ables Sayre knew that all she wanted to be in life was a singer. She made her Broadway musical debut 47 years later in the plum role of Bloody Mary in the revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific and received a Tony Award nomination. Everything in her life experience seemed to lead to the moment she was given that dream role. Part One of a two-part interview covers Loretta Ables Sayre's life before South Pacific.
In this edition of Long Story Short, Leslie Wilcox talks story with Rose Tseng, who recently stepped down as Chancellor of the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Tseng oversaw the transformation of UH-Hilo into a world-class university, leading the way during a 12-year era of growth, innovation and expansion.
Since arriving in Hilo in 1998, Tseng has dedicated herself to improving educational opportunities, solving community issues and promoting international cooperation and understanding. In addition to being a scholar, scientist and educator, Tseng is known for her talent in bringing together people, resources and communities to set goals and achieve a common vision.
How happy are we? If you're Alvin Wong, you are, according to the New York Times, the happiest person in America! What makes him so happy? Money? Success? Love? Family? Find out, as we present the happiest person in America: Hawaiʻi's own Alvin Wong.
Leslie Wilcox sits down with Chipper and Hau‘oli Wichman, a longtime husband-and-wife team who head the National Tropical Botanical Garden on Kaua‘i. Chipper, chief executive officer of NTBG, grew up on Oahu in a privileged family but attended Roosevelt High School. His wife and executive assistant Hau‘oli had modest beginnings in Nanakuli before her family moved to Kahului. The two reveal how the Hawaiian language and Hau‘oli's tutu led to the couple's romance and discuss their "bigger kuleana" of land stewardship.
Pat Saiki, Hilo-born public school teacher, wife and mother of five, became a U.S. Congresswoman and head of the nation’s Small Business Administration. Not one to let racial discrimination, gender bias, government bureaucracy or social injustice get her down, Pat worked to put them down and was elected, as a Republican, to serve in the State House of Representatives from 1968-1974, the State Senate from 1974-1982, and the U.S. Congress from 1986-1990. Today, Pat continues to advocate for women, minorities and those less fortunate, taking a special interest in elder care. And she continues to inspire those she meets.
Pat Saiki, Hilo-born public school teacher, wife and mother of five, became a U.S. Congresswoman and head of the nation’s Small Business Administration. Not one to let racial discrimination, gender bias, government bureaucracy or social injustice get her down, Pat worked to put them down and was elected, as a Republican, to serve in the State House of Representatives from 1968-1974, the State Senate from 1974-1982, and the U.S. Congress from 1986-1990. Today, Pat continues to advocate for women, minorities and those less fortunate, taking a special interest in elder care. And she continues to inspire those she meets.
Olin Lagon is the director of Kanu Hawaii, an environmental and social movement. He calls himself a "geek" raised in Kalihi and Palolo public housing. In his teen years, Olin says he skipped school to catch waves, and jokes that his blood alcohol level was higher than his GPA. In this conversation with Leslie Wilcox, see how Olin found new paths in life and became a tech entrepreneur and community champion.
Leslie Wilcox talks with Shim Kanazawa, often called "the Florence Nightingale of Hawaii." During World War II, Shim became a lifeline for Japanese American families incarcerated at relocation camps. Through the decades that followed, she has advocated for Hawaii's families, especially the elderly. Shim's dedication to helping others could be traced back to her parents' simple advice: to be good to everybody.
Leslie Wilcox visits with Hedda Sharapan, who worked with Fred Rogers on the classic PBS children's program Mister Rogers Neighborhood. Hedda continues Fred Rogers' legacy as Director of Early Childhood Initiatives at The Fred Rogers Company. In her role, she helps incorporate curriculum and life lessons into the company's television productions, including Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood and Peg + Cat, a new kids' series premiering in October on PBS Hawaii.
Eddie Kamae, legendary Hawaii musician and a seminal figure in the Hawaiian Cultural Renaissance of the 1970s, shares early life lessons and musical experiences and how these helped shape his long-running career. Eddie and Myrna talk about some of the most interesting people they have met over their 20+ year journey making documentaries, and reveal how their meeting was love at first sound.