On this episode of Long Story Short, Leslie Wilcox talks with Ty Sanga, an up and coming filmmaker. After leaving a career in the visitor industry, Sanga struggled to find the right calling to share and convey Hawaii's unique culture. The University of Hawaii ethnic studies program introduced him to the power of film documentaries to communicate a personal vision. Sanga is a graduate of the UH Academy for Creative Media and received his MFA from Chapman University. His Hawaiian language film Stones was recently honored by the prestigious Sundance Film Festival in 2011. His graceful depiction of a Hawaiian legend illustrates his authentic voice and visual style.
Leslie Wilcox talks story with Na Hoku Hanohano-award-winning musician Kawika Kahiapo about fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming a professional musician, his early experiences performing with Gabby "Pops" Pahinui and Pahinui family; the "it-was-meant-to-be" first encounter with the musicians who would become his group Kaukahi, and his dedication to giving back to the community.
Maui-based kumu hula and Hawaiian cultural/language specialist Hōkūlani Holt talks story with Leslie Wilcox about growing up on Oahu and Maui, being hānai'd (adopted) by her grandparents, and growing up in a well-known hula family. Hōkūlani also talks about juggling her demanding yet fulfilling life as a kumu hula, Director of Cultural Programs at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, and her active roles in a long list of community organizations. Through it all she draws strength from her Hawaiian heritage and a family history of strong, independent women.
Leslie Wilcox visits with veteran journalists Denby Fawcett and Bob Jones, who discuss their personal lives and TV news careers. They also comment on the current and future state of the news business.
In this edition of Long Story Short, Leslie Wilcox introduces us to Catherine Payne, who recenly retired after a long careeer as one of Hawaii's most respected educators. After spending her childhood moving from place to place with her Navy pilot father, Payne spent her adult life working to create stability for Hawaii teenagers - including many who lacked adults they could depend on. During a career that spanned more than 35 years, she worked as a teacher, vice principal and principal, never taking on the easy jobs. Instead, she led some of the toughest schools on Oahu and nurtured students with not only academic, but languages, socio-economic and behavioral challenges.
Jessie Higa is a volunteer historian at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on Oahu. A child of parents in the service and now the wife of a military officer, Higa is a civilian who has always had close military ties. She shares her wealth of knowledge about the area that became Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
Senator Daniel K. Inouye talks story with Leslie Wilcox.
A very optimistic Daniel K. Inouye shares stories with Leslie Wilcox.
In Part 2, Clyde speaks in-depth about the now-famous incident in which his older brother Eddie Aikau was lost at sea while trying to find help for the crew of the capsized Hokule’a in 1978. He also delivers a conciliatory message to the family of the late David Lyman, who was the captain of that ill-fated Hokule’a voyage, and speaks with pride about “living in the shadow” of his older brother Eddie.
Leslie Wilcox talks with Clyde Aikau, big wave surfing champion, former North Shore life guard and younger brother of the late Eddie Aikau (of “Eddie Would Go” fame). In part one of the conversation, Clyde talks about growing up in Chinese graveyard in Pauoa valley, surfing giant North Shore waves while approaching age 60, and his 15 year old son Ha’a’s approach to the sport.