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Community Media Day

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Celebrating Community Media Day: Today's Stories, Tomorrow's History​

On October 20, we celebrate Community Media Day and the power of putting storytelling into the hands of the people, ensuring that our communities are represented not just by those who observe them, but by those who live their stories, shape their history, and preserve it for generations to come.

Hawaiʻi’s history is found in the stories, traditions, and everyday experiences of the people who call these islands home. These are the stories that connect us to one another, remind us where we come from, and help shape what we leave behind.

Here in Hawaiʻi, that mission holds special meaning. Our islands are home to a rich diversity of cultures, traditions, and generations, each contributing to the unique fabric of our communities. Community media gives these different perspectives a place to be shared, celebrated, and preserved, creating a fuller picture of who we are.

At ʻŌlelo Community Media, we see this every day. From student filmmakers finding their creativity and confidence to our legacy volunteers and members sharing their memories and traditions. People of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures have something meaningful to share.

Through community media, we’re preserving Hawaiʻi’s living history for generations to come. The people, places, traditions, and experiences we document today become part of a lasting record of life in our islands, connecting future generations to the stories and memories of those who came before them.

Community Media Day Recognized in Hawaiʻi

This year, we’re honored to receive proclamations from the Governor of Hawaiʻi and the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu recognizing Community Media Day.

As we celebrate Community Media Day, we celebrate the students, storytellers, educators, volunteers, and community members who make it all possible. Thank you for trusting us with your stories and for helping preserve the moments, memories, and perspectives that make Hawaiʻi so special.

The Project Management Institute – Hawaii’s annual Professional Development Day is almost here, and we are making sure their volunteer crew is ready to capture every moment!

3 new PMI members joined the cohort of videographers this year, and together they learned to transform a day filled with keynote talks and breakout sessions into an enlightening experience the whole community will be able to share in! Watch out for content from the event on our ʻŌlelo channels.

Over the past six months, ʻŌlelo has trained students and faculty from the University of Hawaii System who took part in the Hawaiian Center’s Ka Ipu Hoʻokele Waʻa: Indigenous Digital Storytelling Project. Through a series of workshops in Creative Media, Video Production, Studio Broadcasting, and Editing, students learned hands-on skills that align with ʻŌlelo’s mission to boost Native Hawaiian student engagement and professional development through a culturally relevant curriculum that explores digital literacy and storytelling through an Indigenous lens.

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Session 1 - Creative Media Storytelling3
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Session 4 - Multicam2

Megabon Hawaiʻi returns to Leeward Community College on Saturday, September 12, bringing the community together for an evening of bon dance, taiko and cultural performances.

Presented by JCI Honolulu, Megabon celebrates the traditions that connect Hawaiʻi’s communities through music, movement and shared experiences. Whether you’re a longtime bon dancer or attending for the first time, everyone is invited to take part.

The evening begins with an opening ceremony at 4:10 p.m., featuring Leeward Community College representatives, Bishop Cosmo Hirai, Ryugen Taiko and members of Hālau Ka Waikahe Lani Mālie and Hālau Kahulaliwai.

Bon dancing begins at 4:40 p.m. with performances and participation from:

  • Hawaiʻi Shin Kobu Kai
  • Waipahu Soto Mission Bon Dance Class
  • Oʻahu District Bon Dance Club
  • Hawaiʻi Eisa Shinyuu Kai
  • ʻEwa Fukushima Bon Dance Club

A half-time performance featuring Chinagu Eisa and Ryugen Taiko begins at 6:20 p.m., followed by a second rotation of bon dancing at 7 p.m. Closing activities begin at 8:45 p.m., with the evening concluding with Fukushima Ondo.

Watch Megabon Online

Can’t attend in person? ʻŌlelo Community Media is supporting online coverage of Megabon Hawaiʻi, produced by EMP Live Designs.

The livestream will primarily follow the evening’s program and include interviews with participating sponsors and vendors between performances. Live coverage is tentatively expected to run from 4 to 9 p.m.

The final livestream time, official program title and viewing information will be shared once confirmed.

Learn more about the event at megabonhawaii.com.

The 44th Annual Okinawan Festival returns to the Hawaiʻi Convention Center on September 5 and 6, 2026, for a weekend of Okinawan food, music, dance, cultural activities and family fun.

Presented by the Hawaii United Okinawa Association (HUOA), the festival is supported by hundreds of volunteers who help keep Okinawan traditions thriving in Hawaiʻi.

The Okinawan Festival is powered by volunteers whose dedication extends far beyond the festival weekend. Each year, HUOA volunteers work alongside ʻŌlelo Community Media to help film the performances and activities that bring the festival to life. They give their time, share their production knowledge and help ensure these important cultural moments are documented for the wider community.

Their impact also reaches the next generation. During this year’s festival, HUOA and ʻŌlelo volunteers will work with students from Waipahu and Leilehua high schools as they learn how to operate cameras and film a live community event. By guiding students through a real production, these volunteers are helping young people build practical media skills while passing on the importance of preserving and sharing Okinawan culture.

Festival Hours

Saturday, September 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, September 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hawaiʻi Convention Center

Visit okinawanfestival.com for tickets, schedules, parking information and updates.

Mahalo to Waipahu High School for inviting ʻŌlelo Community Media to participate in its inaugural Academy of Arts & Communication Kick Off Day.

During the event, students took part in interactive sessions focused on podcasting and animation. ʻŌlelo staff guided students through the podcasting process and introduced them to the tools and techniques used to bring stories to life. Students also received a hands-on look at different animation tools and software, giving them an opportunity to explore another creative approach to storytelling.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to connect with Waipahu High School’s emerging storytellers and support students as they build their skills in media, communication, and the arts.

ʻŌlelo Community Media recently returned to McKinley High School to introduce students to careers in video production and animation. Through engaging presentations, students learned about the skills, tools, and opportunities available in these creative career pathways.

The second half of our summer was all about educator training! Teachers from Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island joined us for hands-on classes in Animation, Video Podcasting, and Creative Media.

Educators explored new tools, developed their creative skills, and discovered fresh ways to bring digital storytelling into the classroom.

 

We’re saying aloha and mahalo to our two high school interns, Hiwalani and Husai! The two came to ʻŌlelo through the Project Hōkūlani Summer Internship program to gain real-world skills in a STEM workplace. Facilitated by the Center on Disability Studies at UH-Mānoa, the program aims at increasing the number of Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Filipino youth who enter into postsecondary science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

After they completed basic producing, camera, and editing training, Hiwa and Husai went on to volunteer on several ʻŌlelo Productions! Mahalo to their mentors in the Education, the Production, and the Government team.

Leilehua Students Bring the Class of 2026 Graduation to ʻŌlelo 53

Leilehua High School’s Class of 2026 graduation was filmed by students with hands-on guidance and support from ʻŌlelo’s Education team.

The project gave students the opportunity to build real-world production experience while capturing an important milestone for their classmates, families and the entire Leilehua community.

Leilehua student filming the graduation
Student camera operator filming the Leilehua graduation
Students working on the Leilehua graduation production

Watch the graduation on ʻŌlelo 53:

  • August 1 at 6:00 PM
  • August 22 at 9:00 AM
  • August 29 at 3:00 PM
  • October 4 at 10:30 PM

Hear From the Candidates Before You Cast Your Vote

in partnership with Common Cause Hawaiʻi’

ʻŌlelo Community Media helps Oʻahu residents make informed decisions by providing direct access to the candidates seeking public office. Through local debates and election programming, ʻŌlelo gives voters more opportunities to hear directly from candidates before casting their ballots.

Watch the Lieutenant Governor Primary Debate

Common Cause Hawaiʻi’s 2026 Democratic Primary Debate for Lieutenant Governor

WATCH LIVE on ʻŌlelo 53 or the ʻŌlelo Community Media YouTube channel:  July 15, from 6:30-8:30 PM HST.

Rebroadcasts will air on ʻŌlelo 49:

  • Thursday, July 23 at 11:30 AM
  • Friday, July 24 at 11:00 AM
  • Saturday, July 25 at 3:30 PM
  • Monday, July 27 at 3:30 PM

All candidates were invited to participate.

Watch the U.S. Congressional District 1 Primary Debate

Common Cause Hawaiʻi’s 2026 Primary Debate for U.S. Congressional District 1

WATCH LIVE on ʻŌlelo 53 or the ʻŌlelo Community Media YouTube channel: July 22, from 6:30–8:30 PM HST.

Rebroadcasts will air on ʻŌlelo 49:

  • Thursday, July 30 at 11:30 AM
  • Saturday, August 1 at 3:30 PM
  • Sunday, August 2 at 3:30 PM
  • Monday, August 3 at 11:30 AM

More Ways to Hear From the Candidates

Candidates in Focus premieres tomorrow, July 18. This free, nonpartisan public service gives candidates an opportunity to speak directly to voters about who they are, why they’re running and the issues that matter to their communities.

Watch Candidates in Focus July 18 through August 8 on ʻŌlelo 49 at 7:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Programs will also be available through ʻŌleloNet and the ʻŌlelo Community Media YouTube channel.

Visit olelo.org/cif to find candidate airtimes, election resources and more ways to watch.

Providing access to local election coverage is one of the ways ʻŌlelo strengthens civic participation and helps voters make informed decisions. Tune in, hear directly from the candidates and get ready to vote in Hawaiʻi’s 2026 Primary Election.

ʻŌlelo Community Media is excited to partner with MIRAI HANA to host a Kids Media Workshop, giving children a hands-on introduction to the world of community media.

Designed for youth ages 5-14, the workshop will take place at ʻŌlelo’s Māpunapuna studios, where participants will explore the creative and technical side of media production. Through age-appropriate activities, students will experience what it’s like to work behind the camera, use professional media equipment, and discover how stories are created and shared with the community.

This partnership reflects ʻŌlelo’s commitment to providing accessible media education and creating opportunities for Hawaiʻi’s young people to explore storytelling, creativity, and communication in an engaging, real-world environment.

To register for this workshop – and to explore other upcoming Kids Job Experience Workshops – visit:https://www.miraihana.org/application.

250 Years of Independence

As the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, communities across the country are coming together to reflect on the nation’s history and founding ideals through the America250 commemoration.

Here in Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiʻi America250 Commission is leading statewide efforts to honor this historic milestone. Throughout 2026, commemorative programs across the islands celebrate Hawaiʻi’s unique heritage, recognize the contributions of veterans and ancestors, and embrace the Spirit of Aloha as part of this national observance.

As part of this nationwide observance, organizations across the country will participate in a simultaneous reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 2026, commemorating the first public reading of the document, which took place on July 8, 1776.

ʻŌlelo Community Media is proud to broadcast this special event live and offer several encore presentations.

Broadcast Schedule

Date Time Channel
Wednesday, July 8 11:30 AM (Live) ʻŌlelo 55
Friday, July 17 6:00 PM ʻŌlelo 49
Tuesday, July 21 12:30 PM ʻŌlelo 49
Wednesday, July 22 10:00 AM ʻŌlelo 49
Sunday, July 26 4:30 PM ʻŌlelo 49

 

For more information about Hawaiʻi’s America250 celebration and statewide commemorative programs, visit the Hawaiʻi America250 Commission website.

Ancient Samurai Tradition Returns to Hawaiʻi

Experience the grace, skill, and centuries-old tradition of Yabusame, the Japanese art of mounted archery, as it returns to Hawaiʻi at the breathtaking setting of Kualoa Ranch.

Yabusame is a ceremonial practice dating back nearly 900 years, where archers in traditional samurai attire ride galloping horses while shooting arrows at wooden targets. Combining athleticism, precision, and cultural heritage, the event offers a rare opportunity to witness a living tradition that continues to be practiced today.

Yabusame Hawaiʻi 2026 was held at Kualoa Ranch and televised by ʻŌlelo Community Media, bringing this unique cultural event to viewers across Oʻahu and beyond.

Broadcast Schedule

Miss the live event? Catch one of these rebroadcasts on ʻŌlelo Channel 53:

  • August 6, 2026 – 6:00 PM
  • August 8, 2026 – 9:30 AM
  • August 9, 2026 – 10:00 PM
  • August 12, 2026 – 3:00 PM

 

ʻŌlelo Community Media is proud to share coverage of the 2026 King Kamehameha Day celebrations on Oʻahu, honoring the legacy of King Kamehameha I, the monarch who united the Hawaiian Islands.

The 2026 theme, “E kū, e hoʻololi” (“Stand upright and change unpleasant conditions”), reflects the enduring values of leadership, resilience, and service that continue to inspire communities across Hawaiʻi.

King Kamehameha Day was established in 1872 to honor King Kamehameha I and remains one of Hawaiʻi’s most cherished cultural observances. Each year, residents and visitors gather to celebrate Hawaiian history, culture, and traditions through ceremonial events, floral displays, music, and community gatherings.

King Kamehameha Statue Lei Draping Ceremony

The annual King Kamehameha Statue Lei Draping Ceremony is a beloved tradition that pays tribute to the legacy of King Kamehameha I. During the ceremony, long strands of fresh flower lei are carefully draped over the iconic statue fronting Aliʻiōlani Hale in downtown Honolulu.

LIVE on ʻŌlelo54

Friday, June 12, 2026
2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Aliʻiōlani Hale

109th King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade

One of Hawaiʻi’s most anticipated annual events, the Floral Parade features beautifully decorated floats, marching bands, royal societies, and the renowned Pāʻū riders representing the islands of Hawaiʻi.

LIVE on ʻŌlelo54

Saturday, June 13, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
ʻIolani Palace to Queen Kapiʻolani Park

King Kamehameha Celebration Hoʻolauleʻa

Following the parade, community members are invited to gather for a family-friendly celebration featuring entertainment, cultural activities, food, and fellowship.

Saturday, June 13, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Queen Kapiʻolani Park

Watch on ʻŌlelo Community Media

Missed the live events? Viewers can watch rebroadcasts on ʻŌlelo53.

King Kamehameha Lei Draping 2026

  • July 9, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.
  • July 11, 2026 – 9:00 a.m.
  • July 13, 2026 – 2:00 p.m.
  • July 14, 2026 – 3:30 p.m.

King Kamehameha Floral Parade 2026

  • July 9, 2026 – 8:30 p.m.
  • July 12, 2026 – 11:30 a.m.
  • July 13, 2026 – 4:30 p.m.
  • July 15, 2026 – 3:30 p.m.

For more information about King Kamehameha Day celebrations and the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission, visit:

https://sfca.hawaii.gov/resources/king-kamehameha-celebration-commission/

 

ʻŌlelo along with League of Women Voters recently celebrated the achievements of our first Civic Media Lab cohort with a Hoʻike showcase screening in the Main Studio. Through their final video projects, ten high school students explored the importance of community work and democratic engagement by highlighting topics such as disaster preparedness, mental health, homelessness, and public transportation. Their work reflected the creativity, insight, and civic-minded storytelling fostered throughout the program.

Jimbo Taylor will be remembered as a beloved member of the ʻŌlelo Community Media ohana for more than two decades and a powerful presence in the Nanakuli community.

His journey with ʻŌlelo began in 2003 at the Waianae Community Media Center, where he started as a part-time staff member, developed into the Training Manager and became the heart of the Nānākuli Community Media Center. His leadership was instrumental in relocating the center to its current home at Nānākuli High School in 2016, a move that deepened the connection between ʻŌlelo and the community it serves.

More than any title, Jimbo was defined by his dedication to people. For more than 20 years, he showed up fully and freely for the Nānākuli community – from keiki to kupuna. He collaborated with educators, lawmakers, youth, and neighbors, always guided by his belief that “giving brings joy.”  One educator who worked alongside him said it best: he never hesitated, never held back, and wore aloha on his sleeve every single day.

Even after stepping away from his staff role, Jimbo continued his service with the same generosity of spirit, joining ‘Ōlelo’s Board of Directors in November 2025.

Jimbo poured his time, talent, and soul into the people of West Oʻahu, and the ripples of that generosity will be felt for a long time to come. The loss is profound and he will be deeply missed.

Aloha ‘oe, Jimbo.

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Residents gathered at the Ewa Beach Public Library for a tsunami preparedness event focused on safety, planning, and awareness. Hosted with support from AARP Hawaiʻi and local emergency experts, the session encouraged attendees to “know your zone” and be ready before an emergency happens.

Participants learned how to identify evacuation zones, understand emergency alerts, and plan safe evacuation routes. The workshop also covered how to build a go-bag and prepare for the specific challenges tsunamis present in Hawaiʻi.

An expert panel from AARP Hawaiʻi, UH Sea Grant, and state and city emergency management agencies provided practical, locally relevant guidance.

The event highlighted the importance of community education in keeping residents informed, prepared, and safe.

Know Your Zone and Make a Plan: Tsunami Preparedness in Ewa Beach
5/26/20266:00 PMOlelo 54
5/29/20264:00 PMOlelo 54
5/30/20268:00 AMOlelo 54
5/31/202610:00 PMOlelo 54
ʻŌlelo Community Media was proud to support the Aloha ʻĀina Fair alongside @bottles4college, a powerful, youth-led sustainability initiative founded by Genshu Price. By turning recycling into real opportunities, Bottles 4 College continues to create meaningful pathways for scholarships and community impact. Broadcast dates coming soon!    

Airing soon on ʻŌlelo channels.

ʻŌlelo Community Media is proud to partner with Kawaii Kon again this year, supporting one of Hawaiʻi’s largest celebrations of anime, gaming, and pop culture.

Held at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center, Kawaii Kon brings together thousands of attendees, including artists, fans, and creators from across the islands and beyond. The event highlights the creativity and diversity of Hawaiʻi’s community through art, cosplay, panels, and interactive experiences.

Through this partnership, ʻŌlelo will help capture and share stories from the convention, with a focus on local voices. From artist features to attendee perspectives, the goal is to showcase the people and creativity that make the event unique.

This collaboration reflects ʻŌlelo’s mission to empower community storytelling and expand access to media. By working together with Kawaii Kon, ʻŌlelo continues to support opportunities for connection, creativity, and expression in Hawaiʻi.