‘Growing Up on Kaua‘i’ talk story Wednesday at Kaua‘i Museum

LIHU‘E — Local residents Ismael “Pineapple Sam” Tabalno and Wilfred Ibara will talk story about growing up on Kaua‘i during the 1950s and 1960s during a presentation at the Kaua‘i Museum Wednesday morning.

Tabalno will speak about growing up in Koloa’s Spanish Camp, picking pineapples during the summer and his escapades befriending tourist girls for fun and frivolity, as well as some of his more daring activities, according to a news release.

Ibara will share stories about growing up in Waimea when sugar plantations ruled the island, of living in “camps” (housing provided by sugar plantation companies) where the strong sense of community helped everyone feel safe and made it almost impossible for children to get away with pranks — although he tried anyway, states the release.

With Tabalno’s and Ibara’s mischievous streaks, you never know what other stories they might come up with, says Pamela Brown, author of the book “Kaua‘i Stories: Life on the Garden Island told by Kaua‘i’s People,” which features stories by both guest speakers.

Following the event, Brown, Tabalno and Ibara will be available to sign copies of “Kaua‘i Stories,” which is available for purchase at the museum.

This talk story event is part of the Kaua‘i Museum’s ongoing “Author Series,” which highlights the work of talented local writers, according to Melisa Paterson, the museum’s public relations specialist.

The event is from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Regular admission to the Kaua‘i Museum and this event is $10. Museum members are admitted for free.

For more information or to make a reservation call the Kaua‘i Museum at 245-6931, or visit www.kauaimuseum.com.