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.