In a world dominated by algorithms, community media remains one of the few spaces driven by people and prioritized over clicks.

Social media has proven to be a powerful tool for sharing content quickly and easily. But what appears in a feed is shaped by user data. Important local stories can easily get buried beneath global content and advertising.

Community media is different.

Stories are not ranked by popularity. Local perspectives are not competing with mainland or worldwide content. Programs are shared because they matter to Oʻahu and the people who live here.

Across the island, community voices are given space to be heard, centered on people, not algorithms.

Community media creates space for longer conversations about local issues, along with cultural and historical context rooted here at home. People are able to speak for themselves, helping neighbors better understand what’s happening in their communities rather than simply reacting to headlines.

As part of Hawaiʻi’s Public, Educational, and Government (PEG) access system, ʻŌlelo Community Media exists to serve our island. This work is grounded in relationships with residents, producers, schools, government, nonprofits, and community organizations. That means accountability to the community, access to equipment, and local staff who are present, responsive, and real.

Our community members become creators who shape how Oʻahu is represented in this ever-changing media landscape. Support extends to storytellers, organizations, and residents across the island, ensuring local stories remain visible, meaningful, and preserved. Because communities thrive on connection, not clicks. 

Ready to get involved?

Join our New Member Orientation to learn how ʻŌlelo supports local storytelling and media access.

Thursday, January 15, 2026
6:00–7:00 PM

Questions? Email us: engage@olelo.org

Engage with ‘Ōlelo Community Media at our

New Member Orientation!

Navigating by the Stars

Hawai‘i’s legendary voyaging canoe first launched on March 8, 1975. Since then, it has completed 14 major voyages including Tahiti, Aotearoa, Rapa Nui, Japan, Canada, and the continental United States.

Honoring Roots: The Start of a New Voyage

In partnership with the Polynesian Voyaging Society and Alaska Airlines, ʻŌlelo Community Media traveled to Juneau, Alaska in 2023 for the official launch of Hōkūle’a’s 15th and current major voyage – the Moananuiākea. Starting in southern Alaska, ʻŌlelo Community Media was there as crew and dignitaries looked ahead to the most ambitious voyage ever undertaken by the PVS and its most famous voyaging canoe.

The decision to start in Alaska was made to honor the long-standing relationship between the Hawaiian voyaging community and the Alaska Native community, which began when the Alaskans provided spruce trees to build the sister canoe Hawaiʻiloa. ʻŌlelo’s President & CEO Roger McKeague took part in the Global Launch Ceremony for the 43,000 mile circumnavigation of the Pacific Ocean.

Watch the Story

Watch here to learn more about the launch, which blended both Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian cultural protocols and traditions:

A Different View of Community Storytelling

Viewers see the stories that are told in front of a camera, but for a special group of women their story is behind the camera.

Six workforce development interns from the Women’s Community Correctional Center (WCCC) took part in supporting ʻŌlelo Community Media’s recent broadcast of the Honolulu City Lights, doing everything from grip to utility work. Their new skills came as part of ʻŌlelo’s intensive media production training program held at WCCC, and covering the event was not only a milestone, but a chance to be part of something public, positive, and widely shared.

Their work reminds us that storytelling can be a powerful tool for confidence, learning, and renewal. And it shows how partnership, training, and opportunity can illuminate the community in ways that go far beyond the holiday lights.

A Partnership Rebuilt After the Pandemic

ʻŌlelo’s relationship with WCCC began years before COVID-19, but like many community programs, it went on hiatus during and after the pandemic. The partnership was revived in the fall of 2024 with a new commitment to expanding workforce development opportunities for women at the facility.

That first returning cohort of six women trained in audiovisual storytelling, basic camera and audio production, and editing. The women immediately put their new skills to work, covering an event in their own facility and joining the ʻŌlelo crew for the 2024 Kāne‘ohe Christmas Parade. They continued working on productions throughout the year, gaining hands-on experience alongside ʻŌlelo’s staff.

Training the Second Cohort

The current group, also six women, marks the second cohort since the relaunch. Over five days, the women learned audiovisual storytelling, single-camera production, and multicamera production. These skills prepare them for the fast-paced environment of live event coverage.

For many, the 2025 Honolulu City Lights became their first major assignment, giving them an opportunity to apply their training while contributing to a beloved community tradition.

Building Skills, Confidence, and New Pathways

The goal of the WCCC – ʻŌlelo partnership is simple but meaningful: create opportunities that benefit both organizations while supporting the women’s growth and futures. Through training and real production experience, participants gain tangible, industry-relevant skills they can use during their time at WCCC and after release.

These skills open pathways to possible careers in media and technical production as they reintegrate into the community.