TALK STORY
We are currently piloting a new project to create a Maui County story bank.
In July 2021, participants of our ST*BA storytelling exchange led by artist Leilehua Yuen were paired up with community kūpuna to engage in an open talk story session. Each pairing met for a 40-minute, audio-recorded conversation with the goal of capturing an authentic moment of connection through stories that are embedded in a Maui sense of place. Then, Akakū Community Media's professional editing team condensed each recording into 3-minute segments that became the foundation of our fall 2021 ST*BA call-to-artists process, wherein applicants based public art proposals off of a story of their choosing.
Due to the project's strong resonance within our community, we asked Leilehua to take on a 2022 cohort to expand our network of storytellers, capture new Maui stories and inspire potential works of public art. Scroll down to experience all recorded "Talk Story" sessions to date. Click HERE to learn more about our story initiative.
In July 2021, participants of our ST*BA storytelling exchange led by artist Leilehua Yuen were paired up with community kūpuna to engage in an open talk story session. Each pairing met for a 40-minute, audio-recorded conversation with the goal of capturing an authentic moment of connection through stories that are embedded in a Maui sense of place. Then, Akakū Community Media's professional editing team condensed each recording into 3-minute segments that became the foundation of our fall 2021 ST*BA call-to-artists process, wherein applicants based public art proposals off of a story of their choosing.
Due to the project's strong resonance within our community, we asked Leilehua to take on a 2022 cohort to expand our network of storytellers, capture new Maui stories and inspire potential works of public art. Scroll down to experience all recorded "Talk Story" sessions to date. Click HERE to learn more about our story initiative.
Lopaka White, Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission + Kepā Maly, Cultural Historian & Resource Specialist, Executive Director of Lānaʻi Culture and Heritage Center
Recorded: July 30, 2021 @ 2 PM
Recorded: July 30, 2021 @ 2 PM
- Talk Story Excerpt: LISTEN
- Resulting Artwork: ANIMATION | MURAL
- Student Bio: Growing up on Maui being surrounded and fascinated by the ocean, along with the positive influences of many mentors over the years has helped Lopaka to develop the skills to be a driven leader with a passion for protecting Hawaii’s natural resources- both cultural and physical. The Canoe is what first brought Lopaka to Kahoʻolawe with the Kamaliʻi program of Hawaiian Canoe Club as a teenager. Upon graduating high school and after a short stint in the hotel industry, Lopaka decided to apply for a job on Kahoʻolawe during the UXO cleanup project. During his early years on Kahoʻolawe, working for Parsons Infrastructure & Technology, he spent time in the field performing sub-surface detection of UXO (unexploded ordnance) using metal detectors, assisting EOD’s and their excavation teams with the detection, excavation and removal of UXO; as well as assuring quality control of geophysical detection work performed in the field as a Geophysicist’s Assistant. As an Access Guide, previous restoration project manager and current operations lead, he has been fortunate to have had the opportunity to manage and lead thousands of volunteers in the faunal restoration and re-vegetative efforts of a 45-square mile project site over the course of his tenure with the KIRC.
Anuhea Yagi, Student of Hawaiian Life Ways + Roselle Bailey, Kumu Hula, Ka’Imi Na’auao O Hawaii Nei Institute
Recorded: August 4, 2021 @ 9 AM
Recorded: August 4, 2021 @ 9 AM
Dean Tokishi, Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission + Skippy Hau, Aquatic Biologist, State of Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources
Recorded: August 23, 2021 @ 10 AM
Recorded: August 23, 2021 @ 10 AM
- Talk Story Excerpt: LISTEN
- Resulting Artwork: ANIMATION | PROJECT PAGE
- Student Bio: Growing up on Maui Dean has seen major changes occur in a short period of time to the marine resources around and in the waters of Maui’s shoreline. It’s these changes that have nurtured his appreciation of the life in the ocean and fueled his passion to make sure that they are maintained for all to experience now and for years to come. After graduating from Maui High School and later receiving a degree in Marine Science from the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Dean became involved in the restoration of Kaho‘olawe during the ordnance removal project. In 2003 he obtained a position with the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC) in monitoring and protecting all of the Reserves marine resources. Currently Dean serves as the KIRC’s Ocean Resources Program Manager where he is not only given the opportunity to educate others on the importance of marine resource protection but is humbled as a student that is constantly learning.
Kalapana Kollars, Hawaiian Cultural Programs Director, Lahaina Restoration Foundation + Wallette Pellegrino, Host of ”Preserving Our Recollections” Oral History TV Program for University of Hawaii Maui College
Recorded: September 3, 2021 @ 10 AM
Recorded: September 3, 2021 @ 10 AM
- Talk Story Excerpt: LISTEN
- Resulting Artwork: ANIMATION | PAINTINGS
- Student Bio: Kalapana has been devoted to Hawaiian lifeways and the study of local history for over 25 years. As a lifelong learner, he actively apprentices under notable Hawaiian leaders. For over a decade, he’s lead workshops and tours to share Hawaiian culture with kamaʻāina, new residents and visitors alike, with a focus on Lahaina’s rich, multifaceted history. Having grown up in West O'ahu, Kalapana came to Maui to perform in the show 'Ulalena, where he worked for 18 of the Theatre's 19 years. Kalapana now works for the Lahaina Restoration Foundation and has the kuleana of Cultural Programs Director. Kalapana enjoys long walks on da beach and makes a meen beef stew.
Hōkūao Pellegrino, Sustainability & ʻĀina-Based Learning Designer & Facilitator, Kamehameha Schools Maui + Clifford Naeʻole, Cultural Advisor at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
Recorded: October 11, 2021 @ 11 AM
Recorded: October 11, 2021 @ 11 AM
- Talk Story Excerpt: LISTEN
- Resulting Artwork: ANIMATION | MURAL & DANCE
Sissy Lake-Farm, Kumu Hula, Hālau Makana Aloha O Ka Lauaʻe and Executive Director, Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House Museum/ Maui Historical Society + Gordean Bailey, Kumu Hula, Halau Wehiwehi of Leilehua
Recorded: October 19, 2021 @ 10 AM
Recorded: October 19, 2021 @ 10 AM
- Talk Story Excerpt: LISTEN
- Resulting Artwork: ANIMATION
- Student Bio: Maui Historical Society Executive Director Sissy Lake-Farm traces her family roots back to the Bailey House Museum grounds through Chief Kahekili’s reign. Hula has allowed her to travel the world, and she continues these traditions through her hula school. She and her husband, Kyle Ēlama Farm, have educated their three children through Hawaiian language immersion schools, where they continue to be avid supporters.
2022 HUI MO'OLELO
Soon Yai Amaral, Elder kamaʻāina of Lānaʻi + Diane Preza, Kamaʻāina of Lānaʻi
Recorded: May 3, 2022
Recorded: May 3, 2022
> Listen to a short excerpt of this Talk Story HERE
Dean Del Rosario, Kamaʻāina of Lānaʻi + Shelly Preza, Executive Director, Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center
Recorded: May 31, 2022
Recorded: May 31, 2022
> Listen to a short excerpt of this Talk Story HERE
Annadelle Yahiro + Michael Bursack, Docents for Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House / Maui Historical Society
Recorded: June 7, 2022
Recorded: June 7, 2022
> Listen to a short excerpt of this Talk Story HERE
Hōkūlani Holt, PhD, Kumu Hula, Pāʻū O Hiʻiaka, Ka Hikina O Ka Lā, University of Hawaii Maui College + Cody Pueo Pata, Kumu Hula, Halau Hula ʻo ka Malama Mahilani and cultural advisor to the Maui County Mayor
Recorded: June 7, 2022
Recorded: June 7, 2022
> Listen to a short excerpt of this Talk Story HERE
Sally Ann Delos Reyes, Water-woman + Lopaka White, Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission
Recorded: June 8, 2022
Recorded: June 8, 2022
> Listen to a short excerpt of this Talk Story HERE
Kekoa Enomoto, ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu and Chairwoman, Paʻupena Community Development Corporation + Kauwela Bisquera, General Manager, Queen Kaʻahumanu Center
Recorded: June 9, 2022
Recorded: June 9, 2022
> Listen to a short excerpt of this Talk Story HERE
Frank De Rego, Maui Police Commission, Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, Maui County Climate Action Resiliency Planning Advisory Committee + Wallette Pellegrino, Former Host of ”Preserving Our Recollections” Oral History TV Program for University of Hawaii Maui College
Recorded: June 10, 2022
Recorded: June 10, 2022
> Listen to a short excerpt of this Talk Story HERE
BONUS EPISODE: Sissy Lake-Farm + Lopaka White talk story about Hawaiian Canoe Club
Recorded: June 10, 2022
Recorded: June 10, 2022
> Listen to a short excerpt of this Talk Story HERE
Coach John McCandless (aka Johnny Mac) + Dean Tokishi, Ocean Resources Specialist, Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission
Recorded: June 14, 2022
Recorded: June 14, 2022
> Listen to a short excerpt of this Talk Story HERE
Anuhea Yagi, Student of Hawaiian Life Ways + Hōaka Delos Reyes, expert in the field of stone-on-stone carving (kālai pōhaku)
Recorded: June 16, 2022
Recorded: June 16, 2022
> Listen to a short excerpt of this Talk Story HERE
Michael K. Nāhoʻopiʻi, master lauhala weaver and Executive Director of Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission + Kelly McHugh-White, Maui Public Art Corps
Recorded: June 24, 2022
Recorded: June 24, 2022
> Listen to a short excerpt of this Talk Story HERE
Kahoʻiwai Belsom, Attorney + Jocelyn Romero Demirbag, Ed.D., Director of Development, Maui Nui at The University of Hawaii Foundation
Recorded: June 27, 2022
Recorded: June 27, 2022
> Listen to a short excerpt of this Talk Story HERE
Anthony Pacheco and his father Henry Eskaran, Jr., Kamaʻāina of Lānaʻi
> Listen to a short excerpt of this Talk Story HERE
Nani Fay Paglinawan, Women Helping Women lifetime achievement awardee + Pualani Enos Dunn, Attorney
Recorded: October 29, 2022 Coming soon!
Recorded: October 29, 2022 Coming soon!
COMING SOON:
Momilani & Randy Awo + Kaʻiulani Galon, Family Health Services Division, Maui District Health Office, State of Hawaiʻi Department of Health
Recording: TBD
Kauanoe Batangan, Public Administrator/ Political Consultant
Recording: TBD
Kirk Kurokawa, Painter
Recording: TBD
Momilani & Randy Awo + Kaʻiulani Galon, Family Health Services Division, Maui District Health Office, State of Hawaiʻi Department of Health
Recording: TBD
Kauanoe Batangan, Public Administrator/ Political Consultant
Recording: TBD
Kirk Kurokawa, Painter
Recording: TBD
FORMAT
Our process was designed using StoryCorps DIY, which offered best practices, sample questions and guidance.
- Coordinate the best date & time to meet your match. Then, Kelly/ Sissy will confirm for you.
- Each of you may select 4-5 of the "Sample Questions & Prompts" below, or create your own prior to your scheduled recording. Feel free to go “off-script” and ask follow-up questions. Our goal is to capture an authentic moment of connection that is rooted in a sense of place. You can tell jokes, stories, share photos, objects, memories or choose another way to help you get there.
- Once settled into the recording space, the technician will signal to you that time has started. You'll have 40-minutes to talk story from this point. Start by stating your name, age, the date, and the place where you are - and let your match do the same. Then begin.
- When pau, ask the technician to take a photo of the 2 of you together and send it to Kelly. This will live on the ST*BA website with your story.
- That's it!
SAMPLE QUESTIONS + PROMPTS
- Explain the story behind your name.
- Describe your childhood home.
- What is your favorite place or places, and why? Can you draw a picture for me with your memories?
- How did your parents meet? What did they do for a living?
- Growing up, what did your community look like outside of your family? How did you meet them?
- Tell me about your neighborhood. Are there any special places of interest?
- What languages do your parents and grandparents speak?
- What games did you play when you were young? What toys did you have? Where did you play?
- Have your hobbies and interests changed over time?
- Describe your grammar school/high school. Did you have any influential teachers?
- Did you have any goals/dreams for “when you grew up?”
- Tell me about the house you grew up in. Where did you spend most of your time? Did you move to another home while you were growing up? Tell me about the new home.
- What were mealtimes like in your family? What foods did you eat? Who cooked the food? Who cleaned up after meals?
- How did your family get around? Did you have a car? Did you use public transportation?
- What did you listen to growing up?
- Do you remember any epidemics or diseases growing up? Did your family have any home remedies?
- What was your first job? What lessons did you learn? Additional jobs and details – trace career path, changes
- Tell me about any influential mentors.
- Tell me about your college years. What school? How did you decide to go there? What was your major?
- Did you do a semester abroad?
- How have historic events, such as 9/11, hurricanes, the Great Depression, world wars, natural disasters, strikes, and now Covid-19 etc., affected you?
- Did these events impact your community?
- What would constitute a “perfect” day for you?
- Name three things that you and I appear to have in common.
- For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
- If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?
- Take four minutes and tell me your life story in as much detail as possible.
- If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be?
- Is there something that you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven’t you done it?
- What is your greatest accomplishment?
- What do you value most in a friendship?
- What is your most treasured memory? What is your most terrible memory?
- Alternate sharing something you consider a positive characteristic of your talk story partner. Share a total of five items.
- Make three true “we” statements each. For instance, “We are both in this room feeling ... “
- Share an embarrassing moment in your life.
- When did you last cry in front of another person? By yourself?
- What, if anything, is too serious to be joked about?
- Your house, containing everything you own, catches fire. After saving your loved ones and pets, you have time to safely make a final dash to save any one item. What would it be? Why?
- Share a personal problem and ask your partner’s advice on how he or she might handle it. Also, ask your partner to reflect back to you how you seem to be feeling about the problem you have chosen.
- If you could hold on to one memory from your life forever, which would it be?
- (Tell the person you are interviewing what they mean to you).
- How would you like to be remembered?
Learn more at our STORY project page